Israeli superdrone Heron capable of striking Iran also known as spy drone crashes and explodes near base in Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv / NationalTurk – Israel’ dreaded unmanned aerial vehicle, spy superdrone, Heron TP, also known as the IAI Eitan, has crashed during a test flight near the Tel Nof airbase, south of Tel Aviv, Israel.

A huge Israeli Heron TP drone that is the size of a Boeing 737 and can fly as far as Iran from Israel has crashed on a routine experimental test flight.

The Heron TP drone is expected to make a showdown prominently in any potential Israeli operation against Iran and its threatining nuclear program.

The Heron TP locally known as the Eitan has a wingspan of 27 meters, making it the biggest unmanned air vehicle for military purposes not only in Israel’s military arsenal.

Israel to strike Iran initially with Herons,unmanned aircfrafts

No injuries were reported in the accident on the ground. Israel’s military and air forces is understood to be launching an investigation into the crash. The Israeli Air Force states technical failure or human factor could have caused the incident.

The unmanned spy drone will be featured prominently in the coming Israeli operation against Iran and its expanding nuclear program.

Israel unmanned drones can cover 10000 kms

Israel’s Heron TP could perform strategic recon missions, provide surveillance with sensors, optical and infrared cameras, jam enemy communications and connect ground control and manned air force planes. With a cruise speed of 300 kilometers per hour, it can stay in the air for up to 36 hours, and is able to cover a distance of 10,000 kilometers, it could carry a deployable payload in a potential strike since its payload is up to 1.8 tons.

With a wingspan of 26 meters, the IAI Eitan resembles a small airliner, though it weights only four tons.

The IAI Eitan was passed into service in February 2010.

However this is not the first time this modern version of Heron unmanned spy drones have crushed. 4 smaller models of Herons crushed in 2011, 2 belonging to IAF in Israel one in use of Turkish Military in SE Turkey and one Israeli Heron also in Southern Turkey. The last Heron stirred controversy between Turkey and Israel after it crashed in Mediterranean. Turkey accused Israel on spying on Turkey in Turkish Air Zone.

[adrotate group=”13″]