10.11.2015 IAF Site | Translation: Ohad Zeltzer Zubida & Ofri Aharon

It executed hundreds of operational flight hours during Operation "Protective Edge" over Gaza strip, but was grounded immediately upon completion of the operation in order to be fully operationally integrated. A year later, the Hermes 900 ("Kochav" Hebrew for Star) UAV is airborne again and joins the ranks of the UAV Division. "The 'Kochav' will revolutionize the world of unmanned flight"

The IAF's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Division will receive a significant reinforcement this week: tomorrow, the "Kochav" (Hermes 900) UAV will officially become operational and will strengthen the division, which is becoming more and more dominant in the battle field.

In the receiving squadron, the excitement is noticeable. A new aircraft isn't an everyday occasion. The last time was 16 years ago, when the "Hermes 450" UAV - which was then considered a technological wonder - was operationalized.

Try to imagine what has occurred in a decade and a half of technological advancement, add The Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Daniel's quote "The 'Kochav' will revolutionize the world of unmanned flight" and there you have it.

Clearly, most of the new aircraft's interesting details cannot be shared. Its name was upgraded from "Hermes 450" to "Hermes 900", and its abilities have probably not only been doubled.

It is possible to say that we're talking about a major technological step forward that introduces many new capabilities and arenas. A UAV is measured by its ability to bring a large amount of complex systems to the field and carry out numerous missions. So it is possible to say that the "Hermes 900" significant improvements are its carrying capacity and large fuselage that allow the aircraft to carry numerous operational systems simultaneously.

The UAV was designed to carry payloads on its wings, a fact that strengthens its carrying abilities. Its endurance (more than 24 hours, accordingly to the amount of cargo) allows very long and far range missions in only one sortie.

First Operational Activity: Operation "Protective Edge"

Following the beginning of Operation "Protective Edge" in the Summer of 2014, the IAF tried to operationalize as many capabilities as possible, led by the "Hermes 900" as the UAV squadrons flew nonstop during the operation and every aircraft was crucial to the success of the mission.

"A few days after the order, we managed to enable a single 'Kochav' for temporary activity", described Major Amir, the "Kochav" Project Officer in the IAF Headquarters. On July 15, 2014 the UAV took off on its first operational mission in the IAF service, a mission that was a link in a chain of operations that finally led to a fighter jet attack that destroyed terror infrastructure. The "Kochav" flew hundreds of hours during the operation during which it successfully executed the missions assigned to it over 100 times. Simultaneously, it made other UAV's available for activity.

"Operation 'Protective Edge' was the 'Kochav's' 'baptism of fire'", shares Lt. Col. Daniel, the Squadron Commander and proudly notes the partnership and cooperation with "Elbit Systems" the manufacturer of the aircraft, in the reception process. "In the midst of an operation, without an organized reception process, shoulder to shoulder with the 'Elbit' team, the 'Kochav' showed impressive results on every scale".

During the operation, the maintenance of the aircraft was done by "Elbit", because the IAF's ground teams had not yet been qualified to maintain the aircraft, moreover, in the mission stations there were "Elbit" representatives that guided the operators in real time.

In the passing September, the "Kochav's" technical division sent out an independent sortie for the first time and noted a significant mile stone on the way to renewed operational integration.

Not unmanned - manned from afar

The biggest challenge for the squadron today is to absorb a new platform while still conducting operational activities in the squadron. Lt. Col. Daniel understands that it isn't possible to halt activities and the schedule was left unchanged while the reception was conducted.

In a division that continues to expand, as over half of the flight hours in the IAF are conducted by the division, there is not a moment in the day or night that a UAV is not in the sky.

The UAV world is comprised of many layers, however Lt. Col. Daniel would prefer to name it "manned from afar". There is a lot to say about the advancing technologies and although there isn't someone sitting in the cockpit, the squadron is still filled with people and the distance to the battlefield only intensifies the dilemmas.

Lt. Col. Daniel doesn't hesitate to tackle this issue; he himself experienced its complexity in recent operations in Gaza. Something that he emphasizes during UAV training is the necessity to build a set of values that indicate its influence on the future battlefield and the fate of those involved in the arena. When he considers the future, he knows that as technology continues to improve, the division members will be expected to think what appropriate capabilities a "machine" will have and who will hold the relative power.

The division's issue of advantages is complicated: on the one hand operational effectiveness and economic efficiency and on the other hand moral and mental issues of the combat soldier in the field.

However, there is a clear direction for missions that are currently "manned" to soon be conducted by UAVs. Amount of air time, availability for sudden outbursts, endangerment of human life and economic efficiency are all part of this equation.

