Chilean Navy Considers Hermes 900 Deal

The Chilean navy is evaluating a possible procurement of Elbit Systems' Hermes 900 tactical unmanned air vehicle for maritime patrol tasks.

In 2011 Elbit won a contract to supply Hermes 900 systems to the Chilean armed forces, with the nation's air force currently operating three UAVs on strategic reconnaissance missions. One of these is equipped with a maritime search radar. Santiago selected the type after a competition also involving the Israel Aerospace Industries Heron.

A larger system based on Elbit's combat-proven Hermes 450, the Hermes 900 has a maximum take-off weight of 1,100kg (2,420lb), including a payload capacity of up to 300kg. With a 15m (49.2ft) wingspan, the type can be flown to an altitude of more than 30,000ft (9,140m).
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