Elbit Systems has unveiled its new multi-use Hermes 90 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at this year’s Paris Air Show.

The Hermes 90 is a highly versatile UAV suited for day and night missions including open-area and urban-warfare scenarios, peace keeping, security, homeland defence and other non-military missions.

The UAV is able to fly for up to 18 hours, over a range of up to 100km, and can be configured for different payloads.

The UAV is configured for dual launch and recovery methods including integral launcher for point launch and recovery on non-prepared surfaces without using any dedicated ground equipment, as well as strip operation.

The system can be fully integrated with any C4I system, to allow for fast imagery dissemination as well as easy coordination among field forces.

The system’s compact and lightweight features enable it to be carried onboard two field-class vehicles such as the humvee. It can be launched by a two or three-person crew.

The basic Hermes 90 configuration includes micro-compass electro-optics, featuring a colour CCD day camera, third-generation cooled thermal imaging and a laser marker.