Tel Aviv. The “Long Runner” UAV concept of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is gaining more popularity. The “Long Runner ” system is based on a “fly the mission” operational concept, that enables flexibility to the ” Clients” of the UAV products derived from its advanced sensors.
According to IAI, the UAV is controlled by using an advanced SATCOM system, “We recently performed a test flight in which the UAV landed in a deserted landing strip in Southern Israel. The landing and the take-off were all made by remote control, using the SATCOM”.
According to the company the system gives the ground forces many advantages and mainly an operational redundancy that is needed in many scenarios. Some years ago, IAI teamed with L3 MAS to form Team Artemis to offer the Artemis UAS, based on IAI’s Heron TP, for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) program. This Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV will be equipped with a wide variety of sensors and other payloads designed specifically to meet Canada’s requirements.
Recently Team Artemis, led by L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has added four Canadian companies to its team to bid for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) program. The new team members – Airbus Defence and Space Canada, ATCO Frontec, Canadian UAVs, and Lockheed Martin CDL Systems – will help to expand the expertise and capabilities of what Team Artemis will be offering Canada if selected for the program.
The additions bring expertise in aeronautics engineering, deployed logistics, training, and simulation, and mission management capability. According to a news release, the new members will complement the other team members that provide crucial Canadian components – the WESCAM MX-Series EO/IR turret from L3Harris and the PT6A engine from Quebec-based Pratt & Whitney Canada.
With operations in 14 locations across six provinces in Canada, L3Harris is serving as the prime contractor and will provide C4ISR integration for the platform, as well as all in-service support functions for the planned contract duration of more than 25 years.
-The writer is an International Roving Correspondent of the publication. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
