Elbit Systems has developed a search and rescue (SAR) capability for the maritime patrol variant of its HERMES 900 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAS. A company official told MilTech "The system can carry up to four six-person life-rafts that are integrated on its wings. Using an on-board maritime radar, the system detects survivor situations. Upon detection, the UAS electro-optic/infra-red payload is deployed to provide visual identification and a rapid calculation of the drop-point is performed, enabling the [platform] to dispatch life rafts from a low altitude of 600 feet to a pin-pointed location at a safe distance from the survivors. A gradual inflation process of the life-rafts is initiated after dispatch and is completed upon landing."
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