By Staff Correspondent
In a significant stride towards shaping the future of unmanned aviation, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has entered a strategic partnership with UK-based 2Excel Aviation. Their shared ambition: to pioneer the next chapter of uncrewed aerial system (UAS) operations in UK skies.
Central to their collaboration is the maritime variant of IAI’s globally-renowned Heron UAS, a drone boasting a commendable half-a-million hours of secure operations worldwide. Distinguished for its sophisticated sensor technology, advanced photographic capabilities, and state-of-the-art communications apparatus, the Heron stands at the forefront of modern aerial intelligence, serving diverse roles from border surveillance to maritime security.
Historically, IAI and 2Excel showcased the Heron’s potential to both governmental and civilian stakeholders from the West Wales Airport. These demonstrations highlighted the UAS’s ability to effectively operate within the UK’s strict regulatory framework, an endeavour that was met with considerable appreciation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Such endorsement is seen as a promising indicator for the imminent evolution of UAS operations in the region.
Mr. Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, emphasised the significance of this partnership, “Our esteemed Heron UAS, already an operational asset for various global entities, finds a new avenue with 2Excel Aviation. Together, we aim to synergise manned and unmanned proficiencies, underpinned by exceptional customer service, to meet the UK’s maritime intelligence and surveillance challenges. Our combined expertise promises not only compliance with CAA regulations but a new dawn for Heron’s presence in the UK.”
Andy Offer, from 2Excel Aviation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting previous successes, “As proven in 2021, our collaboration could seamlessly deploy the Maritime Heron within UK’s restricted air zones. With this new alliance, we intend to broaden our operational horizon, harnessing technology to deliver invaluable intelligence solutions to a diverse clientele.”
