Harpy

Harpy is an autonomous anti-radiation loitering munition developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, first flown in 1989 and designed to detect, home in on and destroy hostile radar emitters in the suppression-of-enemy-air-defences (SEAD) role.

Overview

IAI developed Harpy using loitering-drone designs it acquired from the South African company Kentron in the late 1980s, and the type first flew in 1989. IAI describes Harpy as combining characteristics of a UAV and a missile: it is launched from a ground- or naval-based canister, loiters over a target area, and uses an anti-radiation seeker to locate and identify emitting radar systems before diving onto the target, without needing pre-launch intelligence on the target's exact location.

Israel sold Harpy systems to China in 1994 in a deal reported at about US$55 million. Some of the Chinese systems were returned to Israel in 2004 for a planned upgrade after the sale drew objections from the United States; the aircraft were returned to China in 2005 without the upgrade, and the episode strained relations between Israel and the United States.

Design and capabilities

Wikipedia lists Harpy at 2.7 m long with a 2.1 m wingspan and a gross weight of about 135 kg, carrying a 32 kg high-explosive warhead. It is powered by a UEL AR731 Wankel rotary engine rated at 28 kW (38 hp), giving a maximum speed of about 185 km/h and a range of about 200 km. IAI's current product page states Harpy can fly deep-strike missions lasting up to nine hours in day, night and all-weather conditions, operate without GNSS, and launch an attack using a shallow or steep dive profile against emitters detected from any direction.

Operational history

IAI describes Harpy as operational with multiple air forces and states it is the world's first operational anti-radiation loitering-munition system. Wikipedia lists Israel, China, India, South Korea, Azerbaijan and Morocco among Harpy operators.

Frequently asked questions

What is the IAI Harpy?

Harpy is an Israeli-developed autonomous loitering munition that detects and attacks hostile radar systems, used in the suppression-of-enemy-air-defences (SEAD) role.

How does Harpy find its targets?

It carries an anti-radiation seeker that locates and identifies emitting radar frequencies and homes in on the source without needing the target's location in advance.

How big is Harpy and what does it weigh?

Harpy is about 2.7 m long with a 2.1 m wingspan and a gross weight of about 135 kg, carrying a 32 kg warhead.

When did Harpy first fly?

Harpy first flew in 1989, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries from loitering-drone designs acquired from the South African company Kentron.

Who operates Harpy?

Reported operators include Israel, China, India, South Korea, Azerbaijan and Morocco.