Silver Arrow has unveiled the medium-altitude endurance (MAE) Hermes 1500 UAV, and the Sniper advanced close range UAV System.
From IAI comes the upgraded Searcher II UAV.
The Hermes 1500 is powered by twin turbo-charged Rotax 75kw (100hp) engines with a high cruise speed of 130kt, and attains a maximum operational altitude of 30,000ft.(9,000m) Take-off weight is 1,500kg and it carries a maximum payload weight of 400kg.
The UAV has a maximum range of 200km and an endurance of more than 40 hours.
A Silver Arrow spokesman says the vehicle is ideal to meet image and intelligence requirements for defence forces, supplying real-time battlefield data around the clock.
It can also be used for other activities such as coastal patrol, monitoring of fishing and ecological contamination.
The Sniper system, on the other hand, is geared to support operational activities of forward ground and special forces.
It is designed primarily to carry electronic payloads such as SIGNET, EW and NBC detectors.
It has a nominal take-off weight is 150kg, can carry a payload of 25kg, and has a mission radius of 50km.
Range
However, the aerodynamic and structural configuration and engine performance enable both payload and range to be increased to 45kg and 150km, respectively. Maximum velocity is 100kt and ceiling is 15,000ft (4,500m) The Searcher II, with improved capacity, is capable of carrrying multiple payloads (standard and/or custom furnished) with a total fuel and payload weight of 210kg.
The Searcher II is based on the proven design of the Searcher I which is already operational in several countries.
The new model is distinctive from its predecessor in the larger, swept wings and a new, more powerful 62kw (83hp) engine.
The new design raises the operational ceiling to 20,000ft (6,000m) and extends endurance up to 18 hours.
Source: Flight Daily News
