VECTORDEFENCE DRONE
INTELLIGENCE
INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE
THE EVOLVING FIELD GUIDE
Editor

Air · Drone / system

Heron TP

A large turboprop intelligence aircraft, distinct from the smaller Heron family. The German Heron TP configuration has its own certification, mission equipment and service arrangements.

Role & capabilities

  • Multirole aircraft
  • Automatic runway take-off and landing
  • EO/IR, radar and optional intelligence payloads
In service / use documentedUse documented
Primary domain
Air
System type
Multirole aircraft
Developer / manufacturer
Israel Aerospace Industries
Origin / production countries
Israel
Other names
Eitan; German Heron TP; GHTP
Variants / configurations
Israeli Heron TP; German Heron TP
Operators / programme customers
Israel; Germany — customer-specific configuration

Evidence & current status

The cited public record documents military use or operator acceptance. Specifications still depend on the particular production version and mission configuration.

Role & programme

A large turboprop intelligence aircraft, distinct from the smaller Heron family. The German Heron TP configuration has its own certification, mission equipment and service arrangements.

IAI identifies Israeli operational use, while Airbus documents the German aircraft’s first flight in German airspace on 15 May 2024. This demonstrates a customer-specific programme rather than identical equipment across all users. The current manufacturer table supplies the numerical baseline. Sensor payload, communications and airworthiness requirements must be read against the relevant customer configuration.

Sourced specifications

Figures apply to the named configuration. Maximum values are not guaranteed operating performance.

SpecificationReported valueContext & source
AirframeLarge fixed-wing remotely piloted aircraftPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Launch / recoveryAutomatic runway take-off and landingPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Propulsion1,200 hp PT6 turbopropPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Dimensions26 m span; 14 m lengthPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Mass5,670 kg maximum take-off massPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
EnduranceMore than 30 hPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
RangeMore than 1,000 km BLOS operation claimedPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Speed220 KTAS maximumPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
AltitudeTable states above 45,000 ft; prose describes up to 45,000 ftPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Payload2,700 kg in current manufacturer table; customer installation differsPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
SensorsEO/IR, radar and optional intelligence payloadsPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗
Communications / navigationLOS and SATCOM/BLOS; automated flight functionsPublished supplier specification; configuration and conditions affect performance. Source ↗

Publication history

  • — Expanded catalogue profile with sourced specifications, variant distinctions, programme evidence and explicit public data gaps.

Suggest a correction to this entry →

Follow the evidence

Source types identify who makes the claim. Programme milestones and supplier statements should be read in context.

  1. Manufacturer product information (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer / programme source
  2. Manufacturer product information (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer / programme source

Explore the connections

Air · Coverage auditMiddle East

Middle East defence drone coverage audit

6 original research topics reviewed: 0 resolved, 6 partially resolved and 0 still open. The remaining register identifies specific evidence needs.

Reviewed 21 Sept 2026Read
CompanyIsrael

Israel Aerospace Industries

Coverage focus: Heron. A long-endurance reconnaissance family built to carry different intelligence sensors. IAI describes both land and naval operating roles with international customers.

Reviewed 20 Sept 2026Read
Air · Drone / systemIsrael

Heron

A long-endurance reconnaissance family built to carry different intelligence sensors. IAI describes both land and naval operating roles with international customers.

Supplier accountRead