11 Jul 2008 | Ref. FI002/2008
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BAE Systems Unveils Production Standard HERTI
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 the proven, multi-payload turret provided by Polytech AB from Sweden which is equipped with state of the art electro optic sensors for day and night operations. In addition, the production standard HERTI’s design enables easy integration of alternative sensors to meet specific customer operational requirements.
Key for the production standard HERTI is the level of reliability and safe operation it will provide. This will be achieved through the BAE Systems developed triplex Flight Control System and new avionics suite to give an improved operational capability as well as a high level of system redundancy, enabling operation over populated areas as well as guaranteeing a high level of mission availability. Recognising some of the key operational requirements to provide a system which can provide all weather and persistent surveillance, the production standard system also includes integrated lightning protection as well as a full night time flying capability.
In support of the production standard, BAE Systems concluded an extensive flight test development programme using 3 development aircraft that saw the new mission system successfully flown. Endurance flying that included extensive data gathering has also been undertaken, as have night flights which included 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.”
A number of demonstration flights have also been carried out at fully operational customer airbases using the new self contained containerised ground control station as well as the remote viewing terminal, enabling 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.
For further information, please contact:
Andy Bunce, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 852714; Mobile: +44 (0) 7801 716448
andy.bunce@baesystems.com
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384795 Mob: + 44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
