30 YEARS OF UAV DEVELOPMENT IN IAI FUTURE DIRECTIONS

摘要

This paper presents an overview of development programs in IAI, for Unmanned AirVehicles (UAVs) and supporting systems, which commenced at the end of 1973 and hascontinued and expanded until the present time. The major UAV systems that have beendeveloped in IAI will be addressed including the Scout, Pioneer, Searcher, Hunter, Heron-1and Heron-2. Activities in the fields of micro and mini UAVs, Close Range, HALE andVTOL UAVs and AEW concepts, will be described; as well as life extension andimprovement of existing UAVs. Activity in the sphere of UAVS for civilian applications willalso be described.The various solutions that were conceived over the years are considered with respect to theoperational requirements, technologies and design principles. Some examples are presentedof various problems that arose during the development process, the operational experienceaccumulated and the demands of different solutions.The paper identifies the basic technologies for improving performance and facilitating systemsolutions to integrate safety with affordability. The main technologies addressed arecomposite materials production, advanced aerodynamic concepts and the integration ofpropulsion systems. The issues of mission reliability and loss rate are also considered.The principle lessons learnt over the years have changed UAVs into operational systems. Thelevel of maturity that has been achieved in recent years has expanded the possibilities foradditional missions in new areas. UAV development activity has accelerated and IAI's visionof future evolution will be presented.