The new "Kochav" is bigger, stronger and can conduct multiple missions simultaneously. Its current impressive performances indicate a strong future and the squadron is ready to push the "Kochav" to its limits. Today, the squadron's soldiers will stand together in a short ceremony to show their respect.

This will be personal closure for Lt. Col. Daniel, who was part of the establishing team in the squadron that absorbed the "Hermes 450" as today he is guiding the squadron through a new era. "It's a great privilege" he stated with pride.

The IDF's Skylark mini-UAV is used broadly in support of ground forces in the latest Gaza operation. (Israel Defense Forces)

Aug. 12, 2014 - By BARBARA OPALL-ROME – Defense News

IAF Debuts Hermes 900; IDF Deploys 2 Skylarks With Each Brigade

KASTINA ARMY BASE, ISRAEL — Israeli military commanders are crediting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by Elbit Systems for delivering added operational value in recent combat in Gaza.

From the one-ton Hermes 900 debuted by the Israel Air Force (IAF) to the soldier-launched Skylarks supporting ground-force brigades, officers here say assets acquired from the Haifa, Israel-based firm boosted combat effectiveness of Operation Protective Edge.

While the Skylark mini-UAV has been operational here since 2008, Protective Edge marked the first time it was used in quantities for high-tempo support of ground forces, said Brig. Gen. Roy Riftin, IDF chief artillery officer.

“This was the first time we deployed it broadly,” Riftin said of the system, known here as SkyRider, operated by the Artillery Corps.

“Every brigade — even the reserves — got at least two air vehicles and flew them nonstop; at the same time,” he said.

In an Aug. 12 interview at a base in southern Israel, Riftin said some 18 systems flew hundreds of hours, generating intelligence and streaming target-acquisition data to myriad shooters on the ground.

“It was phenomenal; a real asset,” Riftin said.

“We stretched these systems to the edge of their capability,” he said of the 7.5 Skylark and its 1.1 kilogram payload.

“They created intel; helped close the loop with other shooters ... and served up targets of opportunity for Tammuz,” the officer said of the electro-optic, precision strike system built by Rafael and operated by IDF gunners.

At the opposite end of Elbit’s unmanned portfolio is Hermes 900, which the IAF fielded for the first time during the operation that began July 8 and has not yet officially concluded due to unresolved ceasefire negotiations.

Known here as Kochav (Star), Hermes 900 is the newest system to be integrated into the IAF’s unmanned force. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1.1 tons and payload capacity of some 300 kilograms, it’s double the size of Elbit’s Hermes 450S. The 900 model also carries nearly twice the weight and flies some 12 hours longer than its predecessor.

“The Kochav was introduced during the operation for unique missions that it could perform in a much better way than Hermes 450,” Capt. Grisha, an officer who managed the operational integration of Hermes 900.

In an account published on the IDF’s website, the officer said the Hermes 900 was still undergoing test flights and wasn’t planned for operational deployment until later next year.

“In addition to the aircraft itself, the cockpit and flight systems are much more advanced, which enables greater operational flexibility,” said the officer, whose surname was withheld from publication.

The IDF officer said that following conclusion of the still ongoing operation, Hermes 900 would resume operational integration and flight testing. “There’s still some significant milestones that need to be met,” he said.

Dalia Rosen, a spokeswoman for Elbit, declined comment on company systems deployed in the Protective Edge operation.

“It’s always preferable to hear what the customer has to say,” she said.

April 1, 2014 defense-unmanned.com

(Source: Brazilian air force; dated March 27, 2014)

 (Issued in Portuguese; unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)

Hermes 900 Enhances FAB’s Electronic Reconnaissance Capability

The rationale for buying a single large UAV to patrol several cities during the World Cup is unclear, but at least the Hermes 900 (above) is at least twice as capable as the Hermes 450s that Brazil now operates. (Elbit photo)

Purchased for use during the World Cup, this equipment is among the most modern in the world and will strengthen border monitoring

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has acquired a unit of the Israeli Elbit Systems Hermes 900 remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). The contract signed last week (March 19) includes logistical support and a one-year warranty of the equipment.

The purchase was closed by the Air Force Logistics Center (CELOG) which has been negotiating the deal since last year. According to CELOG commander, Air Brigadier Ricardo César Mangrich, the new UAV will arrive in Brazil in early May, and will be ready for use during football the World Cup. The competition starts in June.

The new aircraft will be operated by the “Horus” Squadron (1º / 12º GAV), which has been operating the FAB’s RQ-450 Hermes unmanned aircraft since 2011. Headquartered in Santa Maria (RS), the squadron has begun theoretical training courses for Hermes 900 crews. Acquiring a UAV which belongs to the same “family” as the ones already in service facilitates the service introduction process. So much so, in fact, that the crew will operate the new aircraft during takeoffs and landings from the same ground station (shelter) currently used. The acquisition is also part of the FAB’s plan for UAV acquisition.

