Singapore Airshow 2024: Premiere of the Elbit Systems’ Hermes 650 Spark unmanned aerial vehicle

During the Singapore Airshow 2024, scheduled for February 20-25, the Israeli company Elbit Systems presented a new Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, the Hermes 650 Spark.

Photos: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG

This is the latest member of the Hermes unmanned aerial vehicle family, which includes models such as the Hermes 90, Hermes 450, and Hermes 900. The Spark expands the line of autonomous systems with new multi-mission capabilities, versatility, and increased survivability on the battlefield. This autonomous and fully digital next-generation system has been designed to meet diverse operational needs for military forces across all operational domains, internal security agencies, as well as for civilian applications.

Thanks to its large payload facilitated by exceptionally large cargo bays, the Hermes 650 Spark configuration allows for flights with multiple payloads without compromising endurance. It has been designed to minimize life cycle costs while adhering to the highest safety, survivability, and interference resistance standards, complemented by modern, autonomous, and predictive maintenance support practices.

The aircraft features functions such as automatic takeoff and landing (ATOL) from runways as short as 800 meters in length, as well as the capability for automatic taxiing on short runways (below 200 meters).

The aircraft’s maximum payload is 260 kg, consisting of two cargo bays in the fuselage and six underwing hardpoints. A full fuel reserve takes 140 kg, allowing for transporting loads weighing up to 120 kg without compromising endurance. The practical ceiling is 6,705 meters (22,000 feet), and the cruising speed ranges from 102 to 222 km/h (55-120 knots).

The aircraft can simultaneously carry a high-quality electro-optical (EO) sensor, radar, EMERALD AES-212 ESM/ELINT (Electronic Support Measure/Electronic Intelligence) electronic warfare sensor pod, Elisra COMINT/DF (Communications Intelligence/Direction Finding) radio communications intelligence system, and the SkEye WAPS (Wide-Area Persistent Surveillance) omni-directional observation system. It has the capability to execute long-range missions within satellite communication (SATCOM) range and has extended endurance of up to 24 hours.

Yoram Shmuely, general manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace stated:

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. 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.