Elbit Hermes 450
Summary
| Category | Drone |
| Origin country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| First flight | 1 January 1994 |
| Year of introduction | 1998 |
| Number produced | units |
Description
The Hermes 450 is a versatile medium-altitude, long-endurance tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufactured by Israeli firm Elbit Systems. With its long, slender fuselage and inverted v-tail, the 450 has a distinctive appearance for a UAV. It has a wingspan of 10.5 meters and length of 6.1 meters, capable of carrying a maximum payload of 150 kg for over 17 hours.
Powered by a single rotary engine, the 450 has a maximum speed of 167 km/h and a service ceiling of 5500 meters. It can be launched automatically via catapult and land autonomously. The drone features modular design and low acoustic, radar, and infrared signatures.
The Hermes 450's sensor and payload suite includes electro-optical, thermal, radar, communications intelligence, and electronic intelligence systems. This allows it to carry out intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. The data links are encrypted for secure communications.
Operated extensively by Israel, the 450 has seen combat use in Afghanistan and Iraq. Over 50 countries now operate the system. Its long endurance, modular payload options, and automated takeoff and landing make the Hermes 450 a versatile tactical UAV for both military and civilian applications.
Technical specifications
| Version: Hermes 450 | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 300 km (186 mi) |
| Endurance | 17 hours |
| Maximum speed | 176 km/h (109 mph) |
| Wingspan | 10.5 m (34.4 ft) |
| Length | 6.1 m (20.0 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 5500 m (18045 ft) |
| Empty weight | 450 kg (992 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 550 kg (1213 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 4.6 m/s (15.1 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 1 UAV R802/902(W) Wankel engine, 39 kW |
All operators
Azerbaijan • Brazil • Botswana • Colombia • United Kingdom • Georgia • Israel • Mexico • North Macedonia • Philippines • Singapore • Thailand • United States • Zambia
Photo of Hermes 450
