Searcher II

Searcher II



The Searcher Mk II System is an operational, advanced fourth generation UAV system derived from the third generation original Searcher. The Searcher Mk II is built to meet your present and future challenges. It has excellent engine and aerodynamic performance, superior deployment and handling qualities and a new advanced universal UAV mission ground control center compatible with all MALAT systems. Both Searcher systems are in operational use. In June of 1998, the IAF's Mini-UAV Squadron received improved 'Searcher 2' UAVs. The Searcher 2s have backswept wings, a new engine, a new navigation system and advanced communications systems. With more than 120,000 operational hours, IAI is an established pacesetter in integrated UAV systems solutions. Shown is the SEARCHER II Tactical-Operational Multi-Role UAV system with IAI's EL/M- 2055 SAR/MTI UAV reconnaissance payload. The larger Searcher MkII introduced in 1998, goes to 20,000ft and flies for 14 hours carrying 1200mm colour CCD video cameras for day use and FLIRs for night-time observation. Missions Enhanced tactical multi-payload UAV system for surveillance, reconnaissance, target-acquisition & artillery adjustment. Characteristics Operational Modes Real-time payload and UAV control GPS based interuptable airborne mission controller with real-time manual interrupt capability Autonomous return on datalink loss Datalinks Direct line-of-sight datalink UAV aitborne data relay for beyond-line-of-sight datalink Dual real-time command uplink Single real-time data and video downlink bility Payloads Standard MOSP (TV & IR Combi) or SAR EL/M 2055. Performance Endurance: 15 Hr Range: 200km (105 nm), 250km (130nm) Altitude: 20,000 ft * Direct line-of-sight datalink Beyond-line-of-sight datalink using UAV airborne data relay Launch & Recovery Automatic Take-off and landing. Technical Data** Weights: Max Take-off Weight 426 kg (940 lb) Max Payload Weight 100 kg (220 lb) Dimensions: Overall Length 5.85 m (19.20 ft) Wingspan 8.55 m (28.10 ft) Powerplant: Rotary engine 73 hp

Another Searcher UAV Crashes

On 20 November 1998 the most recent crash of a Searcher occurred while returning from a sortie. This brings the total to four crashes during the past few weeks. The platform was under the control of an Israeli Air Force ground controller, who is believed to have lost contact with the UAV after which it lost altitude and hit a high-tension cable. A second Searcher crashed in northern Israel while being flown by Intelligence Corps ground crew, apparently due to damage it had sustained during the flight. Two further platforms came down while flying surveillance training missions. An Israeli Defence Force spokesman said that considering the number of flying hours undertaken by Searchers, the number of crashes was not particularly high.

Searcher Mk II Delivered To India



The Indian Army has reportedly deployed its first batch of 25 Israeli-made Searcher Mark II unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over its frontiers with Pakistan and China. I India has purchased 100 of the reconnaissance drones at a cost of $750 million and may double this order. The Searcher Mark II is produced by Israel Aircraft Industries. It can remain airborne for 16 hours and has a maximum range of 150 kilometers at the relatively high altitude of 18,500 feet, making it especially suitable for missions over the Himalayas.