Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
Heron-1
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1994–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES
—
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
88
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- UAV Classmedium-altitude long-endurance UAV
- Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
- First Flight1994
- Service Entry Year2005
- Primary Rolesurveillance and reconnaissance
- In ServiceYes
◈Airframe4MOD.4
- Length6.5 m
- Wingspan16.6 m
- Max Takeoff Weight1,150 kg
- Low ObservableNo
▣Powerplant5MOD.5
- Engine TypeRotax 916
- Number of Engines1
- Engine Power100 kW
- Electric PropulsionNo
- Propeller / Configurationpusher propeller
◇Performance4MOD.4
- Top Speed207 km/h
- Service Ceiling10,000 m
- Endurance52
- Maximum Payload250 kg
◆Payload & Sensors6MOD.6
- EO/IR SensorYes
- SAR / GMTI RadarYes
- SIGINT PayloadYes
- Laser DesignatorNo
- Sensor Payload Weight250 kg
- Comms RelayYes
▤Armament4MOD.4
- ArmedNo
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload0 kg
- Air-to-Ground MissilesNo
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
- Control Typeautonomous with ground control station
- Satellite (BLOS) LinkYes
- Autonomous CapableYes
- Swarming CapableNo
- Automatic Takeoff/LandingYes
▲Production2MOD.2
- Operators12
- Variants3
◎Service History1MOD.1
- Operational StatusActive, in production
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1994Production started
- 1996Entered service
- 2005Sale: Israel · $50 M
- 2008Sale: Canada
- 2009Sale: Brazil · $350 M
32
years in service
16
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Inventory16country · 112units
112active
Heron-1SALES4records
| Year | Buyer | Quantity | Amount | Present Value (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 |  Brazil | — | $350.0 M | $525.2 M |
| 2009 |  Australia | — | — | — |
| 2008 |  Canada | — | — | — |
| 2005 |  Israel | — | $50.0 M | $82.4 M |
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
05 / MASS Score
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES RANKING Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
54RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES73ISRAEL · ALL WEAPONS31PERFORMANCE/PRICE · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES
ⓘ Rankings are within theReconnaissance / Surveillance Dronescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
Automatic Takeoff/Landing is a UAV capability that enables a drone to initiate and complete takeoff and landing sequences autonomously using onboard sensors and control software.
Capable of performing tasks or missions without direct human control, using onboard systems to make decisions and execute actions.
A capability enabling drones to relay communication signals between units, extending operational range and maintaining network connectivity in combat environments.
Electro-optical/infrared sensor combining daylight cameras and thermal imagers for real-time target detection, tracking, and identification in military drones.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar are airborne radar systems used to detect, track, and image moving or stationary targets on the ground, regardless of weather or lighting conditions.
A communication link between a drone and its control station via satellite relay, enabling beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources