Making its debut at the Paris Air Show is the EADS Eagle 1 medium-altitude
unmanned aircraft. Its appearance at Le Bourget follows on the
heels of the air vehicle's first flight on June 2. The system
is being developed to meet French air force needs for a real-time
intelligence collection system.
Eagle 1 is a derivative of the Israel Aircraft Industries Heron,
developed under an agreement between EADS and IAI's Malat division
dating back to 1998. The first flight was made at the Ein Shemer
test facility north of Tel Aviv.
In operation the aircraft would carry an imaging synthetic aperture
radar, electro-optical payload, satcom and laser designator, with
a total payload capacity of 250 kg. Eagle 1 will feature automatic
takeoff and landing capability. Endurance is projected at about
26 hours. Maximum operating altitude will be about 32,000 feet.
The second and third Eagle 1s are expected to fly in August and
September. Delivery to a base in southern France is slated for
later this year.
