Aeronautic Defense systems is going to start production in Israel of its Dominator II UAV after a trouble-free test program of the prototype aircraft. The Dominator II is based on the very successful Diamond DA42 4-seater. Aeronautics removes the pilot and passenger compartment and replaces it with the surveillance and communication and control equipment for its new role as a medium-class UAV. This takes the highly popular tactic of using man-rated components to the next level by using a converted manned aircraft.---
The DA42 is one of the more advanced aircrafts of its class. It has a fuselage and wing made entirely of composite materials and it uses two Thielert diesel engines (based on Mercedes-Benz passenger car diesel engines) that provide it with a very good range and also logistic benefits for military use where it has common fuel with jet powered aircraft.
The Dominator II can loiter for over 28 hours with a speed of 80kt, it has a maximum ceiling of 30.000ft and can travel with 180kt. Its wingspan is 13,5m and has a maximum payload of 400kg. It can be controlled in a radius of 300km through a satcom data link.
