Elbit Systems presents a variety of unmanned aircraft from the Skylark and Hermes families

The company recently unveiled the systems at an event for journalists that took place in Haifa

Elbit Systems is a leader in the global drone market. Its drone families currently play a central role in the global war on terror. Armies and internal security forces around the world benefit from the advanced capabilities of drones that are able to face sophisticated challenges that could only be dealt with in the past using manned aircraft.

Hermes 900
The Hermes 900 is based on its main features and the rich operational experience gained by the Hermes 450, plus advantages such as a longer stay, the ability to carry larger loads (up to 300 kg) and the ability to see even in difficult weather conditions.
The Hermes 900 made a successful first flight in December 2009 and upon completion of further test flights will go into serial production.

Hermes 900 offers the following advanced capabilities:

The autonomous take-off and landing system has flexibility for a wide variety of configurations and platforms
Simultaneous control of two UAV systems at any time, using two different communication systems by the Universal Control and Control Carriage (UGCS) of Elbit Systems.
Innovative avionics and electronics systems, engine for silent operation, radio air traffic control (ATC) system, radio interface and IFF transmitter.
Technological capabilities and innovative applications that include: electro-optical systems and laser designators, electronic intelligence sensors COMINT, ELINT. The system includes line-of-sight communication and satellite communication.

Hermes 90

A new model of an unmanned aircraft system - Hermes 90. The system is based on the main features and the rich operational experience of the two families of unmanned aircraft of Elbit Systems: Skylark and Hermes. Among the main features of the Hermes 90: high survivability, extended stay of up to 18 hours, operating range of up to 100 km, point launch and the ability to land on normal dirt surfaces without the need for special infrastructure and the ability to carry a variety of munitions. The system enables connectivity with any ICT system (C4I) for quick information sharing and effective coordination between the forces operating in the field. These features make the Hermes 90 system suitable for a variety of military applications and especially for the use of maneuver forces, and in addition - for internal security missions and other civilian applications. The Hermes 90 system operates day and night, including in difficult weather conditions. The small dimensions of the system allow it to be carried on two light all-terrain vehicles (such as a Humvee) and deployed in the field easily and in a short time by a team of 3-2 people. The system includes an advanced ground station for command, control and mission operation, which is installed on one of the all-terrain vehicles.

Hermes 450
An advanced tactical UAV that serves as the main axis of the IDF's activity in the war on terror, as well as the first UAV in Israel to complete the licensing process and receive a civilian flight number. The Hermes 450 is an advanced tactical UAV, the fruit of original development by Elbit Systems, equipped with avionics systems that enable autonomous flight and precise GPS navigation. The UAV's electro-optical beam and the advanced communication system allow the discovery and identification of targets and the transmission of images to a ground station in real time. The Hermes 450 UAV can carry a payload with a maximum weight of 150 kg, its operational flight altitude is 18,000 feet and it can stay in the air for up to 20 hours of flight. The Hermes 450 and an array of UAVs based on this platform are in operational activity in the IDF since years In the last Lebanon War, they participated in a large number of operational sorties and proved their capabilities in continuous action, over time, in difficult operating conditions while demonstrating great efficiency in carrying out the mission, efficient operation and achieving the required objectives. 450 operate operationally in various armies also in other combat arenas in the world such as in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the great satisfaction of the customers.

Skylark I-LE of Elbit Systems was selected by the IDF in the IDF's regimental UAV tender - "Sky and Earth", after a long examination process which included a practical test to meet strict requirements which the IDF formulated on the basis of rich operational experience. The basis of the tender is the wide provision of mini-UAVs for all IDF ground arm battalions, as well as training and logistical support. The mini-UAV is based on the cumulative experience acquired during thousands of operational flight hours of Skylark I, in a variety of combat arenas, including in Israel, Iraq and Afghanistan. Drones from this family have been used by the IDF in recent years in ongoing security missions and even took an operational part in the Second Lebanon War.
Unique features have been added to the improved drone that substantially improve its operational capabilities and give the IDF a sophisticated and advanced drone.

Skylark II
Skylark II is a mini-UAV system designed to carry out tasks of intelligence gathering, observation and target marking for a range of more than 60 km. The electrically powered pilot is able to operate silently, day and night, stay in the air for a long time and operate optimally even in difficult weather conditions. The system is simple to operate and is operated by a team of only two operators. The Skylark II system includes aircraft and a ground station and is operated from an all-terrain vehicle that includes a launcher and a dual command and control station. The system is suitable for performing advanced visual intelligence tasks for both military applications and homeland security tasks.
For the Skylark II electric drive, the pedometer installed on it is the microcompass, an advanced and multi-capable pedometer manufactured by Elbit Electro Optics-Allop Systems (day sensor and cooled sensor and night, laser pointer and tracker) as well as advanced digital communication manufactured by Tadiran Specterlink.
Skylark II relies on the extensive operational experience gained by Skylark I, which is in operational use among many customers around the world.