ADF signs deal for new drone aircraft

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/ADF ... 13165.html

The Australian Defence Force has signed a deal with aviation company Boeing for new Israeli drone aircraft for the army.Under the $145 million contract, Boeing will supply and support a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) capability, with the drones scheduled to enter operational service in late 2009.

 

Boeing Australia, teamed with Israel Aircraft Industries, will provide the Israeli I-View UAV system.

 

Each I-View drone has a wingspan of 6.7 metres and has a fully automatic take-off and landing system that dramatically increases operational reliability.

 

It can be deployed and recovered from an uneven area smaller than a football field.

 

"This capability will enable 24-hour surveillance for the protection of Australian forces and identification of enemy targets," defence said in a statement.

 

The army's new drones will be operated by 132 Battery of the 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, based at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera, Brisbane.

 

Defence said the introduction of the TUAVs in the Brisbane area was expected to create more than 125 local jobs.