Searcher

The Searcher is a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) produced by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI) that entered service in the mid‑1990s. Developed from the earlier Mastiff platform, the aircraft was designed to meet the growing demand for low‑cost, long‑endurance surveillance and intelligence‑gathering systems for both military and civilian customers. Its modest 6‑meter wingspan and conventional pusher‑propeller layout enable a maximum take‑off weight of roughly 600 kg, while a fuel capacity of 250 liters provides endurance of up to 20 hours at a cruising speed of 150 km/h. The Searcher’s payload bay can accommodate electro‑optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, synthetic‑aperture radar, signals‑intelligence bundles, and laser designators, making it a versatile asset for border patrol, maritime surveillance, and battlefield reconnaissance. The system is launched via a catapult and recovered by a parachute, allowing operation from austere airfields or ship decks. Since its introduction, the Searcher has been exported to more than a dozen nations and has proved pivotal in shaping modern UAV doctrine by demonstrating that reliable, persistent ISR capability can be achieved without the expense of larger platforms. Its success paved the way for IAI’s later Heron family and cemented Israel’s reputation as a leader in UAV technology.

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd

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