UVision's Hero-120 loitering munition demonstrated for Arctic combat
The company said the demonstration was ‘attended by representatives from several leading defence forces with Arctic warfare capabilities'.
‘This evaluation was the concluding phase of a lengthy process, which included earlier test flights in the region, as well as extensive laboratory environmental tests, simulating the extreme temperatures, winds and humidity conditions of the Arctic winter.’
With an unsubtle nod to the current geopolitical climate in eastern Europe the company also said: ‘The harsh-weather operational effectiveness addresses not only the specific needs of military forces operating in the Arctic, but also the broader north and east of Europe.’
During the evaluation the Hero-120 was successfully tested on both day and night missions for operating in challenging conditions, including extreme low temperatures, heavy snow, strong winds, humidity, ice-forming flight conditions, low clouds and limited visibility.
Unveiled at Paris Air Show 2019, Hero-120 is a loitering munition system is fitted with a 4.5kg warhead and is designed to carry out strikes against mid-range targets such as vehicles, tanks, concrete fortifications and personnel with minimal collateral damage.
It is in service with US forces and Argentina as well as an undisclosed Asian customer.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Organic Precision Fire - Mounted (OPF-M) [USMC]
Long-Range Attack Munition (LRAM) [USMC]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
GDLS plans to deliver prototype armed Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle in 2025
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is building the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Command, Control, Communications, Computers/Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C4/UAS) for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Approximately 500 ARV 30mm autocannon (ARV-30) are expected to be procured by the USMC.
-
Future of the US Army’s IVAS programme remains unknown
Despite recently releasing an Request for Information (RfI) under the IVAS programme, it remains unclear if the US Army will recompete the initiative.
-
Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence
Italy’s Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) system began seven years ago in an effort to replace older vehicles such as M113s and the force is also looking to replace its C1 Ariete Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
-
Germany signs work agreement for Patria 6x6 vehicle under CAVS programme
The agreement is a further development in a programme which has seen dozens of vehicles ordered by partner countries in the last year.