German air force launches new spy plane

The German air force has launched an unmanned spy plane called Euro Hawk.

>>> Airplanes open a new era for aviation

Germany's Euro Hawk

This Euro Hawk can fly for 30 hours in a row, equivalent to 25,000km in the stratosphere without refueling or rest. Meanwhile, the sensors on the plane can help it through dense clouds, even over sandstorms.

Euro Hawk can detect potential targets on the ground, and can eavesdrop on communication it is 18,288m. In addition, it can also eavesdrop on phones, text messages and receive radio and television signals.

The Euro Hawk, as well as most other unmanned aerial vehicles, weighs 15 tons, made from carbon fibers. Length 14.5m, wingspan about 40m.

Summer 2012, the Luftwaffe is expected to begin operating this unmanned aircraft performing reconnaissance missions. Six German trained pilots in the United States will take up the task. Germany plans to set up a fleet of five Euro Hawks.

The deployment of Euro Hawk in 2012 is expected to launch a new era for the German armed forces.