The Predator and the Heron go head to head
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עברית (Hebrew)
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is, once again, going head to head with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in the European market.
The American company announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fokker Technologies. The MOU supports GA-ASI’s offer of the Predator B unmanned air systems (UAS) to meet the Dutch Government’s need for a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAS, along with related services such as maintenance and training.
i-HLS Israel Homeland Security
“GA-ASI’s formation of a working partnership with Fokker represents a steadfast commitment by both parties to support the Dutch Armed Forces with a proven, cost-effective, and responsive solution to The Netherlands’ requirements for persistent situational awareness,” said Neal Blue, chairman and CEO, GA-ASI. “Fokker’s experience in designing innovative tools and processes that support its customers’ aircraft provides a complementary balance to GA-ASI’s technical proficiency in the design, development, production, and support of Predator-series RPA and the integration of associated payloads.”
The MOU contemplates that Fokker will assist in the adaptation of hardware to Dutch national standards; offer guidance and support for Dutch airworthiness certification requirements; provide design, manufacturing, and support for the Electrical Wiring Interconnection system; engineering support related to landing and arresting gears; and logistical, operational, and maintenance support of Predator B after delivery to The Netherlands Ministry of Defense.
IAI and Elbit systems have been trying to sell their MALE UAS in Europe and the competition has reached new heights in recent months.
The competition in the Netherlands puts the Predator against the IAI Heron-TP as happened in France and Germany.
