The Next Generation: Jet UAVs
IAI is examining the development of a UAV propelled by a jet engine. The
goal is to create a UAV capable of reaching an operational area as fast as
possible
Arie Egozi 2/2/2012
http://www.israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=483&ArticleID=881

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) confirmed for the first time that it is
examining the development of a UAV operating with a jet engine. Details of
the development of new UAV models at IAI and other companies were unveiled
at the Space and Aviation convention that took place at the end of November
2011 in Jerusalem. Technology Group organized the convention, and
professionals from Israel and around the world participated.

Tommy Silbering, CEO of IAI's MALAT plant, said, "the plant is examining a
jet-propelled UAV, however we think that the world is not yet ready for
them." This was the first official hint regarding the effort to develop jet
UAVs in Israel.

As of now, propeller engines drive all Israeli-produced UAVs. Some of them
are connected to a fuel-operated engine and others to an electric engine.
Parallel to the efforts to develop fuel cells as an efficient source of
energy to propel mostly small UAVs, IAI has begun to examine the issue of
jet UAVs. These are meant to arrive at an operational area quickly. It seems
that the only determining factors for the company to enter a full project to
develop and manufacture a jet UAV are the IAF’s operational considerations
and the assessment of the demand in the global market.

Jet UAVs are being developed around the world, primarily for carrying
armaments. The UAVs that are intended for intelligence missions are equipped
with thruster engines, as they don't require speed in order to fulfill a
mission. Today, there are several jet UAVs around the world (primarily in US
production), the most prominent of which is the Global Hawk, intended for
collecting intelligence over vast distances. The development of a jet UAV
involves overcoming several problems, one of which is the engine noise that
exposes it from a distance.

With regards to detection via measures such as radar, there is an effort
underway to minimize the detection range as much as possible through various
measures, some of which are in use in stealth aircraft such as the F-35.
This refers to a unique body design as well as added systems.

Israel has never exposed programs for constructing an assault UAV, although
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have claimed that Israeli UAVs have carried
out precision attacks in Gaza for years.