Elbit Systems has introduced a lifesaving capability to its Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol UAS.

The Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol UAS can now perform long-range maritime Search and Rescue (SaR) missions thanks to the integration of detection and identification capabilities, onboard inflated life-rafts, and a precision dispatch capability. 

A version of this UAS with these configurations was recently delivered to an undisclosed customer in South-East Asia.

Elbit Systems notes that the SaR capabilities of manned aircraft are degraded greatly by adverse weather conditions and short endurance, which oftentimes prevents them from executing their missions.

The Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol can fly for more than 24 hours continuously. It can also operate in adverse weather conditions during the day, as well as at night. With the new SaR capability, the UAS can increase the number of SaR missions that can be safely executed and improve the safety and effectiveness of maritime SaR response, Elbit Systems says. 

The Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol UAS can carry up to four, six-person life-rafts that are integrated on its wings. It detects survivor situations using an onboard maritime radar.

Upon detection, the drone’s Electro-Optic/Infra-Red (EO/IR) payload is deployed to provide visual identification, and a rapid calculation of the drop-point is performed. This allows the UAS to dispatch life rafts from a low-altitude of 600 feet to a pin-pointed location at a safe distance from the survivors. After dispatch, a gradual inflation process of the life-rafts is initiated, and it is completed upon landing.

Since 2015, the Hermes 900 Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAS has been operating with the Israeli Air Force. Other customers that have selected the UAS include Brazil, Chile and the UK.