For nearly a decade, Elbit Systems engineers have been diligently working on creating the first civilized Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Before long, we might all witness the fruit of their labor gracefully hovering above us
Picture this: you’re on a romantic trip to Paris, basking in the cool European weather. You find yourself seated on a hill that offers a mesmerizing view of the majestic Eiffel Tower. As you soak in the beauty of the moment, you suddenly spot an odd flying object in the background.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? The shape resembles an aircraft, but it lacks windows and appears to be devoid of passengers. So, what could it possibly be? Well, folks, it’s none other than an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, an aerial machine without a pilot aboard. But hold on, why on earth is it hovering over unsuspecting civilians in the middle of the day? Let’s unravel the mystery, shall we?
Over the last decade, Elbit Systems UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) business unit has been diligently working to ensure that their, the Hermes 900, can soar over any city in the world, just like a regular commercial airplane.
This legislation and standardization process heralds a new chapter in civil aviation, where drones become an integral part of the aerial landscape above us.
Replanning a New Model
Many of our readers might wonder about the potential purpose of a UAV in a civilized area. While UAVs were initially developed as military tools, their applications extend far beyond that. Embracing this technology can prove incredibly valuable in supporting law enforcement’s current objectives and various civilian services aimed at safeguarding public well-being in the community.
Now, picture the daunting task of securing a football match with over 25,000 people gathered closely together in one space – a complex challenge, no doubt. However, utilizing a UAV could enhance the efficiency of this endeavor and many others. For instance, combating massive forest fires becomes more manageable with the aid of a surveillance aircraft hovering approximately 30,000 feet above the ground.
Meet the Hermes 900 Starliner, a remarkable derivative of the legendary Hermes 900, also known as the Israeli Air Force’s “Kochav” UAV. Despite sharing its father’s name, this unmanned aircraft stands as an entirely distinct creation. The engineers behind its conception and the arduous journey towards civil licensing firmly assert that it bears no similarities to its predecessor.
“We had to reimagine a new model,” admits Amir, VP of Business Development in the UAS International Marketing division. “Merely replacing parts wouldn’t cut it; the entire thought process and planning had to be reevaluated,” he adds.
Double Safety Features
What is so special about the Hermes 900 Starliner? you may ask. “It has to match every aspect of safety required for civilized air travel,” explains Omer, a former UAV operator in the Israeli Air Force and a current Business Development Officer in Elbit Systems.
He demonstrated all the double-safety features regular airplanes must hold before taking off: a proper DAA (Detect and Avoid) system, robust and bug-free software, frost-resistant wings and propellors, improved satellite and radar abilities, and so on. The meticulous attention to safety ensures that the Hermes 900-Starliner is ready for various airborne challenge.
“We must demonstrate to the various global associations responsible for issuing standardization certificates that the likelihood of someone getting hurt or, god forbid, losing their life due to the Hermes 900 Starliner’s flight is incredibly close to zero,” says Amir.
With the completion of the final steps and the long-awaited certification for the Hermes 900-Starliner secured, it can now take flight and gracefully traverse regions that were previously beyond its reach in history. “The success of our unwavering efforts is a testament to Elbit Systems’ leading position in this field,” Amir concludes.
So, if you happen to spot a windowless plane gracefully gliding through the skies someday in the near future, remember that it all began with the dedicated efforts of Elbit System’s ingenious engineers. Their relentless work and innovation have paved the way for this remarkable advancement in civil aviation.