Israel-made military drone
Photo: Israel Aerospace Industries
Israel developing passenger drone
Israel Aerospace Industries working on civilian UAV, which will be able to carry up to four people and fly to any destination in the world
The Israel Aerospace Industries are currently working on developing an unmanned passenger plane, which will be able to fly to any destination according to the instructions of it passengers.
The concept was presented at the Aeronautical Convention, which opened in Tel Aviv Thursday.
The IAI is a leading developer and manufacturer of military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and had introduced some of the most advanced technologies in the world in this field.
Based on these technologies, the company plans to develop a small unmanned plane that will be able to carry up to four passengers.
Zvi Arazi, head of the IAI's Engineering Division, stated in the convention that the technology for developing such a plane already exists, and that the main obstacle that would have to be overcome is the passengers' hesitation to board an unmanned craft.
The new concept has aroused interest in Europe, and it appears that some of the development stages will be conducted in the framework of European community's R&D programs.
Shlomo Tsach, Director of Flight Sciences at the Engineering Division and a world renowned expert in the field of drones, said that a computer can control a plane from the moment of takeoff and until landing better than any pilot.
"Using a computer prevents human errors, which are the number one cause for most air accidents in the world," Tsach explained.