New Features

In addition to the well-known RQ-450 Hermes, among the main advantages of operating Hermes 900 is its “SkEye.” This is a set of 10 high-resolution cameras which allow surveillance of an entire region. The software which processes the set of images, allows them to be viewed independently, and so different targets can be monitored simultaneously within a given area. About 10 people will be needed to operate the new equipment. This sensor fitted to the Hermes 900 bought by Brazil was, until now, only available to the Armed Forces of Israel.

Classified as a category-4 equipment, the Hermes 900 is operated using satellite communications. The link will allow the machine to fly well beyond the 250 km range of the Hermes 450. In addition, the 900 can fly at 30,000 feet (over 9000 meters high) and has an endurance of over 30 hours of flight time -- about double that of the RQ-450. These advantages are important allies in the toolset used by FAB for the electronic monitoring of borders.

In the Americas, the Hermes 900 is operated by Mexico, Colombia and Chile.

March 20, 2014 defense-unmanned.com

(Source: Israel Air Force; issued March 20, 2014)

Star Is Born: A Name Is Chosen for the "Hermes 900" UAV

The Hermes 900 UAV, manufactured by the Israeli company Elbit Systems, received its official Hebrew name in the IAF: "Kochav" (star in Hebrew). The Kochav UAV strengthens the UAV arm of the IAF and is designed for HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) reconnaissance missions

The UAV arm of the IAF continues to expand: this week, a Hebrew name for the "Hermes 900" UAV was chosen: "Kochav" (star, in Hebrew).

The Israeli-built UAV serves at the Palmachim airbase and takes part in all kinds of reconnaissance missions and special missions.

The Kochav UAV, which is manufactured by the Israeli company Elbit System, has joined the UAV Division of the IAF. It possesses a wide range of capabilities, including the ability to carry out missions in all weather conditions.

The Kochav has innovative UAV capabilities: automatic takeoff, landing and braking capabilities. Additionally, it has another operational advantage over older aircraft, as it can carry multiple payloads, allowing it to perform several missions during a single flight.

Le Hermes 900 de la société israélienne Elbits - C'est le drone qui a été présenté mardi 16 octobre 2012 à la presse. Il est en compétition avec le Heron 1 de la division Malat des industries aérospatiales d'Israël, testé il y a un mois - photo Armasuisse

10.09.2013 Par Arthur Grosjean - 24heures.ch

Mercredi 11 septembre, le National décidera ou non d'acheter le Gripen. Mais pourquoi ne pas miser sur des drones armés? Nous avons posé la question au président de la Confédération, Ueli Maurer.

Demain, c'est le grand jour au Conseil national. Après des années de discussion, l'achat du nouvel avion de combat Gripen passera devant le Conseil national. On devrait assister à un débat traditionnel gauche-droite sur cette acquisition de 3,1 milliards. Selon toute vraisemblance, le choix du Gripen sera avalisé par le Parlement et c'est le peuple qui tranchera en dernier ressort.

Parallèlement, la Suisse est en train de tester des drones israéliens de surveillance pour son territoire. Mais l'armée exclut d'acquérir des drones armés. Pourquoi? Nous avons posé la question au président de la Confédération et chef du Département militaire Ueli Maurer.

24 heures - La Suisse n'a-t-elle pas une guerre de retard? On voit que les drones armés sont de plus en plus utilisés , comme par exemple en Afghanistan. Pourquoi s'interdire d'acheter des drones armés?

Ueli Maurer - Si on regarde la menace, il n'y a pour l'instant pas de priorité à combattre des avions avec des drones armés. Les 22 Gripen sont le moyen le plus performant pour assurer la surveillance et la défense du ciel suisse.

Est-ce qu'un jour nous aurons un drone armé?

Je n'en suis pas vraiment sûr. Si vous avez suivi la discussion qui a eu lieu en Allemagne, cela pose un problème. Pour voler dans le ciel, les drones doivent bénéficier d'une base légale dans l'aviation civile. Et en Allemagne, cette absence de base légale a presque failli provoquer la démission du ministre de la Défense, Thomas de Maizière. Ce dernier a été mis sous pression. Maintenant, quand on parle de drones armés dans notre petit espace aérien européen, il faut aussi au préalable élaborer une base légale pour que nous puissions les utiliser. Cela devrait représenter un processus très long.

La Suisse n'a donc pas besoin de drones armés?

Je ne sais pas si nous en aurons besoin un jour. En tout cas, pour les prochaines années, ce n'est pas une priorité.