BAE puts HERTI on show in Singapore

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WARTON, England, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- BAE Systems said last week it has put its new UAS system on display at the Singapore Air Show.

"Fresh from a successful deployment in Afghanistan by the Royal Air Force, one of the world's first fully autonomous unmanned autonomous systems -- UAS -- (made) its Singapore debut at the 2008 Singapore Air Show," the company said in a statement.

"Developed by BAE Systems, HERTI is one of a new generation of UAS suitable for both military and civil operations," BAE Systems said.

"The RAF deployed a HERTI system in Afghanistan in 2007 as part of its unique Project Morrigan collaboration with BAE Systems. Launched in September 2006, Project Morrigan aims to integrate HERTI into (British) forces for a short period in order to develop potential tactics, techniques and procedures for integrating UAS into existing joint manned/unmanned force structures," BAE Systems said.

Wing Commander Mike Humphreys, Officer Commanding of the RAF's UAV Battle-lab, said: "While the objectives and outputs from the exercise remain classified, the HERTI system has been successful in demonstrating its capability in an operational environment. Both the RAF and BAE Systems are satisfied with the progress and development of the project thus far and we look forward to building on this in the coming months."

"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," BAE Systems said.

"HERTI is one of a family of UAS being developed by BAE Systems through its Autonomous Systems & Future Capability, Integrated System Technologies and Australian businesses. Through this work, BAE Systems has been able to translate high levels of autonomy into increased operational effectiveness," the company said.

"The HERTI air vehicle and its unique ground control station is showcased in Singapore in its production configuration," BAE Systems said.