Soldier at 19:12, 13 September 2023

2023-09-13T19:12:26Z

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{{Redirect|Forpost|the Russian rural locality|Forpost, Astrakhan Oblast}}

{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name=Searcher
|image=IAI-Searcher1.jpg
|caption=IAI Searcher in [[Tel Nof Airbase]], [[Israel]]
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type=Reconnaissance UAV
|national origin=Israel
|manufacturer=[[Israel Aircraft Industries|IAI]]
|designer=
|first flight=
|introduced=
• Searcher 1 - 1992<ref name=years>{{cite web|url=http://www.idf.il/1133-13389-he/Dover.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063144/http://www.idf.il/1133-13389-he/Dover.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2016|title=אתר צה"ל - צבא ההגנה לישראל : 40 שנה להקמת טייסת המל"טים הראשונה בחיל האוויר|date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
• Searcher 2 - 1998<ref name=years/>
|retired=
|status=
|primary user=
|more users=Sri lanka
|produced=
|number built=
|variants with their own articles=
}}
|}

The '''IAI Searcher''' (also known by the Hebrew name מרומית ''Meyromit'' - "[[Marsh tern]]",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/juav/juav1299.html |title=Jane's Information Group |publisher=Janes.com |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501204512/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/juav/juav1299.html |archive-date=2009-05-01 |url-status=live }}</ref> or officially in Israel as the חוגלה ''Hugla'' - "[[Alectoris]]") is a reconnaissance [[UAV]] developed in [[Israel]] in the 1980s. In the following decade, it replaced the [[IMI Mastiff]] and [[IAI Scout]] UAVs then in service with the [[Israeli Army]].

==Design==

[[File:The Searcher MK-II (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) passes through the Rajpath during the 58th Republic Day Parade - 2007, in New Delhi on January 26, 2007.jpg|thumb|The Searcher MK-II (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) passes through the Rajpath during the 58th Republic Day Parade - 2007, in New Delhi on January 26, 2007]]

The Searcher looks almost identical to the [[IAI Scout|Scout]] and [[IAI Pioneer|Pioneer]], but is in fact scaled up and is well over twice the size of the Scout. The Searcher is powered by a {{Convert|35|kW|abbr=on|lk=on}} piston engine. The new design features updated avionics and sensor systems with greater flight endurance as well as increased redundancy for improved survivability. In addition to Israel, the system had been exported and is or was in use by [[Singapore]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/uav/hermes_450/Hermes_450.html |title=Hermes 450 |publisher=Israeli-weapons.com |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606180717/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/uav/hermes_450/Hermes_450.html |archive-date=2011-06-06 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Turkey]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=157438&bolum=100 |title=Israel to deliver two UAVs to Turkey in late November |website=www.todayszaman.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608184550/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=157438&bolum=100 |archive-date=8 June 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> as well as [[Thailand]], [[Russia]], [[India]], [[South Korea]], and [[Sri Lanka]].{{cn|date=July 2022}}

==Operational deployment==
More than 100 Searcher IIs are being operated by the [[Indian Air Force]] and the [[Indian Navy]].

It took part in the large-scale Russian-Belarusian exercise [[Zapad 2021|Zapad]] in September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1337289|title = Strike drones, Terminator tank support vehicles assist in offensive at Zapad-2021 drill}}</ref>

On March 13, 2022, the [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Russian Ministry of Defence]] released video of the use of the updated Russian version in Ukraine.<ref>Miko Vranic. (15 March 2022). "Ukraine conflict: Russia employs Forpost-R UCAV". [https://www.janes.com/defence-news/defence/latest/ukraine-conflict-russia-employs-forpost-r-ucav Jane's website] Retrieved 18 March 2022.</ref>

== Crashes ==

10 June 2002 – Searcher Mark-II, operated by [[Indian Air Force]] for reconnaissance, was shot down by a [[Pakistan Air Force]] F-16B using [[AIM-9L]] Sidewinder at an altitude of 13,000 ft, after it was spotted by the mobile observation units.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/42399 |title=Spy plane an evidence of Indo-Israeli collaboration: PAF |date=11 June 2002 }}</ref>

11 July 2018 – A Russian ''"Forpost"'' UAV was found on 12 July in a field close to the village of Barqah, about 12 kilometres from the Israeli side of the Golan Heights (Syria) but none of the belligerents claimed the shot-down nor the loss.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gettyimages.it/detail/fotografie-di-cronaca/rebel-fighter-inspects-what-purportedly-are-the-fotografie-di-cronaca/997056900#/rebel-fighter-inspects-what-purportedly-are-the-remains-of-a-syrian-picture-id997056900|title = A rebel fighter inspects what purportedly are the remains of a Syrian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gettyimages.it/detail/fotografie-di-cronaca/rebel-fighter-walks-near-what-purportedly-are-fotografie-di-cronaca/997056926#/rebel-fighter-walks-near-what-purportedly-are-the-remains-of-a-syrian-picture-id997056926|title = A rebel fighter walks near what purportedly are the remains of A}}</ref>

