BirdEye endurance stretched
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עברית (Hebrew)
Israel aerospace industries (IAI) has extended the endurance of its BirdEye-400 mini unmanned air system (UAS) and it is now over 2 hours. The BirdEye 400 system will be on display at the upcoming AUS&R 2014 event.
BirdEye 400 is made by the MALAT division of IAI and has been exported to a number of counties including Russia.
Russian defense firm Oboronprom has partnered with IAI on a $400 million. The contract that was signed in 2011 includes additional types of UAS. According to the Russian press, at least 12 BirdEye systems were included in the initial contract.
BirdEye 400 is designed to take-off and land automatically even under adverse weather conditions, using an automatic flight control system.
Unmanned systems conference 2014 – Israel
The automated functions of the UAS enable the ground system operators to focus more on the overall task than vehicle control. The aircraft can be assembled in few minutes.
Each BirdEye 400 system comprises three UAS a ground control unit and a satellite data link.
The automatic launch and recovery system lands the aircraft automatically when communication between the UAS and the ground control unit fails.
The BirdEye 400 UAS is equipped with the IAI lightweight MicroPop electro optical payload with day and night modes.
The UAS is powered by an electric propulsion system, which reduces the noise signature and audio detection probability.
BirdEye 400 has a maximum speed of 83km/h. Its operational range is 10 km.
This third generation mini UAS has a wing span of 2.2 meters.
The mini UAS has a maximum take-off weight is 5.6 kg.
The increased endurance was achieved by using an improved power source.
The currently operational BirdEye 400 are currently being upgraded.
