BAE Systems Unveils Production Standard HERTI

Published: Jul 14, 2008
Source: BAE Systems



Farnborough, UK - BAE Systems has unveiled the production variant of its HERTI unmanned autonomous system (UAS) at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Developed by BAE Systems, HERTI is one of a new generation of UAS suitable for both military and civil operations. The production standard airframe is manufactured by Slingsby Aviation in the UK, based on an original design by J&AS Aero Design of Poland.

A new, robust mission system is a key feature of the production standard HERTI. Enhanced sensor flexibility is provided through a multi-payload turret manufactured by Polytech AB from Sweden which enables easy integration of alternative sensors to meet the operational requirements of individual customers. This turret is equipped with state of the art electro-optic sensors for day and night operations.

BAE Systems carried out an extensive flight test programme using three development aircraft to verify the new mission system. This programme included endurance flying, night flights, and a fully autonomous night landing. Comprehensive fatigue testing of a HERTI airframe is also being performed.

Andy Wilson, Business Development Director Utility UAVs at BAE Systems, said: "From our extensive development and trials programme, and by taking the time to understand the requirements of potential customers both now and in the future, we believe that what we now have with the production standard HERTI is an affordable UAS, built to meet operational needs, but with the flexibility to meet emerging and future requirements."

Key to the production standard HERTI is the level of reliability and safe operation it will provide. This will be achieved through the BAE Systems-developed flight control system and new avionics suite, which give improved operational capability and a high level of system redundancy. This enables operation over populated areas and guarantees a high level of mission availability. The production standard system also includes lightning protection and a full night flying capability which reflect its ability to provide persistent surveillance in all weathers.

HERTI has performed a number of demonstration flights at fully operational RAF airbases using a new containerised ground control station and remote viewing terminal and proved its ability to provide real time access to intelligence data via satellite.

With its ability to take off, complete a full mission and land - all at the click of a computer mouse - HERTI has been designed to meet a wide variety of operational needs, both cost effectively and with extremely high levels of reliability while removing the need for an operator or pilot to control the aircraft from the ground. When coupled with BAE Systems' Imagery Collection & Exploitation (ICE) system, the aircraft offers real potential in the fields of maritime, coastline, border and military surveillance as well as showing broader potential for areas such as pipeline, plant and infrastructure surveillance, and insurgent detection.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US$ $31.4 billion) in 2007.
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