Elbit Systems' Hermes 45 Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS) will be making its first appearance at the Company's static display area (A-8) in the upcoming Paris Airshow 2019.

Hermes 45 STUAS (Picture source: Elbit Systems)

Hermes 45 offers a unique combination of extended range and duration with point launch and recovery, to and from land and maritime platforms thus enhancing Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities at the brigade and division levels and also for naval squadron units.

Hermes 45 features flight range of 200 km or an extended Beyond Line of Sight range (via Satellite Communication) and an internal payload bay that supports multi-payload operation, including EO/IR, Marine-Radar, Terrain Dominance, Electronic Warfare (EW) and communications. The Hermes 45 is operated by a two-person crew, launched from a short onboard platform rail, and is recovered by an automated spot landing system.

The new system has a blended wing design with a combustion engine driving a pusher propeller. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 65 kg, including a payload capacity of up to 15 kg, and can simultaneously operate with up to three payloads.

According to Elbit Systems, the Hermes 45 is primarily intended for ISR missions. Its payloads will include, among others, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, maritime radar, and electronic and signals intelligence systems.

The new member of the Hermes family has an operational ceiling of 15,000 ft. and can be controlled out to a range of 250 km. Operated by a two-person crew, the UAS can also utilize a satellite communications system.

Elad Aharonson, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR Division, commented: "The Hermes 45 is important addition to our wide portfolio of UAS ranging from MALE to multi-rotor. The exceptional level of operational experience together with continuous innovation, enable us to enhance our customers capabilities in every domain of engagement."