Overview:
The HERO series of loitering munitions,[1]Rheinmetall, ‘HERO – loitering munitions’, https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/products/loitering-ammunition/loitering-munitions-hero which includes five different loitering munitions systems, are ‘a family of operationally proven, widely used effectors which Rheinmetall fabricates and markets in Europe under a cooperation agreement with UVision Air Ltd. of Israel.’ [2]Rheinmetall, ‘Hungary awards Rheinmetall and UVision a major contract for the HERO loitering munitions – order volume in the three-digit million-euro range’, … Continue reading
Rheinmetall claims that HERO precision munitions ‘provide modern armed forces on today’s battlefields with the ultimate in operational flexibility’. Rheinmetall states that ‘Hero Loitering Munition systems circle over the target zone, locating and tracking the enemy and analysing possible targets. They help to select high-value targets as well as suitable timing, direction and angle of attack before carrying out a high-precision strike. Hero Loitering Munition systems feature a high degree of commonality and can therefore be operated from the same operating and datalink terminal on the ground.’[3]{{Rheinmetall, ‘Hungary awards Rheinmetall and UVision a major contract for the HERO loitering munitions – order volume in the three-digit million-euro range’, … Continue reading
Autonomy:
Rheinmetall claims that HERO loitering munitions ‘possess a unique, autonomous target engagement capability, including reconnaissance, monitoring and recognition’, and can locate, track and engage ‘emerging enemy targets with low signatures beyond the line of sight.’[4]Rheinmetall, ‘HERO – loitering munitions’, https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/products/loitering-ammunition/loitering-munitions-hero
Other:
The HERO 120 loitering munition was tested in the Arctic for the first time in 2023, reported Defense News, in order ‘to assess the capabilities of the Hero-120 loitering munition under extreme weather conditions. During the tests, the system carried photographic sensors and infrared cameras as payloads, and some flights were conducted at night time.’[5]Defense News, ‘Israeli firm looks to expand Arctic footprint of loitering munitions’, … Continue reading
Type: UAV
Developer:
Rheinmetall/Uvision Air
Country: Germany/Israel
Weight: 3 - 125 Kgs depending on the specific HERO system.
Range:
10km to 200km depending on the specific HERO system.
Max time of operation: 30 mins - 6 hours depending on the specific HERO system
Payload: 0.5-50 kgs ( can include stabilised electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) seeker payload comprising day and night (thermal) cameras with a three-axis gimbal as well as EO sensors which enable the location, tracking and verification of targets to launch precise attacks.)
References