Elbit Systems has been selected to supply its Hermes 900 unmanned aircraft system to the Chilean defence forces.
The choice was made after the nation’s air force and army evaluated the type and Israel Aerospace Industries rival Heron. Elbit declined to confirm the report, saying it “does not refer to rumours. We report only after a contract is signed”. However, if finalised, a sale would represent the first export success for its Hermes 900.
Developed from the smaller Hermes 450, which has accumulated more than 190,000 flight hours, the design features a 15m (49ft) wingspan and has a maximum take-off weight of 1,100kg (2,420lb). It is capable of performing long-endurance missions at altitudes above 30,000ft.
Source: Flight Global