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The contenders for the Israeli air force's (IAF) Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) medium altitude long-endurance Heron-TP (Eitan) unmanned air vehicle's new larger multi-sensor payload are Elbit systems, Controp and IAI's Tamam division.

The multi-sensor payload is expected to weigh about 80kg (176lb) and have, in addition to existing day/night sensors, a still image capability to detail "objects of interest" and a laser designator.

"This is going to be a very capable payload," says an IAF source. IAI's Tamam division's marketing director Igal Mevorach said on 6 February that the multi-sensor payload will be more advanced than the Mosp 3000, the IAF's standard Heron (Machatz) payload.

The Eitan is 13m (42.6ft) long with a wingspan of 26m, and is designed for autonomous take-off and landing. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6 turboprop engine, has a maximum take-off weight of 4,000kg (8,800lb), an endurance of over 70h and a ceiling of 45.000ft (13.700m). The Eitan's electrical system is capable of operating the new advanced payload. Its composite fuselage is designed to carry large volume payloads and the new vehicle will perform some long-range missions performed currently by manned aircraft of the IAF.