The first Australian-leased Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has begun initial operations supporting Australian, Afghan and International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in Afghanistan, officials said.
Under Project Nankeen, the Defence Materiel Organization (DMO) signed an initial one-year contract with an option to extend with Canada’s MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) to provide Heron UAS services that will deliver high resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability supporting Australian Defence Forces and ISAF operations in southern Afghanistan.
MDA has locations in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
Heron uses leading edge technology to boost force protection by providing ground commanders with live situational awareness.
Heron’s long endurance characteristic enhances the ADF’s operational ISR capabilities in Afghanistan, currently provided by air force AP-3C Orions and the army’s Scan Eagle tactical UAV.
In early September, Minister for Defence John Faulkner announced the Royal Australian Air Force has acquired Herons 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 Australian Defence Force (ADF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Forces that 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
For the past five months, an Air Force-led ADF detachment has been preparing for the delivery of the Australian Heron UAV by working with the Canadian Heron detachment in southern Afghanistan, drawing on the Canadians’ operational knowledge, experience and facilities.
The Australian Heron detachment has been drawn from many parts of Air Force and Army. It includes UAS pilots, payload operators, intelligence officers, imagery analysts, engineers, administrative and logistics personnel.
Personnel from the Heron detachment are continuing to hone their skills with ISAF personnel. The initial training program provided Australian personnel with the theater qualifications to conduct operations and provide support for troops on the ground.
The Initial Operating Capability has been achieved and development of the full capability is ongoing. The Heron is expected to be fully mission capable in the coming months.
Heron is a one-ton aircraft capable of medium altitude, long endurance flights. It can conduct operations longer than 24 hours with a maximum speed of more than 100 knots at altitudes up to 10,000 meters.
The Heron was selected after a detailed examination of off-the-shelf, low risk ISR systems available to be quickly deployed to Afghanistan.
“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,” Faulkner said, “The experience that the 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.”
This program includes Australian defense industry involvement, with companies including Geospatial Intelligence, Carbine Security Installations and Fujitsu Australia.