Unmanned drones are the future of search and rescue operations worldwide, and Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 may very well be the most promising project yet.
UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) recently completed a series of trial flights of the Hermes 900, an unmanned drone used for rescue operations.
The MCA aims to enhance the quality and proficiency of the Hermes 900, and fortunately, the tests were successful steps towards more efficient search and rescue operations. Besides, thanks to the drone’s autonomous capabilities, the aircraft also significantly reduces the risk to personnel in the field.
The Hermes 900 is equipped with a Search & Rescue-specific radar, an automatic identification system, satellite communication, and a radio beacon that can show its position and EO/IR (electro-optical/infra-red) payload system. Thanks to these advanced systems, the Hermes 900 may become one day of the most efficient unmanned SaR drone on the market.
All these technologies were under tight scrutiny during the flight demonstration, where the MCA tested the aircraft specifically to improve its SaR and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) capabilities in civilian airspace by replicating shore-line, water, and long-distance ship rescue missions.
“The Hermes 900 is perfectly equipped to deal with the needs of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and we are proud to be able to support them as they continue with their vital, life-saving work,” claimed Martin Fausset, the CEO of Elbit Systems UK.
