IAI expands Heron TP capabilities by integrating it with an M-19HD multi-sensor EO payload

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is enhancing its Heron TP UAV's capabilities with long-range persistent surveillance options and area dominance capabilities by integrating it with its high definition M-19HD EO payload, developed and produced by IAI's Tamam Division.

The M-19HD has successfully completed flight tests onboard manned and unmanned platforms, including the Heron 1 UAS and is currently being offered to various customers.

The M-19HD is a High-Definition, multispectral, multi-sensor observation and targeting payload (which can simultaneously incorporate up to seven sensors). The M-19HD enables continuous day/night surveillance under all weather conditions and provides outstanding acquisition ranges due to its powerful sensors, high stabilization and unique image processing capabilities. The M-19HD reduces operator workload and improves situational awareness by virtue of its multimode automatic video tracker (AVT). It also provides accurate geo-location capabilities using an embedded IMU/GPS (Inertial Measurement Unit/Global Positioning System).

Avi Elisha, General Manager of IAI's Tamam Division, said: "We are proud to integrate the M-19HD payload on IAI's flagship UAS – the Heron TP. We strongly believe that its high performance and unique image processing features can confer significant advantages on supplying Heron TP customers in their operational activities."

M-19HD characteristics:

Designed to withstand severe environmental conditions, the M-19HD operates in demanding high-end applications on various platforms such as high/medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (HALE/MALE UAVs); fixed- wing aircraft, combat helicopters, aerostats, and maritime vessels.

•Dimensions: width: 22.6" (576 mm), height: 27.3" (694 mm)

• Weight: 75 - 85 kg (configuration-dependent)

• Sensor configurations are tailored to customers' needs (up to seven sensors).M-19HD options include: 2 HD Day Cameras (Zoom and Spotter), HD IR Zoom Camera, Laser Designator, Laser Range Finder, Laser Pointer, Laser Illuminator (in near infrared - NIR) and electron-multiplied charged-coupled-device (EMCCD) camera or short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera.