Israel Unveils World’s Largest Drone

The Size Of A 737

By Noel Brinkerhoff
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Courtesy Of All Gov

Not known for its public displays of new weaponry, Israel’s military sent a message to Iranrecently by unveiling its latest “breakthrough” in unmanned aircraft, the Heron TP, nicknamed Eitan, which is Hebrew for “strong.”

The Eitan is the world’s largest drone—with a wingspan of 86 feet that makes it nearly the size of a Boeing 737 jetliner. It can remain airborne for about 20 hours and fly as far as the Persian Gulf, which means it’s capable of entering Iranian airspace.

Not only can the Eitan perform surveillance and carry communications-jamming equipment, but it can also launch air-to-ground missiles. Palestinians say Israel first used the drone during its last offensive in the Gaza Strip. Israeli military commanders have not publicly confirmed the Eitan’s offensive capabilities.

New Israeli Drone Can Reach Iran (by Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press)

New Iranian Nuclear Deterrent: Israeli Drone the Size of a 737 (by Keith Thomson, Huffington Post)

Israel Unveils World's Largest UAV (Homeland Security Newswire)