On 11 March 2022, a Russian ''"Forpost"'' UAV was shot down in [[Zhitomir Oblast]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://zhitomir-online.com/2022/03/11/v-zhytomyrskoy-oblasty-byl-sbyt-rossyyskyy-bespylotnyk-forpost-foto.html|title=В Житомирской области был сбит российский беспилотник "Форпост". ФОТО|work=Zhitomir Online|date=11 March 2022|language=uk}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Republic of Singapore Air Force IAI Searcher II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle at Henry Post Army Airfield, Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma - 20091114.jpg|thumb|A [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]]'s IAI Searcher II at [[Henry Post Army Airfield]] ([[Fort Sill]], [[Oklahoma]]).]]
[[File:Форпост 02.jpg|thumb|Russian ''Forpost''.]]

*{{AZE}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.az/articles/politics/57003 |title=List of ammunition purchased by Azerbaijan made public |publisher=News.Az |date=2012-03-27 |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330062654/http://www.news.az/articles/politics/57003 |archive-date=2012-03-30 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{CYP}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/studiesdownload.html?languageDocument=EN&file=19483|title=UAVS AND UCAVS: DEVELOPMENTS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION – Appendix III, Table 1|access-date=2013-01-01}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
*{{IND}}
*{{SRI}}
*{{ECU}}
*{{IDN}}
*{{CAN}} [[Canadian Security Intelligence Service]]
*{{ISR}}
*{{ROK}}
*{{RUS}} - as ''{{vanchor|Forpost}}'' (Форпост) licensed copy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseworld.net/news/13210/Russian_Force_Practice_Flying_Forpost__Orlan_10_Drones_In_Tajikistan#.V0mXqmh96Uk|title=Russian Force Practice Flying Forpost, Orlan-10 Drones In Tajikistan|website=www.defenseworld.net|date=18 June 2015 |access-date=2016-05-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805215429/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/13210/Russian_Force_Practice_Flying_Forpost__Orlan_10_Drones_In_Tajikistan#.V0mXqmh96Uk|archive-date=2016-08-05|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/august-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6439-russian-navy-to-use-uav-for-cruise-and-anti-ship-missile-targeting.html|title=Russian Navy to Use UAV for Cruise and Anti-ship Missile Targeting|access-date=2018-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822050016/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/august-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6439-russian-navy-to-use-uav-for-cruise-and-anti-ship-missile-targeting.html|archive-date=2018-08-22|url-status=live}}</ref> with a 250 km range.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1001/122548950/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Олег Салюков в интервью "МК": в этом году соединения и воинские части СВ получат более 2500 новых основных образцов ВВСТ|website=www.armstrade.org|access-date=2018-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001142421/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1001/122548950/detail.shtml|archive-date=2018-10-01|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/focus-analysis/naval-technology/7274-russian-naval-aviation-armed-with-drones-part-1.html|title = Russian naval aviation armed with drones (Part 1)}}</ref> 30 systems with 3 UAVs each.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2017/1225/143544779/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Юрий Борисов: комплекс с БЛА "Форпост" с 2019 года будет производиться со 100-процентной локализацией|website=www.armstrade.org|access-date=2017-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226231443/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2017/1225/143544779/detail.shtml|archive-date=2017-12-26|url-status=live}}</ref> The fully domestic version Forpost-R made its first flight in late August 2019.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/cLu4rxpXWUU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210309053942/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLu4rxpXWUU Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLu4rxpXWUU| title = Russia's New Forpost-R Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) : First Flight - Novo Drone Russo Forpost-R | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> 10 Forpost-R systems were ordered.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/94155/russia-orders-upgraded-forpost-tactical-uav|title = Janes | Latest defence and security news}}</ref> Deliveries of the modified UCAVs with reconnaissance and strike capabilities started in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2020/1221/160060981/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Сергей Шойгу: боевые возможности российской армии возросли на 13% в 2020 году}}</ref> Russia has decided to continue domestic production of the Forpost-R.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1329483|title = Russia's top brass signs a host of deals on advanced weapons delivery to Russian troops}}</ref>
*{{SGP}} (retired; replaced by IAI Heron-1 in 2011)
*{{ESP}}
*{{THA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thaifighterclub.org/webboard.php?action=detailQuestion&questionid=16554&topic=%A4%B3%D0%E0%A8%E9%D2%CB%B9%E9%D2%B7%D5%E8%A2%CD%A7%A1%CD%A7%B7%D1%BE%E0%C3%D7%CD%20%E0%C2%D5%E8%C2%C1%AA%C1%CA%D2%B8%D4%B5%A1%D2%C3%BA%D4%B9%20UAV%20%E1%BA%BA%20Searcher%20II%20%A2%CD%A7%A1%CD%A7%B7%D1%BE%BA%A1 |title=คณะเจ้าหน้าที่ของกองทัพเรือ เยี่ยมชมสาธิตการบิน UAV แบบ Searcher II ของกองทัพบก |publisher=Thaifighterclub.org |access-date=2012-11-18}}</ref>

