Elbit Systems has unveiled a large mock-up of the Hermes 900, a development of the original Hermes 450 design. Elbit says that the new, larger, UAV is a tactical MALE UAV system, that will be available for a relatively lower cost than comparable systems.

The Hermes 900 has a maximum take-off weight of 970kg and can carry a 300kg internal payload. The aircraft has a 15m wingspan, and a flight ceiling of 33,000ft. Officials say that the maximum endurance with a minimal payload is 40 hours. According to defence analysts, the system could easily be weaponised. According to Eli Yitzhaki, VP, business development and marketing, the new UAV fills a market requirement for a relatively low-cost MALE system.

The UAV is currently configured to carry synthetic aperture radar and a turret-mounted electro-optic/infra-red sensor. The flight test programme for the system is scheduled to end in April 2008, with first flight tests occurring in November of this year.

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