Elbit Systems is negotiating the sale of its Hermes 900 unmanned aircraft system to an additional three countries, with one of these expected to receive its first equipment before the end of this year.
Already operated by the Israeli Air Force and selected by the Chilean and Colombian armed forces, the Hermes 900 has a maximum take-off weight of 1,100kg (2,425lb), including a 300kg payload. The type is also involved in a competition in Switzerland, along with Israel Aerospace Industries’ Heron 1.
Elbit has upgraded the aircraft’s original electrical system to enable the installation of advanced sensors requested by current and potential customers. The company last year launched flight tests involving equipment options including an Elbit/Elop D-Compass electro-optical/infrared sensor payload, an Elbit advanced multi-sensor payload system and communications intelligence and electronic intelligence antennas.
Based on Elbit’s Hermes 450 tactical UAS, which has accumulated more than 250,000 flight hours, the Hermes 900 has a 15m (49ft) wingspan, and can be flown to an altitude above 30,000ft (9,150m).
Source: Flight Global