Elbit Systems launches new UAS

Elbit Systems has unveiled the Hermes 650 Spark, a tactical UAS designed to meet the evolving challenges of the aerospace and defence industries. As the latest addition to the highly acclaimed Hermes family, the Hermes 650 Spark expands the operational flight envelope with next-generation multi-mission capability, versatility, and survivability. The tactical UAS with Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) capabilities delivers exceptional payload capacity with increased range, flight speed, endurance, and operational efficiency. This next-generation, autonomous, and digital UAS is designed to meet diverse operational needs across Air, Land, Sea, Homeland Security (HLS), and civilian applications. With its high payload capacity facilitated by exceptional large payload bays, the Hermes 650 Spark allows for multi-payload configurations without compromising flight endurance. The comprehensive design considerations focus on minimising the Life Cycle Cost (LCC), ensuring cost-effective mission performance. The UAS upholds the highest standards of safety, survivability, and immunity, complemented by modern, autonomous, and predictive maintenance practices, ultimately contributing to a low Life Cycle Cost. The Hermes 650 Spark tactical UAS stands out for its exceptional operational capabilities. Engineered for versatility and reliability, it excels in medium altitude long endurance aerial missions, thanks to features like automatic takeoff and landing (ATOL) and auto-taxi capability from short runways. With a remarkable useful load of 260kg, the UAS boasts eight modular storage stations, accommodating large payload bays in the fuselage and six hard points on the wings. This allows it to carry payloads up to 120kg on full fuel capacity without compromising flight endurance. The system’s multi-payload capability integrates high-quality electro-optics (EO), radar, SIGINT, and other advanced functionalities simultaneously. It has the ability to execute long missions within SATCOM range and has an extended endurance lasting up to 24 hours. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]