The Australian Department of Defence has signed contracts with Boeing Australia Limited for the delivery and support of the Israel Aircraft Industries I-View UAV system.

 

Boeing Australia, teamed with Israel Aircraft Industries, will provide the I-View UAV system. I-View has a wingspan of 6.7 meters and has a fully automatic take-off and landing system that dramatically increases operational reliability. Its catapult launcher and unique parafoil landing concept enable it to be deployed and recovered from an uneven area smaller than a football field.

 

The tactical UAVs will provide wide-ranging surveillance with advanced retractable sensor technology to work closely with the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter to support operations on the battlefield.

 

Boeing Australia has been selected as the preferred tenderer to provide the Israel Aircraft Industries I-View UAV system because it offered the best value for money.

 

The total cost of the project is estimated to come to about 145 million Australian dollars, which is about USD 100 million.

 

The IAI's part in the project is estimated to amount to about AUD 70 million, which is close to USD 50 million.

 

David Witters, Boeing Australia's program manager said that the IAI has provided the Australian Army with new abilities that will place it at the top of the technological progress in the world.

 

The Tactical UAVs are scheduled to commence operational service in late 2009.