UVision's Hero-120 loitering munition demonstrated for Arctic combat
UVision has tested the Hero-120 in Arctic conditions. (Photo: UVision)
The company said the demonstration was ‘attended by representatives from several leading defence forces with Arctic warfare capabilities'.
‘This evaluation was the concluding phase of a lengthy process, which included earlier test flights in the region, as well as extensive laboratory environmental tests, simulating the extreme temperatures, winds and humidity conditions of the Arctic winter.’
With an unsubtle nod to the current geopolitical climate in eastern Europe the company also said: ‘The harsh-weather operational effectiveness addresses not only the specific needs of military forces operating in the Arctic, but also the broader north and east of Europe.’
During the evaluation the Hero-120 was successfully tested on both day and night missions for operating in challenging conditions, including extreme low temperatures, heavy snow, strong winds, humidity, ice-forming flight conditions, low clouds and limited visibility.
Unveiled at Paris Air Show 2019, Hero-120 is a loitering munition system is fitted with a 4.5kg warhead and is designed to carry out strikes against mid-range targets such as vehicles, tanks, concrete fortifications and personnel with minimal collateral damage.
It is in service with US forces and Argentina as well as an undisclosed Asian customer.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Organic Precision Fire - Mounted (OPF-M) [USMC]
Long-Range Attack Munition (LRAM) [USMC]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Dedicated drone munitions could unlock modular mission potential
Top attacks have proven effective against heavily armoured vehicles in Ukraine. A new family of uncrewed aerial system-delivered munitions is looking to press that advantage further.
-
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.