New mission capabilities for Elbit Hermes 450 UAV
Elbit Systems' Hermes 450 has been a major player in counter-terrorism operations for years. The Hermes 450 now provides new additional features that enhance its mission effectiveness and range of operational capabilities:
The air vehicle is equipped with a modified engine that enables increased flight altitudes up to 20,000 ft, capabilities to take off from higher altitudes, quieter operation and the capability to carry more payload weight.
The Hermes 450 is now equipped with automatic take-off and landing, enhanced with an automatic taxiing and braking system.
In addition, the communication data link range is extended to 250 km allowing for better operational flexibility, to provide a much larger coverage area for ISTAR missions.
In terms of mission capabilities, the system features COMINT mission capabilities in addition to the EO/IR and laser marker capabilities for effective ISTAR operations.
The system has a solid performance record and is the primary UAV system for the Israel Defense Forces and was selected for the UK’s Watchkeeper programme, the largest such programme in Europe. It is used extensively with armies worldwide, including in active war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. So far, the Hermes 450 has accumulated over 150,000 operational flight hours with an exceptional reliability record – the system holds the best record among all operational UAV systems worldwide for a low mishap rate due to its unique design architecture.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
First flights of Rattler Supersonic Target prove successful
The US Department of Defense (DoD), along with QinetiQ, successfully conducted the first flights of the Rattler Supersonic Target MkI marking a significant advance in supersonic target technology.
-
Dedrone supplies CUAS systems to Ukraine and increases signal library
Dedrone has announced a strategic expansion via 16 new governmental contracts as the US-based CUAS company continued to develop its drone countermeasure technologies.
-
Baykar’s Akıncı UCAV completes live firing trials over the Black Sea
The Turkish company’s advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle demonstrated its capabilities during successful live firing trials.
-
Iranian UAV threat leaves Israel’s defence industry searching for answers
Iran has continued to invest heavily in its drone-building capacity, supplying Russia and Iranian proxies throughout the Middle East, leading defence experts in Israel to call for more defensive solutions be developed to deter the threat from UAVs.
-
Emgepron and Tidewise team up to develop first ‘made-in-Brazil’ USV
Brazil's Emgepron and Tidewise have partnered to construct the Suppressor unmanned surface vessel by 2025 amid potential interest from the Brazilian Navy.
-
Autonomous navigation drives UUVs proliferation in the Indo-Pacific
The US Department of Defence has teamed up with Anduril Industries to develop advanced AI-driven long-range uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), countering China’s escalating UUV advancements.