Tue, Sep 08, 2009
Technology Acquired From Canadian Defense Forces
Minister for Defence, Senator John
Faulkner, today announced that the Royal Australian Air Force has
acquired Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in close
collaboration with Canadian Defence forces. "This high resolution
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will
enhance the capability of Australian forces in Afghanistan,"
Senator Faulkner said.
The Heron UAV is a one tonne aircraft capable of medium
altitude, long endurance flights. Under Project NANKEEN, the
Defence Materiel Organization has signed a contract with Canadian
company MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) to lease
Heron UAV services which will provide high resolution intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.
The Australian Defence Force has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Canadian Forces which already operates Heron
UAVs in Afghanistan.
In July 2009 Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Army
personnel undertook Heron training in Canada. These personnel have
now been absorbed within the Canadian Heron UAV Detachment at
Kandahar airfield conducting combat operations in support of ISAF.
This has meant the ADF has rapidly established its Heron capability
by drawing on the Canadians' operational knowledge, experience and
facilities. "The Australian Government greatly appreciates the
assistance of the Canadian Defence Force in this project," Senator
Faulkner said.
When the systems acquired through the NANKEEN contract are
delivered to Kandahar, Australia will establish its full Heron
detachment of Air Force and Army personnel. "Air power of the
future will involve a balance of manned and unmanned platforms. In
particular a long endurance UAV can enhance force protection by
providing ground commanders with real time intelligence," Senator
Faulkner said. "The experience that Air Force gains in operating
long endurance UAVs in Afghanistan will also help shape the
development of unmanned Defence capabilities for Australia through
the next decade," Senator Faulkner said.
Heron UAV Photo Courtesy
RAAF
Heron can conduct operations in excess of 24 hours, with a
maximum speed of more than 100 knots and at altitudes of up to
10,000 meters. This leading edge technology is operationally proven
and provides Australia with an essential capability. It also allows
Australian Defence Industry involvement, with companies including
Geospatial Intelligence, Carbine Security Installations and Fujitsu
Australia.
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