Extended-Range Loitering System strikes target with precision
UVision Air Ltd., a global pioneer of lethal aerial loitering systems of all sizes, in December 2017 successfully demonstrated its HERO-400EC extended-range loitering system for a strategic customer. The demonstration, which took place in southern Israel, proved the tracking and lock-on capabilities of the system using a moving vehicle and a human target in various operational scenarios as well as its mission-abort capabilities. The ability to strike a target with great precision was also demonstrated.
“The demonstration we recently carried out for a strategic customer proved the remarkable capabilities of our HERO-400EC system,” Noam Levitt, CEO of UVision, explains. “This system incorporates a high level of both precision attack and ISR capabilities. The system is simple to operate and allows field forces to quickly respond with the ability to eliminate any immediate threat that arises.”
The HERO-400EC features a new electric motor that delivers high-speed transit and low-speed loitering with low acoustic and thermal signatures, thus improving stealth. The aerodynamic cruciform design delivers high precision terminal engagement accuracy against static and moving targets or targets in confined urban environments, thus reducing collateral damage, according to the company.
The HERO-400EC is optimised for the loitering munition role, where the deployable wings allow for any angle of attack, and delivers missile-level pinpoint strike capabilities. The multi-purpose, 10kg warhead (tandem, high explosive) allows engagement of a broad range of targets, including fortified positions and main battle tanks. The system is 2.1m in length, has a wing-span (tip-to-tip) of 2.4m, and has a maximum take-off weight of 40 kilogrammes.
The 400EC retains a stabilised electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) payload, a line-of-sight two-way data link with a range of 40km-150km, a man-in-the-loop capability, and two-hour endurance. An advanced abort capability enables automatic re-entry into the loitering mode, mission re-assignment or return to the recovery area using a parachute. Operational altitude is 18,000ft with loitering/transit speeds of 50-150 knots. Controlled by a single operator, the HERO-400EC can be either rail-launched or launched from a modular multi-tube canister which can be integrated on the user’s platform of choice.
“There are a number of tenders and programs for precise long-range loitering munitions systems and we are confident that our system, which is a leader in its category with proven high-level capabilities, will be a serious competitor,” Mr. Levitt added.
The HERO family includes eight systems designed for assorted tasks at various ranges. HERO systems enable high-speed transit flight and low-speed loitering, depending on the tactical or strategic needs of the mission – handling moving targets, moving light-duty vehicles, tanks, and other strategic objectives. The HERO systems may be provided in the ISR configuration, enabling the use of the platform as a means for gathering intelligence – or as a missile, enabling precision attacks on targets, using warheads of various types and weights.
The HERO family can carry out pinpoint strikes in urban areas or remote locations, with minimal collateral damage. In cases where an attack is aborted, HERO systems can be recalled and another target selected. With extremely low noise and thermal signature, these systems integrate highly advanced stabilized Electro-Optics day/night cameras and are ideal for deployment from air, land and sea.
