The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has highlighted the need for affordable high-precision systems capable of replacing, in many cases, air-launched missiles, which are more expensive and put the lives of pilots at risk. According to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Israeli company uVision Air Ltd. Yair Ramati, the current trends in the field of barrage ammunition (BB) are developing in two directions: on the one hand, portable systems are required, on the other hand, long–range heavy products that are installed on vehicles are needed. At the Paris Air Show 2023, uVision presented its already well-known products of the Hiro series ( optional ), including the new HERO-90, and also the intelligent Viper.
Hiro Series Barrage Ammunition
According to available information, the HERO-1250 with a total weight of 155 kg has a flight range of more than 200 km and can stay in the air for up to 10 hours with 50 kg of warhead (warhead). With the hybrid engine installed, it is equipped with three electro-optical (E/O) suspensions that allow it to collect information during flight, electronic warfare (EW) systems can also be installed. The lighter, 110 kg HERO-900 carries 30 kg of warhead. It has a range of over 150 km and a flight time of up to 6 hours, has a similar power supply and has only one E/O suspension. Both models are launched using a catapult.
Following the requests of some customers who needed an intermediate system between the HERO-30 with a take-off weight of 3.5 kg and the HERO-120, uVision developed the HERO-90, which was presented at the Paris Air Show. The weight is halved, by 9 kg at launch compared to the 18 kg HERO-120, while the range and endurance are slightly reduced, respectively, in range up to 40 km compared to 60 km and in duration up to 45 minutes compared to one hour.
HERO-90 barrage ammunition
The warhead has been reduced, which is more than 1.5 kg compared to 4.5 kg HERO-120. It is believed that this is quite enough to neutralize the main battle tanks, especially for their defeat in the attack mode from above. Its architecture is the same as that of the larger system, with cruciform wings and an electric motor. The circular probable deviation does not exceed 1 meter. According to the manufacturer, the HERO-90 is at an advanced stage of development. The new portable "Hiro" is being prepared for launch in less than two minutes, which will allow the infantry to carry more ammunition for a given weight, its weight with a canister is 12 kg.
With regard to the larger HERO-120 ammunition, it is stated that it is fully developed and in service. The model was recently tested in new challenging conditions, in Finland at Arctic temperatures, while other tests were conducted in India, where uVision barrage ammunition was used at altitudes up to 5500 m. In recent months, the HERO-120 has also been launched from a helicopter in the USA, opening up new opportunities.
Viper Barrage Ammunition
In May 2022, uVision acquired part of the shares of SpearUAV from Tel Aviv, a company specializing in the development of autonomous technology based on artificial intelligence (AI) for unmanned aerial vehicles operating as part of a swarm. On At the Paris Air Show of 2023, the floating maneuverable ammunition "Viper" (Viper, "Viper") was demonstrated at a major international exhibition for the first time. As the developer emphasizes, the "Viper" ( additionally ) provides the soldier with the opportunity to conduct surveillance from a hill or in urban canyons, remaining in hover mode for sufficient time to ensure the detection of the target and, if necessary, destroy ("sting") it by diving.
With a weight of about 2.5 kg, the Viper is launched from a container with a launch system. The container can be reused by simply replacing the startup system. As soon as the aircraft leaves the container, four sleeves open, each of which is equipped with an electric motor and a rotor, which provide the necessary lifting force, allowing the drone to stay in the air for about 20 minutes. The system operates at a maximum range of 5 km.
Having risen into the air, the Viper flies over the target and transmits the image to the wearable control station via the data transmission channel. In front of the drone there is an E/O unit, followed by a payload. The warhead weighs about 300 grams and is designed for effective destruction of personnel, as well as poorly protected vehicles. Dual visual range and infrared sensor allow the operator to identify targets. Visual search is carried out at an altitude of about 50 m above the ground to have a wide view, or lower, for example, in urban areas.
Multi-shot launcher for "Viper"
After the target is detected, if the decision is made to neutralize it, the operator can adjust the sight to maximize damage. Other types of warheads are available, such as less lethal and electronic warfare. A multi-shot launcher with four Vipers ready for launch was also demonstrated at the Paris exhibition.
According to the materials of the resource edrmagazine.eu
