Israeli UAV Undergoes Trials in Brazil

Last week, the Israeli Heron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) underwent trials in Brazil to assess its capabilities for deployment against drug trafficking, border security and natural resource theft. The Heron, built by Israel Aerospace Industries, is already supporting missions in Afghanistan on behalf of the Canadian military. It arrived in Brazil last month and flew under challenging and unpredictable weather conditions in one of the most difficult areas of Brazil - the state of Parana. The Heron was the first UAV to fly in this region of southern Brazil. The Heron is capable of remaining in the air close to two days without refueling. It can fly at an altitude of 30,000 feet, making it a difficult target for standard anti-aircraft weapons, and can carry a 250 kg payload. The Heron has a wingspan of 16.6 meters and weighs 1,200 kg., with an operational range of hundreds of kilometers and the ability to fly in all weather conditions, as well as at night. The IAI-Brazilian partnership began two years ago after the Brazilian Federal Police began issuing tenders for a UAV.