LOC00:19
21:19 GMT
GAZA, Oct 8 (KUNA) -- Israeli "Steadicopter," a company owned by the
Israeli air force industries, is to showcase next week the first unmanned
robot helicopter drone dubbed the "Black Eagle 50."
According to Israeli newspaper "Maariv" website, the new helicopter will be
presented at the 3rd Israel Defense International Army and Police Exhibition
in Tel Aviv.
The unmanned helicopter is based on the company's proprietary, patented
autonomous flight control technology, Maariv added.
The company lists among the helicopter's advantages its ability to observe
places inaccessible by ordinary drones, and its ability to take off and land
from most terrain.
Israeli Steadicopter officials say the helicopter and its control systems
are designed to be transported to the launch site in a specially equipped
truck where it is operated by a two-person team.
The vehicle sends live video images during flight to the ground station and
can carry sensors as well.
Unlike regular UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), the robot-copters don't
need runways.
"Like regular helicopters, they can hover and also fly low and hover right
over the target when feasible, which planes can't just do," the newspaper
added.
The report on the Israel website did not say whether such technology will
be used on the field during attack operations on the occuppied territories
where similar choppers were widley used for assassinations and other recon
missions. (end)
mt.mb
KUNA 090019 Oct 09NNNN