Elbit Hermes 900 (Kochav)

History

The Israeli Elbit Hermes 900 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is an evolution and larger version of the earlier Hermes 450 system (detailed elsewhere on this site). The Hermes 900 is designed to meet the inherent requirements of the mid-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone service currently being sought by many military powers and security forces around the world.

The system is unarmed and designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) roles, and other indirect combat roles on the battlefield, including communications relay. The Hermes 900 vehicle first flew on December 9, 2009, and has been in service on the front lines of the IDF ever since.

Other customers have become Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Switzerland.

The Hermes 900 is the next generation of MALE UAVs whose battlefield capabilities are supported by the installation of advanced sensors, camera equipment and other mission-specific payloads. It is designed for ultra-long dwell times and offers a 36-hour task duration window. Power is provided by a 115 hp Rotaz 914 series engine placed aft of the hull in a "propeller" configuration.

The overall configuration of the aircraft is consistent with existing UAV systems seen elsewhere, including the curved nose section housing system and avionics, chin guard mounted optics, streamlined tubular fuselage and tail mounted engines. The main wing assemblies are long-span straight units, while the only rear wing assemblies are a pair of outwardly sloping fins above the engine ducts.

The landing gear is movable but not retractable.

Hermes 900 operation is via a two-person Ground Control Station (GCS) for existing Hermes 450 series systems. Aircraft performance includes a top speed of 137 mph, a cruising speed of approximately 70 mph, and a listed service limit of 30,000 feet.

Hermes 900 was named "Kochav" ("Star") and served in the Israeli Air Force.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes