Israel’s new Hermes 650 drone is cheap and has a large payload
Elbit Systems has now officially launched its highly versatile unmanned aerial system (UAS), the low-cost Hermes 650 “Spark.”
Israel's Elbit Systems has just announced its newest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Hermes 650. The new Hermes 650 drone offers next-generation multi-mission capabilities, increased versatility, and improved survivability, building on the success of previous models such as the Hermes 450 and Hermes 900.
"The launch of our Hermes 650 Spark marks an important milestone for Elbit Systems. This cutting-edge UAS, built on decades of market leadership, underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and providing exceptional capabilities to our global partners,” said Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace.
The Hermes 650, nicknamed "Spark," is an advanced and digital autonomous unmanned aerial system catering to various operational needs. It can be used in air, land, and sea, Homeland Security (HLS), and civilian applications. The drone's large payload bays allow for high payload capacity, making it possible to have multiple payload configurations without affecting flight endurance.
Elbit Systems explains that the primary objective of the Hermes 650's design is to minimize the overall cost of the unmanned aerial system's life cycle while ensuring cost-effective mission performance. The system guarantees the highest safety, survivability, and immunity standards, complemented by state-of-the-art autonomous and predictive maintenance practices. These practices ultimately contribute to a low life-cycle cost.
Israel's latest drone is here
Designed for versatility and reliability, it excels in medium-altitude long-endurance missions. It features automatic takeoff and landing (ATOL) and auto-taxi capabilities from short runways.
Described by Elbit Systems as a next-generation drone, the Hermes 650 has Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) capabilities, enabling exceptional payload capacity, range, speed, and efficiency.
The Hermes 650 is an outstanding unmanned aerial system with exceptional operational capabilities. It is engineered to be versatile and reliable and excels in medium altitude, long endurance aerial missions. One of its remarkable features is the automatic takeoff and landing (ATOL) system and its auto-taxi capability from short runways.
The UAS has a useful load of 575 pounds (260 kg), with eight modular storage stations that can accommodate large payload bays in the fuselage and six hard points on the wings. This allows it to carry payloads up to 265 pounds (120 kg) on full fuel capacity while maintaining flight endurance.
The drone is NATO Standardized Agreement (STANAG) 4671 complaint, which is the UAV SYSTEM Airworthiness requirements. This standard is intended to allow military Unmanned aerial vehicles to operate in other NATO members' airspace.
The drone meets NATO standards
The system's multi-payload capability integrates high-quality electro-optics (EO), radar, SIGINT, and other advanced functionalities. It can execute long missions within the SATCOM range and has an extended endurance lasting up to 24 hours.
Elbit's Hermes drone system is utilized in numerous countries, such as the Philippines, Switzerland, the European Union, and Canada. The Thai army bought Elbit Systems’ Hermes 450 drones 2017 and upgraded to the Hermes 900 in 2022.
Elbit Systems, founded in 1966, is now Israel's leading supplier and exporter of drones and land-based military equipment.
"I am confident that this new addition to our diverse and innovative aerospace defense portfolio will further solidify our commitment to advancing defense technology, ensuring security, and meeting the dynamic needs of the modern battlefield," Shmuely added.
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