Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE: ESLT) reports that it had a breakthrough in its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) business in 2013. It says that, during the year, it began deliveries of its new flagship UAV, the Hermes 900 to three foreign customers, two of which have already put it into service.
Elbit Systems says that it manufactured UAVs at a rate of one a week, allowing the delivery of dozens of units a year to customers worldwide. Most of the UAVs are the latest versions of the Hermes 450 and Hermes 900. During the year, the company delivered Hermes 900s to the Israel Air Force, which is readying them for operations. It already operates the Hermes 450, alongside Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1) Heron and Heron TP UAVs.
The Hermes 900 can fly in extreme weather conditions, has a maximum altitude of over 30,000 feet, and can carry a wide range of payloads to meet its operators' needs. It also has automated take-off and landing capability, and uses the same command and control infrastructure as the Hermes 450.
With the extensive and satisfactory delivery of UAV platforms to customers around the world in 2013, Elbit Systems also notes an increase in the number of specialized payloads which are customized to each UAV for the carrying out of a range of operations in different arenas. These payloads include electronic warfare systems developed by subsidiary Elisra, maritime reconnaissance missions, and a hyperspectral payload for spotting and identifying hazardous materials.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 30, 2014
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