Elbit Hermes 900

Hermes 900
Role	Unmanned aerial vehicle
National origin	Israel
Manufacturer	Elbit Systems
Designer	Elbit Systems
First flight	December 9, 2009
Status	Ordered
Developed from	Elbit Hermes 450

The Elbit Systems Hermes 900 is an Israeli medium size multi-payload unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for medium altitude long endurance (MALE) tactical missions. It has an endurance of over 30 hours, can fly at a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet, with a primary mission of reconnaissance, surveillance and communications relay. The Hermes 900 has a wingspan of 15 m and weighs 970 kg, with a payload capability of 300 kg.

Operators

Map with Elbit Hermes 900 operators in blue

• Brazil

Elbit Systems has been awarded a contract to supply a Hermes 900 unmanned air system to the Brazilian air force.

• Chile

In July 2011, Elbit reported the first export sale of its Hermes 900 UAV to the Chilean Air Force. The Chilean choice followed evaluation of two classes of UAVs. At the high end were the Elbit Hermes 900 and IAI Heron. At the lower (tactical) level were Elbit Hermes 450, and Aerostar from Aeronautics Defense Systems. Three Hermes 900 UAVs are operated by the Chilean Air Force. In October 2013, the Chilean Navy began evaluating the Hermes 900 for procurement for maritime patrol tasks.

• Colombia

In August 2012, Elbit won a multi-million-dollar contract to supply a mixed fleet of Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 unmanned air systems to Colombia. In July 2013, the Colombian Air Force confirmed they have one Hermes 900 on order, to be accepted in the coming months.

• Israel

The Israeli air force has equipped its Elbit Systems Hermes 900 unmanned air vehicles with undisclosed specialist payloads, and formally named the type "Kochav" (Star). The UAV made its first operational flight during "Protective Edge" operation in Gaza in July 2014.

• Mexico

In January 2012, Elbit announced it has been awarded a $50 million contract to supply two Hermes 900 systems to an undisclosed customer "in the Americas", later revealed to be the Mexican Federal Police.

• Switzerland

In June 2014 Switzerland’s procurement agency selected the Hermes 900 to meet the nation’s requirement. The design had been in competition with IAI Heron to replace the RUAG Ranger UAV currently in service with the Swiss armed forces. Six Hermes 900 will replace the 15 Ruag Rangers by 2019. Switzerland wil use the Hermes under the designation ADS 15.

Specifications

Elbit Hermes 900 UAV

Data from http://defense-update.com/features/2009/december/hermes900_first_flight_091209.html

General characteristics

• Crew: 2 on ground
• Capacity: 300 kg
• Length: 8.3 m (27 ft 3 in)
• Wingspan: 15 m (49 ft 3 in)
• Gross weight: 1,100 kg (2,425 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 914

Performance

• Maximum speed: 220 km/h (137 mph; 119 kn)
• Cruising speed: 112 km/h (70 mph; 60 kn)
• Endurance: 36 hours
• Service ceiling: 9,144 m (30,000 ft)

External links

• Hermes 900 Brochure
• Hermes 900, Elbit Systems
• Hermes 900 MALE Tactical UAV System, Defense Update
• Hermes 900, Israeli-weapons.com