Aerostar
Israeli tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, developed in the late 1990s, used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions. Key figures: top speed 203 km/h, range 200 km, service ceiling 5,486 m, max takeoff weight 220 kg.
| Length | 4.5 m (14.8 ft) |
| Wingspan | 7.5 m (24.6 ft) |
| Height | 1.3 m (4.3 ft) |
| Empty weight | 100 kg (220 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 220 kg (485 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × piston engine Zanzottera 498i 28 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 203 km/h (126 mph) |
| Operational range | 200 km (124 mi) |
| Endurance | 12 hours |
| Service ceiling | 5,486 m (17,999 ft) |
| Climb rate | 5.07 m/s (16.6 ft/s) |
Description
The Aerostar is an Israeli tactical unmanned aerial vehicle developed and built by Aeronautics Defense Systems for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance. It entered service with the Israel Defense Forces in 2000 and became one of the most widely exported Israeli tactical UAV designs. In United States service the type was designated RQ-26.
Development
Aeronautics Defense Systems designed the Aerostar as a tactical-class system operating below the medium-altitude long-endurance category, with a ground control station crewed by a pilot, a mission commander and a payload commander. Following its introduction with the IDF in 2000, the type was marketed for export and adopted by several foreign operators. The manufacturer credits the fleet with more than 250,000 operational flight hours across four continents.
Design
The Aerostar has a length of 4.5 m, a wingspan of 7.5 m and a height of 1.3 m. Empty weight is 100 kg and maximum take-off weight 220 kg, of which 50 kg is available for payload. Propulsion is provided by a single Zanzottera 498i two-stroke boxer engine driving a pusher propeller and rated at 28 kW (38 hp); electronic fuel injection compensates for altitude and temperature variation. Maximum speed is 203 km/h with a cruise speed of 114 km/h, rate of climb 304 m/min and take-off run 300 m. Service ceiling is 5,486 m (18,000 ft), endurance 12 hours and operating radius 200 km.
Payloads are carried in a large internal bay and include stabilised electro-optical and infrared sensors, laser designation, synthetic aperture radar with ground moving target indication, and signals and communications intelligence packages. The Commtact multi-channel data link connects the aircraft to the ground control station.
Operational History
Beyond Israeli service, the Aerostar has been operated by the United States, Thailand, the Netherlands, Poland, Angola and Azerbaijan, along with other export customers. Cumulative fleet operations have exceeded 250,000 flight hours on four continents.
Frequently Asked Questions
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- AUG 152026 Created Aerostar UAV page created (specs, description, 7 operators)