The Hermes 450 is a drone designed for long-range tactical operations within reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering units of the Israeli army. It is a medium-sized drone that can operate continuously for up to 20 hours. This drone is manufactured by "Silver Arrow," a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, and is the third largest drone in the Hermes family, which also includes Hermes 90, Hermes 180, and Hermes 1500.
The Hermes 450 can carry a payload of 150 kg and stay airborne for 20 hours at altitudes of up to 18,000 feet, powered by a 52-horsepower engine built by the British company UEL with propeller propulsion. This drone features a long single wing and an upward tail made from lightweight materials that facilitate its mission, allowing it to fly freely. It operates within a highly encrypted electronic mechanism that makes it difficult to breach its systems during flight.
**Equipment:**
The drone is equipped with electrical and optical devices for standard vision, in addition to infrared capabilities and a local radar that allows it to capture images at night and in poor weather conditions. The aircraft transmits the images and information it collects directly to a ground station in real-time. It intercepts all types of wireless signals and relays them to the Israeli National Security Agency’s signaling intelligence (SIGINT) station.
It can carry various types of missiles and bombs that have been developed to be released through two methods: "vertical drop and semi-guided launch," but these munitions are limited to a specific weight.
**General Characteristics:**
- Wing Length: 10.5 meters
- Length: 6.1 meters
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 450 lbs
- Maximum Payload Weight: 150 lbs
- Price: 2 million dollars
- Range: 200 km (ground surveillance); over 1000 km for satellite positioning/activation of autonomy
- Flight Duration: 20 hours
- Maximum Speed: 95 km/h
- Cruise Speed: 70 km/h
- Climb Rate: 900 feet/minute
- Propulsion: Engine (AR-80-1010) with 52 horsepower and propeller
