Elbit Systems has received a contract from an undisclosed Latin American customer to deliver intelligence integrated systems, for homeland security applications.
Valued at $70m, the contract covers the delivery of Elbit’s Hermes 900 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) systems and an intelligence gathering system.
Elbit Systems ISTAR Division general manager Elad Aharonson said: "Since establishing the ISTAR Division, we have witnessed a growing demand for solutions combing a range of intelligence in-house technologies, and we are pleased to be able to supply our customers with our cutting-edge systems, creating a power multiplier."
Delivery under this contract is expected to take place within a year.
Hermes 900 is a medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAS designed for conducting persistent intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations in the battlefield.
The system is primarily used to capture real-time imagery of the battlefield and transmit it to a universal ground control station (UGCS).
Hermes 900 UAS uses multiple sensors and satellite communication (SATCOM) for extended-range data capture and transfer.
Derived from the combat-proven Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the 970kg system is capable of flying at a maximum altitude of 30,000ft, with an endurance of more than 30 hours.
In addition, the system is configured for multiple operations, even under adverse weather conditions and its features include avionics, retractable landing gear and internal automatic take-off and landing systems (IATOL).
Recently, Elbit Systems secured a $78m two-year contract to deliver a UAS-based intelligence solution to an undisclosed European country.
Elbit Systems’ intelligence solution will include advanced multi-sensor payload system (AMPS), which is a multi-sensor electro-optics system that offers long-range visual intelligence for both day and night.
Image: The Hermes 900 UAV. Photo: courtesy of Tal Inbar.
