The German Heron TP has made its first flight in German airspace
On May 15th 2024 the German Heron TP (GHTP) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) has completed its first flight in German airspace. With this maiden flight, the GHTP has taken an important step in reaching full operational capability.
Based on the Heron TP of Israel Aerospace Industries and customised by Airbus DS Airborne Solutions (ADAS), GHTP will provide the German Armed Forces with additional capabilities to fill a gap in the field of persistent, weather independent airborne, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance.
The German Heron TP is the only RPAS in its class that has been certified in compliance with STANAG 4671. Currently the RPAS is flying together with all civilian and military aircraft in controlled airspace over northern Germany.
In addition to the provision and modification of the RPAS, the industrial operator model of ADAS also includes the training of Air Force personnel, basic operation, maintenance and repair in theatre, as well as the provision of flight hours. The system is equipped with means to conduct optical and imaging radar reconnaissance, while providing options for additional SIGINT (signals intelligence) as well as maritime surveillance capabilities. The German Heron TP RPAS, enables the German Armed Forces to expand its strategic and tactical capabilities, while ensuring interoperability with NATO partners.
The Heron TP is the strategic version in IAI’s Heron family of RPAS which also includes the Heron 1 – successfully operated by the German Air Force during its deployments in Afghanistan and Mali for several years, supported by ADAS with their operator model.