"In parallel, flight operations staff, intelligence officers and photo
analysts also worked to assimilate the rules for drone operations in
operations area," the French Air Force said.
"They also supported the
information systems and communications team so that dedicated networks could
be stood up as fast as possible."
Italy has been briefed on Harfang operations over Libya. Harfang was
based on the Heron UAV of Israel Aerospace Industries, deployed by NATO
allies in Afghanistan.
"All is well," Air Force Captain C., chief technical Officer of the 1/33
squadron, said. "It's running like clockwork."
Harfang, with automatic landing mode, has a reconnaissance system that
included IAI's Multimission Optronic Stabilized Payload. MOSP, designed by
IAI's Tamam division, is capable of day and night operations.
"The aircraft took a series of photographs in both IR and visible
spectrum of this awe-inspiring phenomenon before returning to its departure
point," the French Air Force said.
On Aug. 27, Harfang was integrated with other reconnaissance and
surveillance assets that operated over Libya. The assets included a French
Air Force E-3F airborne early-warning and alert aircraft.
"The command center is somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data
on the ground situation transmitted by the drone," the French Air Force
said. "However, the information is so useful that, after many hours over
Libyan territory, the command post requested a three-hour extension of the
mission."
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