Israeli Air Force introduces new drone fleet capable of reach Iran

IAF introduces new drone fleet
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
21/02/2010 18:03

Heron TP is size of passenger jet, can fly 20 hours nonstop, reach Iran.

The Israel Air Force on Sunday introduced a fleet of large unmanned planes it claims can fly as far as Iran.

Air force officials said the Heron TP drones have a wingspan of 26 meters, making them the size of passenger jets. They said the planes can fly 20 consecutive hours, and are primarily used for surveillance and carrying payloads.

The drones, built by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries, were first used during Israel's Gaza war last year.

At an inauguration ceremony Sunday, officials refused to say how large the new fleet is or whether the planes were designed for use against Iran.

[link to www.jpost.com]