==Specifications==
[[File:IAI-Searcher2.jpg|thumb|The IAI Searcher II]]
[[File:Spanish Army - IAI Searcher II.jpg|thumb|A Spanish IAI Searcher Mk.II-J]]

===Searcher II MK3===
{{Aircraft specs
|prime units? = met
|ref= IAI Searcher II MK3<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.iai.co.il/p/searcher-mk-iii |title=Surveillance aircraft: the Searcher MK III a tactical UAS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414023523/https://www.iai.co.il/p/searcher-mk-iii |archive-date=2020-04-14 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|crew=Unmanned
|capacity=68 kg (150 lb) payload
|length m=5.85
|length ft=19
|length in=2
|span m=8.55
|span ft=28
|span in=0
|height m=1.25
|height ft=4
|height in=1
|gross weight kg=450
|more general=
*'''Payload:'''{{cvt|120|kg}}

|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Limbach L 550]]
|eng1 kw=35
|eng1 hp=47
|prop name= Born Propeller 120cm 3 blade adjustable pitch


|max speed mph=125
|max speed kts=110
|range km=350
|endurance=20 hours
|ceiling m=6100
|ceiling ft=21000
|more performance=
*'''Loiter speed:'''{{cvt|60|to|80|kn|order=flip}}
}}

==Forpost-R==
The Forpost-R is the designation for the Russian developed UCAV based on the IAI Searcher. In 2008, Russia had approached Israel to import drones following the [[Russo-Georgian War]], with Israel refusing to provide armed drones, an agreement was made to provide IAI Searchers MKII.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mil.today/2019/Science42/ |title=UAV Forpost to Change Israeli Payload for Russian Systems}}</ref><ref>In 2012 a license was granted to Russia to produce the Searcher Mk II and light Bird Eye 400 domestically in Russia, with the designations changing to Forpost and Zastava respectively. Due to sanctions, in 2016 the licensing was revoked, and Israel stopped supplying parts. Russia continued its development domestically, under the name Forpost-R to produce an armed version capable of carrying armaments.</ref><ref name="janes.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukraine-conflict-russia-employs-forpost-r-ucav |title=Ukraine conflict: Russia employs Forpost-R UCAV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315130942/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukraine-conflict-russia-employs-forpost-r-ucav |archive-date=2022-03-15 |url-status=live}}</ref>

According to a YouTube video and information published by the Russian Ministry of Defense on March 13, 2022, Russian armed forces have used an armed version of the Forpost-R Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to destroy a multiple launch rocket system from the Ukrainian army from an altitude of 3,000 m using guided missiles.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_invasion_conflict_war/russia_uses_forpost-r_armed_drone_with_guided_missile_to_destroy_rocket_launcher_of_ukrainian_army.html | title=Russia uses Forpost-R armed drone with guided missile to destroy rocket launcher of Ukrainian army | Ukraine - Russia conflict war 2022 | analysis focus army defence military industry army }}</ref>

===Armaments (Forpost-R)===
* X-BPLA anti tank missile <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_invasion_conflict_war/russia_uses_forpost-r_armed_drone_with_guided_missile_to_destroy_rocket_launcher_of_ukrainian_army.amp.html |title=Russia uses Forpost-R armed drone with guided missile to destroy rocket launcher of Ukrainian army |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320192126/https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_invasion_conflict_war/russia_uses_forpost-r_armed_drone_with_guided_missile_to_destroy_rocket_launcher_of_ukrainian_army.amp.html |archive-date=2022-03-20 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="janes.com"/>

==See also==
{{aircontent

|see also=
|related=
|similar aircraft=
*[[IAI Pioneer]]
*[[IAI Scout]]
|lists=
}}

==References==
{{Commons category|IAI Searcher}}
{{Reflist}}

This article contains material that originally came from the web article [https://web.archive.org/web/20110902194407/http://www.vectorsite.net/twuav.html ''Unmanned Aerial Vehicles''] by Greg Goebel, which exists in the Public Domain.

{{IAI aircraft}}

[[Category:IAI unmanned aerial vehicles|Searcher]]
[[Category:1980s Israeli military reconnaissance aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined pusher aircraft]]
[[Category:Twin-boom aircraft]]
[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of Russia]]

IAI Searcher - Revision history

Soldier at 19:12, 13 September 2023