2RHPZ
06-26-2004, 12:32 PM
Israeli mini-UAV struts its stuff in the Netherlands
22 June 2004 17:38 EST
The Dutch distributor of the new Israeli Bird Eye 500
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Condor UAV B.V. of
Haarlem, announced at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris
on June 15 that the low-cost mini-UAV had flown
successful demonstrations in Nuenen, the Netherlands,
that day and on the previous day. The Bird Eye 500, also
known as Spy There (May ISR), is manufactured by Israel
Aircraft Industries' MALAT Division. The missions it
performed included detection and tracking of vehicles
and individuals, fire detection, traffic control and
urban and farm site monitoring.
The Bird Eye 500's gimballed video camera, which weighs
just under two pounds (850 grams) provides real-time
day/night imagery for military "over-the-hill"
reconnaissance and law enforcement. The mini-UAV's
typical operational area is 10 kilometers by 10
kilometers. The Bird Eye 500 is 4.9 feet (1.6 meters)
long and has a 6.6-foot (2-meter) wingspan; its takeoff
weight is 11 pounds (5 kilograms). The mini-UAV is
launched by hand or using a bungee cord. It flies
autonomously with "in-flight" way point control for more
than an hour at an altitude of 1,000 feet and a speed of
22 to 60 knots. A complete Bird Eye 500 UAV system
includes three of the composite airframes and a portable
ground station that are stored in backpacks and operated
by two personnel.
IAI/MALAT previously developed and manufactured the
Heron, Hunter, Searcher, Ranger and I-View UAV systems.
22 June 2004 17:38 EST
The Dutch distributor of the new Israeli Bird Eye 500
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Condor UAV B.V. of
Haarlem, announced at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris
on June 15 that the low-cost mini-UAV had flown
successful demonstrations in Nuenen, the Netherlands,
that day and on the previous day. The Bird Eye 500, also
known as Spy There (May ISR), is manufactured by Israel
Aircraft Industries' MALAT Division. The missions it
performed included detection and tracking of vehicles
and individuals, fire detection, traffic control and
urban and farm site monitoring.
The Bird Eye 500's gimballed video camera, which weighs
just under two pounds (850 grams) provides real-time
day/night imagery for military "over-the-hill"
reconnaissance and law enforcement. The mini-UAV's
typical operational area is 10 kilometers by 10
kilometers. The Bird Eye 500 is 4.9 feet (1.6 meters)
long and has a 6.6-foot (2-meter) wingspan; its takeoff
weight is 11 pounds (5 kilograms). The mini-UAV is
launched by hand or using a bungee cord. It flies
autonomously with "in-flight" way point control for more
than an hour at an altitude of 1,000 feet and a speed of
22 to 60 knots. A complete Bird Eye 500 UAV system
includes three of the composite airframes and a portable
ground station that are stored in backpacks and operated
by two personnel.
IAI/MALAT previously developed and manufactured the
Heron, Hunter, Searcher, Ranger and I-View UAV systems.