The Elbit Systems Hermes 900 Kochav
(Star)[3] is an Israeli medium-size, multi-
payload, medium-altitude long-endurance
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for
tactical missions. It is a sequel to the Hermes
450 series of drones, one of the most widely
used military drones in the world.
It has an endurance of over 30 hours and can fly
at a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet (9,100 m),
with a primary mission
of reconnaissance, surveillance and
communications relay. The Hermes 900 has a
wingspan of 15 m (49 ft) and weighs 970 kg
(2,140 lb), with a payload capability of 300 kg
(660 lb).[4] Payload options include electro-
optical/infrared sensors, synthetic-aperture
radar/ground-moving target indication,
communications and electronic
intelligence, electronic warfare,
and hyperspectral sensors.[5]
Contents
1Operational history
2Operators
3Specifications
4References
5External links
Operational history[edit]
The Hermes 900 was first used by Israel
during Operation Protective Edge in July 2014.
It had been undergoing test flights and wasn't
planned for operational deployment until late
2015, but it was introduced during the operation
for unique missions that it could perform better
than the Hermes 450. A few days after receiving
orders to deploy the aircraft, one Kochav was
readied for "temporary activity." The Hermes
900's first operational mission took place on July
15, 2014, which was a link in a chain of
operations that eventually led to a fighter jet
attack that destroyed terrorist infrastructure.
Maintenance on the aircraft during the operation
was done by Elbit personnel because IAF
ground teams had not yet been qualified to
perform maintenance on it, and mission stations
had Elbit representatives that guided the
operators during combat flights. Following the
end of the operation, the Hermes 900 returned
to integration and flight testing to pass
milestones that still needed to be met.[6][7] The
Hermes 900 was officially introduced into the
IAF's operational lineup on 11 November 2015.[8]
Operators[edit]
Map with Elbit Hermes 900 operators in blue
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani media reported in August 2017
that Azerbaijan has procured as many as 15
Hermes 900. In May 2018, Azerbaijani
president visited a military base to inspect
military equipment, released photos from the
visit included one Hermes 900.[9]
Brazil
Elbit Systems has been awarded a contract
to supply a Hermes 900 unmanned air
system to the Brazilian air force.[10]
Chile
In July 2011, Elbit reported the first export
sale of its Hermes 900 UAV to the Chilean
Air Force. The Chilean choice followed
evaluation of two classes of UAVs. At the
high end were the Elbit Hermes 900 and IAI
Heron. At the lower (tactical) level were Elbit
Hermes 450, and Aerostar from Aeronautics
Defense Systems.[11] Three Hermes 900
UAVs are operated by the Chilean Air
Force. In October 2013, the Chilean
Navy began evaluating the Hermes 900 for
procurement for maritime patrol tasks.[12]
Colombia
In August 2012, Elbit won a multi-million-
dollar contract to supply a mixed fleet of
Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 unmanned air
systems to Colombia.[13] In July 2013,
the Colombian Air Force confirmed they
have one Hermes 900 on order, to be
accepted in the coming months.[14]
European Union
In September 2018, the Portuguese
company Centro de Engenharia e
Desenvolvimento was contracted to
the European Maritime Safety Agency to
provide long-range, long-endurance
maritime surveillance services using the
Hermes 900.[15][16]
Iceland
Iceland uses Hermes 900 UAV to monitor
its exclusive economic zone.[17]
Israel
The Israeli air force has equipped its Elbit
Systems Hermes 900 unmanned air
vehicles with undisclosed specialist
payloads, and formally named the type
"Kochav" (Star).[18] The UAV made its first
operational flight during "Protective Edge"
operation in Gaza in July 2014.[19]
Mexico
In January 2012, Elbit announced it has
been awarded a $50 million contract to
supply two Hermes 900 systems to an
undisclosed customer "in the
Americas",[20][21] later revealed to be
the Mexican Federal Police.[22][23]
Philippines
Maxdefense Philippines and Israel Defense
reported that aside from the four Hermes
450 UAVs, the Philippine Air Force is also
set to acquire three Hermes 900 UAVs, as
well as ground control systems, support
equipment, mission payload, and Integrated
Logistics System (ILS) including training,
technical support, and other requirements,
as part of Horizon 2 of its modernization
program, with delivery expected by
2020.[24][25][26]
Switzerland
In June 2014 Switzerland's procurement
agency selected the Hermes 900 to meet
the nation's requirement. The design had
been in competition with IAI Heron to
replace the RUAG Ranger UAV (ADS 95)
currently in service with the Swiss Air Force.
Six Hermes 900 (ADS 15) will replace the
15 Ruag Rangers by 2019.[27][28].
Specifications[edit]
Elbit Hermes 900 UAV
Data from Defense Update[29]
General
characteristics
Crew: 2 on ground
Capacity: 350 kg
(770 lb) payload
Length: 8.3 m (27 ft 3 in)
Wingspan: 15 m (49 ft
3 in)
Gross weight: 1,100 kg
(2,425 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Rotax
914, 86 kW (115 hp)
Performance
Maximum
speed: 220 km/h
(137 mph; 119 kn)
Cruise speed: 112 km/h
(70 mph; 60 kn)
Endurance: 36 hours
Service ceiling: 9,100 m
(30,000 ft)
