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Hermes 450

Elbit Systems · Israel

Single-engine tactical UAV with ~10.5 m wingspan and 20+ hours endurance, widely exported and combat-proven; the armed Israeli variant is 'Zik' and the UK derivative is the Watchkeeper.

CountryIsrael
SubcategoryFixed-wing
SubtypeTactical UAV
RoleISR / armed tactical
ClassTactical
ClassificationTactical UAV
MissionISR, Reconnaissance, Target acquisition
VariantsHermes 450, Zik, Watchkeeper (UK)
MTOW (kg)550
OperatorsIsrael, United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, Croatia, Georgia
Frame typeFixed-wing
Length (m)6.1
PropulsionPiston
Wingspan (m)10.5
Combat-provenYes
Export statusExported
Launch methodRunway
Endurance (min)1200
Recovery methodRunway
Year introduced1998
Max payload (kg)150
Max speed (km/h)176
Standard sensorsEO/IR, SAR/GMTI, COMINT/ELINT
Production statusIn production
Notable engagementsExtensive use over Gaza; three Georgian Hermes 450 shot down in 2008
Service ceiling (m)5486
Conflicts deployed inGaza, Second Lebanon War, 2008 Russo-Georgian War
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Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: www.elbitsystems.com/autonomous/aerial/tactical-uas/hermes-450