Brazil's air force has selected the Elbit Systems Hermes 450 for an operational requirement for an initial two unmanned air vehicles and one ground control station. A contract is expected to be signed in early 2011 after some remaining details have been finalised.

Last year, the service launched a programme aimed at defining its long-term operational requirements for UAVs. Elbit's Brazilian subsidiary Aeroeletronica was responsible for a demonstration of the Hermes 450 (below).

 Hermes 450 Brazil - Elbit Systems
© Elbit Systems

The programme enabled the Brazilian airforce to develop independent technological capabilities in the operation of an advanced uav system.

Elbit established Porto Alegre-based Aeroeletronica after evaluating the potential market for unmanned systems in Latin America. Its company currently employs 180 people.

Elbit has declined to comment on the reported selection of its tactical UAV design in Brazil.

Source: FlightGlobal.com