2013: Global Success for Elbit UAV’s

2013: Global Success for Elbit UAV’s

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2013 was an especially successful year for Elbit Systems’ unmanned aircraft systems operations, where the Hermes family, particularly the most advanced of the UAV family – the Hermes 900, reported noteworthy achievements.

Photo: Elbit Systems
Photo: Elbit Systems

Hermes UAS production rate was one per week, with dozens of platforms sold to customers in Israel, Europe and Latin America. Hermes 900 systems were delivered to three different customers, including the IDF and two additional customers, which are already gaining invaluable contribution from their operational Hermes 900 systems. Deliveries of two additional Hermes 900 systems are scheduled within the upcoming months.

Deliveries of Hermes 450 UAS continued through 2013, including deliveries for an undisclosed customers that ordered a synergetic UAS system combinig both Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 platforms.

IHLS – Israel Homeland Security

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All Hermes systems were equipped with a broad range of advanced payloads, including SARGMTI and Maritime patrol radars, SIGINT systems and innovative electro-optical systems.

Flight Hours: In all, the Hermes UAS family accumulated over 500 thousand flight hours, eighty five thousand operational flight hours of which were flown by the British Royal Army over Afghanistan and Iraq.mIn fact, at any given moment, there are over 20 Hermes platforms airborne, executing operational duties worldwide.

The Hermes 900 is capable of an extended flight ceiling of over 30,000 ft. with a large internal payload bay that is suitable for carrying a large amount of payloads and is also capable of flying in harsh weather conditions. The UAS allows for autonomous liftoff and landing and to control two platforms, using two ground data terminals under Elbit Systems’ Universal Ground Control Station (UGCS). The Hermes 900 utilizes innovative avionic and electronic systems, such as electro-optical systems and laser pointers, ELINT sensors, COMINT, LOS communications and satellite communications.