TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- The Heron unmanned aerial system by Israel Aerospace Industries was demonstrated for the European Union's border security agency.
The Heron is a medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and was demonstrated with a variety of payloads for Frontex officials.
IAI said payloads from its subsidiaries included a multi-mission, optronic stabilized payload and maritime border patrol radar.
"Demonstrations like the one in Greece help Frontex understand whether there are possibilities for a civilian use of such technologies," said Edgar Beugels, head of Frontex Research and Development. "Our main interest is their potential use for border control and for search-and-rescue operations at sea, as saving human lives is one of our priorities."
IAI said its aircraft successfully demonstrated precise ISR capabilities and automatic take-off and landing capability.
Frontex coordinates operations between EU member states in border security initiatives.
The Heron can fly missions as long as 52 hours at an altitude of 35,000 feet and is in operation around the world. Among its operators are the Brazilian federal police and Spain's Guardia Civil.