An Israeli-developed Heron TP unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), known locally as "Eitan," crashed adjacent to Moshav Yesodot in central Israel in the early hours of Sunday morning. The UAV slammed into an open field and no injuries were reported. Damage to the UAV, whose total cost is $10 million, is estimated to be $5 million. The crash occurred during a routine experimental flight conducted by the Air Force in conjunction with Israel Aerospace Industries. A senior Air Force official said the flight was a joint effort of the IDF and IAI, done with the aim of testing a new component for the drone's navigation system. An initial investigation revealed that after takeoff, one the UAV's wings detached, causing the crash. Current assessments point to a technical malfunction as the cause of the incident, though the IDF and IAI have not ruled out human error, on the part of the operators on the ground. Following the crash, Yitzhak Nissan, the IAI's CEO, appointed an inquiry commission to pinpoint the source of the accident. By Sunday evening, various IDF and IAI figures involved with the "Eitan" project were convening as part of the investigation. Seven years of development The "Eitan" is one of the advanced vehicles in the IDF's aerial arsenal. The first "Eitan" was delivered to the Air Force in February 2011, after seven years of IAI development. Even before the "Eitan" was fully developed, at the end of 2010, the IDF established its "Eitan" squadron at the Tel Nof Air Force base. The "Eitan" was equipped by the air force with the most advanced operational systems available, including the technical ability to defend itself from land-to-air missiles. The UAV's tasks includes the gathering of intelligence, accompanying and securing forces, observation and participation in classified activities that can not be specified. The technically advanced drone can fly for 36 hours, can reach an altitude of 45,000 feet, has a maximum take-off weight of 10,251 lbs., and includes a 1,200 hp turboprop Engine. The "Eitan" is 45 feet long and boasts a wingspan of 85 feet. It has an extended range of 4,600 miles. Such capabilities allow for the drone to be used in combat operations in remote areas. The "Eitan" was reportedly designed to deal with concerns emanating from third-world countries, and it may have the capability to reach as far as Iran. The IAI's website lists some to the UAV's main features as: multiple operational configurations, all-weather capability, operation above commercial traffic, automatic takeoff and landing, and satellite communication for extended ranges. Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Ido Nechushtan commented on the crash, saying Sunday the drone had only just been made operational. While speaking at the seventh annual Ilan Ramon International Space Conference at the Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies in Herzliya, Nechushtan said Sunday's flight was intended to develop new technologies for the drone. "The wing of the UAV broke. Beyond that I suggest refraining from drawing conclusions," Nechustan said. "I believe we will be able to identify the root of the technical issue and fix what needs to be fixed." The commander also noted the importance of UAVs within the air force, saying their flights comprise roughly 25 percent of the air force's total flight time. The French Ministry of Defense has been mulling the purchase of the "Eitan," weighing it against its rival UAV, the U.S.-developed "Predator." In light of Sunday's crash, Israel's security establishment now appears concerned that the French may reconsider their interest in the drone.
Long-range giant drone crashes on experimental flight
Israeli developed Heron TP unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), known locally as 'Eitan', crashes in open field • Crash occurred during routine experimental flight conducted by the Israel Air Force and Israel Aerospace Industries.
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