Elbit Systems Ltd. has completed a series of test flights of its enhanced Micro CoMPASS electro-optic payload with advanced capabilities as part of the company’s Hermes 90 unmanned aircraft system. The Hermes 90 UAS flight series demonstrated day and night enhanced capabilities such as excellent target recognition capabilities – both day (CCD) and night (FLIR) – tracking of both mobile and stationary targets, and an accurate laser range-finder. According to Elbit Systems, a defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of defense-related programs throughout the world, the Micro CoMPASS device offers an innovative three-axis configuration, which allows enhanced stabilization and high-resolution imagery. Elbit Systems Ltd. recently completed test flights of its Micro CoMPASS electro-optic payload, which combines visible and IR cameras with laser range-finding capabilities, as part of its Hermes 90 unmanned aircraft system.(Image: Elbit Systems Ltd.) The payload’s thermal night camera features continuous zoom, allowing a wide observation field, thus providing immediate mission intelligence and fast detection/recognition ratio to maximize overall system agile response and sensor to shooter loop capability. Among the main features of the Hermes 90 are “fly-by-camera” flight mode, user-friendly operation, more than 15 hours of endurance, a mission range of more than 100 km, and a large payload weight capacity. The Hermes 90 has automatic dual launch and recovery methods, including integral launcher for point launch and recovery on unprepared surfaces without using any dedicated ground equipment, as well as strip take off and landing. The Hermes 90 UAS previously underwent flight tests with a heavy fuel engine, a basic requirement and an important capability for maritime unmanned aircraft system operations when operating from ships. The US configuration of the Hermes 90 system, named STORM, is being offered for the joint US Navy/US Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS) program by UAS Dynamics LLC of Charlotte, S.C., which is jointly owned by Elbit Systems of America LLC and General Dynamics Armaments and Technology Products Inc. For more information, visit: www.elbitsystems.com