The German Heron TP (GHTP) is an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) for medium altitudes and enduring missions. It provides strategic, airborne reconnaissance for the German Armed Forces. The GHTP, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), was customised by Airbus DS Airborne Solutions GmbH (ADAS) to meet the requirements of the German Armed Forces in order to expand its strategic and tactical deployment options and at the same time ensure interoperability with NATO partners. The GHTP was the first Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAS ever to receive STANAG 4671 certification, which testifies to its airworthiness and ability to be deployed worldwide.

The industrial operator model of ADAS includes the training of German Armed Forces personnel, basic operation, maintenance and repair of the UAS in operation as well as the provision of flight hours. The close cooperation between Airbus DS Airborne Solutions GmbH, Israel Aerospace Industries and the German Armed Forces guarantees an uncrewed system with outstanding performance and operational readiness.

The German Heron TPʼs modularity provides the German Armed Forces the most advanced capabilities. For example, the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR+) and the Electromagnetic Surveillance (ES) payloads are technologies that offer significant operational benefits. SAR+ is an advanced radar technology that produces high-resolution two-dimensional images of the earthʼs surface, even in difficult weather conditions, at night as well as over sea. This enables precise surveillance, monitoring and mapping of wide areas. The Electromagnetic Surveillance payload and Ground Station detect, localise and analyse electromagnetic signals emitted from various sources in order to support wide area operations.

The simultaneous use of several complementary sensors in multispectral ranges enables the generation of a detailed and comprehensive situational picture. Data and information can be produced, analysed and transmitted in real time. The German Heron TPʼs technologies and capabilities thus contribute significantly to all kinds of operations and decisionmaking processes.