Latin American order for Elbit drones

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HAIFA, Israel, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- An unidentified Latin American country has ordered a mixed fleet of reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles from Elbit Systems of Israel.

Included in the order is the Hermes 900, a medium-size, multi-payload aircraft and the Hermes 450.

"The unique capability of joint operation with the Hermes 450 offers seamless integration for existing users, further enhancing operational flexibility and cost effectiveness and eliminating the need for additional infrastructure or special training programs," said Elad Aharonson, Elbit Systems UAS Division general manager said.

"Hermes 900 is well positioned as a world-leading UAS, suitable for a wide variety of missions, from intelligence gathering, to perimeter and security missions."

The Hermes 900 has a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet and a payload capability of more than 600 pounds. The Hermes 450 is designed for tactical missions of as much as 20 hours.

The contract is worth "tens of millions' of dollars and deliveries are expected to be completed by 2014