Heron MK II is IAI’s upgraded MALE UAV offering 45-hour endurance, high payload capacity, and standoff intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

# Israel Aerospace Industries Heron MK II – Enhanced MALE UAV for Standoff ISR

The Heron MK II is a modernized Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). As an advanced evolution of the Heron line, it delivers upgraded performance, superior payload capacity, and improved mission flexibility for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and standoff operations.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Extended Endurance & Altitude: It can remain airborne for up to 45 hours, operating at altitudes around 35,000 feet, enabling persistent surveillance over wide areas.

• Enhanced Payload Capacity: With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 kg and the ability to carry nearly 490 kg of payload, it supports a wide variety of sensors.

• Improved Speed: Top speed reaches about 150 knots according to the IAI website, and 140 knots in other sources.

• Standoff ISR & Advanced Sensors: Designed with a wider, stronger forward fuselage for accommodating larger, improved observation sensors. Its standout capability is gathering intelligence from tens of kilometers away without entering contested airspace. Payloads include Electro-Optics (EO), Infrared (IR), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), and Communications Intelligence (COMINT) systems.

• Robust Structure & Avionics: Features an upgraded, more powerful engine, reinforced frame for quick maintenance, and is capable of operations in harsh weather conditions.