Today’s Downed UAV Was Israeli-Made: What Are Its Specifications?

Last night, as a result of the actions of the Armenian Armed Forces’ air defense units, an 'Aerostar' type UAV, which is part of the Azerbaijani Army's arsenal, was shot down.

The 'Aerostar' is an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft produced by the Israeli company Aeronautics Defense Systems. It is developed based on the 'Scout' UAV and made its first flight in 2000.

The Aerostar UAV is actively used by the Israeli armed forces for controlling the situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as by the police for monitoring traffic situations and apprehending violators. Monitors that transmit real-time images from the Aerostar drone are installed in police vehicles.

The 'Aerostar' includes means of communication and data exchange and is equipped with a digital video camera combined with an infrared thermal sensor, allowing reconnaissance to be carried out under any weather conditions, both during the day and at night. The drone is controlled from a ground station.

The Aerostar features an automatic return-to-base and landing system and is equipped with a high-reliability Zanzottra 498i diesel engine, which generates a power of 29 kW through electronic fuel injection.

Specifications:

• Length: 4.5 m
• Height: 1.3 m
• Wingspan: 8.5 m
• Operating Range: 250 km
• Maximum Weight: 220 kg
• Maximum Flight Altitude: 5,500 m
• Cruising Speed: 102 km/h
• Maximum Speed: 206 km/h
• Flight Duration: 12 hours

Countries that possess the Aerostar:

• Azerbaijan: 4 units (as of 2016)
• Angola: A contract worth $4 million was signed in 2003 with the American oil company Chevron - Texaco to supply several UAVs for the protection of oil platforms.
• Georgia: 2 units acquired in 2004.
• Nigeria: Ordered in 2006 for coastal protection in the Niger River delta and for protecting oil platforms.
• Turkey: A contract worth $10 million was signed in 2007 for the provision of three Aerostars.

On February 1, 2010, the Aerostar became the winner of a competition for a new tactical drone for the Polish military contingent in Afghanistan.