Elbit Unveils Hermes 650 Spark UAV | Aviation International News

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Latest Elbit Hermes UAV Sparks to Life

Hermes 650 multirole UAV boasts a 24-hour endurance

Hermes 650 Spark — Hermes 650 Spark. © David McIntosh/AIN

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

February 20, 2024

Israel’s Elbit Systems has unveiled the latest member of its Hermes uncrewed air vehicle (UAV) family. The Hermes 650 Spark is a multirole UAV designed with tactical versatility in mind—as well as low operating costs. The company says it already has secured one customer on contract, and flight trials commenced in the first quarter of 2023. Full-scale production is about one year away.

Unlike previous Hermes UAVs, the 650 has a front-mounted tractor powerplant. The manufacturer hasn't disclosed the engine model, but it is rated at 120 hp. Elbit describes the Hermes 650 as deliberately “over-powered” to give it greater tactical flexibility, such as an ability to dash to the operational area at relatively high speed—up to 120 knots—before slowing to a loiter speed of 55 knots. The extra power confers good short-field performance on the type, and the aircraft can take off with as little as 200 meters of runway. Its landing run measures about 800 meters.

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