Swiss Plan In-flight Tests For New UAV System

By Caroline Rees / 31 Aug 2012
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Heron 1 UAV

The Heron 1 UAV

Switzerland announced it will conduct in-flight evaluations in September and October for a new UAV reconnaissance system.

Israel Aerospace Industries’ Heron 1 and Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 are in the running. Nine other competitors to replace the Swiss air force’s Ranger unmanned aerial vehicle didn’t make the final selection round.

Sixteen of the original 28 Rangers, which first entered service in 2001, are still in service.

Swiss officials said the trials will take place in central Switzerland and will be conducted by Swiss air force and armasuisse specialists.

Selection of the winner is to be announced in the first half of 2014.

Acquisition of the new UAVs will be included in the government’s Armaments Plan 2015.

The Hermes 900 is a medium-sized UAV designed for medium-altitude, long-endurance flights. It has a maximum speed of 137 miles per hour and a ceiling of 30,000 feet.

The Heron 1, which also has a ceiling of 30,000 feet, has a flight endurance of as much as 52 hours.
Source: UPI.com

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact