The Israel Air Force (IAF) on Monday showcased its new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Eitan in an air force base near Tel Aviv.
The drone, also dubbed Heron TP, was exhibited at an IAF open day for media, along with other types of Israeli UAVs, air and space systems.
Major Eli Kats, who has been in charge of the development of Eitan for the past seven years, said that he believed the drone, which is still in the phase of test-fly, would be one of the most advanced UAVs in the world.
With a 26-meter wingspan and a 14-meter length, Eitan is the biggest UAV that Israel has ever built.
Compared with Heron, the most advanced operational drone currently used by IAF, Eitan can fly higher, carry more payloads and is more reliable, Kats said.
He said the weight of the payload Eitan can carry is up to 1,000 kg, and that it can fly at an altitude of 45,000 feet (about 13,700 meters).
Eitan, which made its maiden flight on July 24, 2006, is expected to be operational in about one year, according to Kats.
Source: Xinhua
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