Brazil orders Israeli drone for World Cup security missions

A medium-sized unmanned aerial system by Israel’s Elbit Systems Ltd. has been ordered by the Brazilian Air Force for delivery within two months.

The system is the Hermes 900, a surveillance drone that will be equipped with a new and advanced intelligence gathering system, will be used in conjunction with the air force’s fleet of Hermes 450 UAS in safety and security missions during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Games.

"We are very proud to supply our Hermes 900 to FAB, which is the eighth customer to be equipped with this leading platform,” said Elad Aharonson, general manager of Elbit Systems’ UAS Division. “We are honored to enable FAB to benefit from the advantages of joint flight operations, using both the Hermes 450 and the Hermes 900, a unique solution for intelligence missions, border protection, perimeter control of infrastructure and critical sites, as well as Safe City programs and large scale events."

The Hermes 900 has a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet and can carry a payload of more than 600 pounds. It is in service with the Israeli Air Force.

The Hermes 900 system allows for joint flight missions with the Hermes 450 with the use of the same universal ground control station.

Elbit Systems subsidiary in Brazil, AEL Systemas S.A., will supply FAB with technical and engineering support, logistics and maintenance services, Elbit said.