The Hermes 650 Spark is a new tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) developed by Israel-based military technology company Elbit Systems to meet the evolving challenges in the aerospace and defence sector.
The advanced and digital UAS is designed to cater to a wide range of operational requirements in air, land, sea, homeland security and civilian applications.
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Hermes 650 Spark is part of the Hermes family of UASs developed by Elbit Systems and is the successor to the Hermes 450 UAS, also known as the IDF ‘Zik’.
Poised to revolutionise multi-domain warfare, the UAS offers a rapid and cost-effective tactical alternative to heavy, expensive drones while achieving the same objectives efficiently.
Hermes 650 Spark tactical UAS design and features
The Hermes 650 Spark is meticulously designed to minimise life cycle costs (LCC) while upholding the highest standards of safety, survivability, and immunity. Enhanced by modern autonomous and predictive maintenance practices, the UAS ensures a low LCC.
The UAS has a maximum takeoff weight of 650kg, a service ceiling of 22,000ft, an endurance of 24 hours, and a speed range of 55kt to 120kt.
It features a wide range of flight speeds, advanced flight modes, and compliance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Standardisation Agreement 4671.
The advanced platform allows for fast deployment and quick turnaround between flights. It features automated pre-flight inspections, and versatile sensors, and requires minimal technical crew and equipment.
Furthermore, the UAS is capable of taking off and landing on short runways, as well as performing auto-taxi functions.
Avionics and engine
The Spark UAS features advanced avionics and infrastructure designed to seamlessly integrate future innovations, including 5G networking, analytics, and smart digital maintenance.
It serves as a “server in the sky” for operators who benefit from real-time data analytics, prognostics, and health management, leveraging AI-based algorithms.
To achieve maximum performance, Elbit selected a more powerful engine than typically used and positioned it at the front of the UAS, mirroring the design of other high-performance aircraft.
Payload capabilities of Hermes 650 Spark UAS
The Hermes 650 Spark’s infrastructure is designed to be compatible with multiple payloads of up to 260kg simultaneously in its modular payload bay, a successful concept borrowed from the Hermes 900 UAS.
It can carry a wide range of technologies, from advanced electro-optics and radar systems to sophisticated signal intelligence capabilities.
The payload capabilities of the UAS include infrared and short-wave infrared sensors, maritime patrol radar, electronic intelligence, communications intelligence, SkEye wide area persistent surveillance and wide-area persistent surveillance. It can also be fitted with air-droppable life rafts.
The Hermes 650 Spark UAS features eight modular storage compartments, including two payload bays in the fuselage and six hardpoints on the wings, which enables it to transport payloads of up to 120kg on full fuel capacity while maintaining full flight endurance.
Mission capabilities of Hermes 650 Spark UAS
The Hermes 650 Spark UAS is a forward-looking and adaptable solution, capable of handling diverse mission scenarios.
The UAS enhances its operational flight envelope with advanced multi-mission capabilities, increased versatility, and improved survivability.
Equipped with medium altitude long endurance capabilities, the UAS excels in medium-altitude, long-duration aerial missions.
In addition, the UAS has an unlimited beyond line-of-sight (LOS) range and a 300km line-of-sight range. It can undertake long missions within the SATCOM range.
