Israeli Heron First to Operate at Civilian Airport alongside Commercial Jets

Israel’s Heron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) became the first in the world to land at an international airport, and integrate into the airspace alongside commercial flights.

The Heron, a UAV developed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), landed today at Ben Gurion International Airport, becoming the first UAV to land in an international airport alongside commercial flights occupying civilian air space. The UAV took off from Ein Shemer Landing pad, landed at Ben Gurion, and flew back to Ein Shemer. The entire takeoff, flight, and landing were operated from the Ein Shemer control station.

This landing proves the maturity and safety of IAI’s Long Runner operating system, which allows UAVs to take off and land automatically on long-haul routes (ranges of up to 1500 km and more) using satellite communications technology and a combination of accurate take-off and automatic landing capability, the company said in a release Wednesday.

The Heron tactical UAV can withstand severe weather conditions, carry multiple payloads (sensors), and transmit real-time information to the forces and decision-makers in the field. The Heron UAV can carry cargo up to 290 kg and can be used for a range of civilian purposes as well.