Elbit Systems is bringing a vast selection of UAV and electronic surveillance technology to Paris. It wants to highlight some of its latest developments and the synergies between the group’s companies.
Key technology on display includes a variety of UAVs and two of its advanced electro-optical payloads : the compact multi-purpose advanced stabilised system (CoMPASS) and a smaller version called MicroCoMPASS.
The Hermes 450 UAV on display is in Watchkeeper configuration for the UK’s tactical UAV programme. Elbit is developing this in conjunction with defence prime Thales. The Hermes 450 also plays a fundamental part of the Israel Defence Force’s (IDF) primary UAV system.
It is a versatile, long-endurance UAV equipped with the gimballed CoMPASS electro-optical/infrared/laser designation (EO/IR/LD) payload. Hermes 450 is able to complete a diverse range of missions in an autonomous manner, controlled by the universal ground control system (UGCS), which allows a high degree of mission automation and operation of the vehicle and the sensor packages.
Hermes 1500 is a bigger member of the family and as such is a twin-engine medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV. Capable of a maximum take-off weight of 1,750kg (3,858lb) and a maximum altitude in excess of 30,000ft (9,144m) for more than 24 hours in both day and night conditions. It can carry a maximum payload of 400kg (882lb) with both line-of-sight and SATCOM data links.
Elbit’s Skylark is a family of electrically propelled covert close-range UAVs that provide intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and tactical reconnaissance (ISTAR) in both open and urban areas. The Skylark I is a small man-portable system that can be used for very close range ‘beyond-the-hill’ missions. Specifically designed for anti-terror applications, it has the ability to perform in poor weather.
Skylark II is suited to a slightly longer operating radius, in excess of 50km. Equipped with a silent electronic engine it is designed to operate from the HUMVEE class of field vehicles.
Source: Flight Daily News
