Elbit Systems Introduces Hermes 650 Spark: Next-Gen Tactical Drone for Diverse Applications
Defense News ,Israel :- Israeli company Elbit Systems has recently revealed its latest drone, the Hermes 650 Spark, designed to tackle the changing needs of the aerospace and defense industries.
The Hermes 650 is the newest member of the Hermes family and stands out for its advanced multi-mission capabilities, flexibility, and resilience. This tactical drone, equipped with Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) features, offers increased payload capacity, extended range, higher flight speed, improved endurance, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Elbit describes the Hermes 650 as a modern, autonomous, and digital Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) designed to cater to various operational requirements in the Air, Land, Sea, Homeland Security (HLS), and civilian sectors.
The company highlights the drone's substantial payload capacity, facilitated by generously sized payload bays. This capability enables the Hermes 650 Spark to carry various payload configurations without compromising its flight endurance.
Elbit emphasizes comprehensive design considerations aimed at minimizing the Life Cycle Cost (LCC), ensuring cost-effective mission execution. The UAS adheres to top-notch safety, survivability, and immunity standards, incorporating modern autonomous and predictive maintenance practices to contribute to a low Life Cycle Cost.
The Hermes 650 Spark is engineered for versatility and reliability, excelling in medium altitude long endurance aerial missions. It features automatic takeoff and landing (ATOL) and auto-taxi capability from short runways.
With an impressive 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 boasts an extended endurance lasting up to 24 hours.
Hermes 650 Spark specifications
- Maximum takeoff weight: 650 kg (1,433 lb)
- Payload capacity: 260 kg (573 lb)
- Service ceiling: 22,000 ft (6,706 m)
- Maximum speed: 120 knots (222 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 100 knots (185 km/h)
- Loiter speed: 55 knots (102 km/h)
- Endurance: 24 hours
- Engine: 100 hp (75 kW) aviation-certified engine
- Propeller: Three-blade tractor propeller
- Wingspan: 10.5 m (34.4 ft)
- Length: 7.1 m (23.3 ft)
- Height: 2.2 m (7.2 ft)
Here are some of the key features of the Hermes 650 Spark:
- Modular design: The Hermes 650 Spark has a modular design that allows it to be easily configured for different missions. It has two main payload bays and six hardpoints that can be used to carry a variety of sensors and other equipment.
- Long-endurance: The Hermes 650 Spark has a long endurance of up to 24 hours, which allows it to stay on station for extended periods of time.
- High payload capacity: The Hermes 650 Spark has a high payload capacity of 260 kg, which allows it to carry a variety of sensors and other equipment.
- All-weather operation: The Hermes 650 Spark is capable of operating in harsh weather conditions, making it a versatile tool for a variety of missions.
- Autonomous operation: The Hermes 650 Spark is capable of autonomous operation, which allows it to fly missions without human intervention.
