AUSA 2023: UVision unveils lightweight loitering munition
Hero-90 loitering munition has a range of operating systems including manportable and ship-launched.(Photo: UVision)
UVision released details of its new lightweight Hero-90 tactical loitering munition at AUSA 2023 in Washington DC last week.
The new weapon has a particular role in urban warfare ‘around-the-corner’ operations, special forces in pre-planned missions and as a quick reaction to opportunities or threats.
Additionally, it has been designed for mobile forces such as those operating with armoured vehicles with the task of locating dispersed enemy units, especially for anti-tank operations.
Related Articles
UVision, Rheinmetall partnership gains first European NATO order for Hero loitering munition
Hero-90 has high-speed transit flight and low-speed loitering. The weapon alone weighs 9kg with a 1.5kg warhead and can operate at a range of more than 40km with an endurance of 45 minutes.
The munition can be fitted with various warheads including anti-tank, multi-purpose and anti-personnel options to suit different operational scenarios.
The system has joined the company’s catalogue of Hero loitering munitions including Hero-20, -30, -120, -400, -900, and -1250. The company has remained tight-lipped about customers of Hero systems, with the majority of sales being noted as being made to European customers, indicating a region rather than a specific country.
In June 2023, UVision demonstrated the airborne launch and engagement of a ground target by its Hero-120 loitering munition, fired from a Bell 412 helicopter.
In September 2022, the company announced that Hero-30 loitering munitions would be supplied to an unnamed European SOF customer in 2023. Under the order, combat and training munitions would be delivered to SOF in the customer country by 2023, after the order was placed in July 2022.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Eurosatory 2026: Recovery, reconnaissance, autonomy and air defence shape land systems developments
New recovery vehicles, reconnaissance platforms, autonomous fire-support systems and short-range air-defence capabilities on display at Eurosatory 2026 highlighted how land forces are adapting to evolving battlefield requirements.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Ukraine drives European artillery renaissance
European governments have ordered nearly 1,400 self-propelled howitzers and more than 400 multiple-launch rocket systems since 2022 as lessons from Ukraine reshape long-range fires requirements across the continent.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Nordic CV90 contract to be signed this year as best offer submitted
The four-nation Nordic Programme to buy BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 MkIV tracked vehicles is an ambitious effort for the partner countries to buy almost identical vehicles and is worth billions of dollars.