HERTI-1A

Work began on the HERTI-1A in January 2005 after a successful test campaign of the previous, jet powered, HERTI-D demonstrator as part of the High Endurance Rapid Technology Insertion programme. As with the HERTI-D the UAV is a privately funded, medium altitude, long endurance aircraft designed to develop and integrate BAE technologies into a low cost strategic surveillance platform.

The HERTI-1A is a larger version of the HERTI-D, based on the J & AS Aero Design J-6 motor glider, and is of composite fibre glass construction with a high aspect ratio wing and V-type tail. The 1A replaces the D’s gas turbine engine with a piston engine powering a pusher propeller mounted behind the main body of the fuselage. The initial two aircraft produced are powered by an unspecified BMW engine while a further eight vehicles will be produced by end 2006 and will use a Rotax, turbocharged, four cylinder, fuel injected engine. It is hoped that the new engine will give the UAV increased range and payload capacity while providing a much quieter system. This will also add to the stealthiness of the vehicle, BAE claims the UAV is practically invisible to the naked eye above 1500m.

The HERTI UAV system is capable of carrying a number of payload types however trials have to date (March 2006) been undertaken with the ICE II system mounted in a chin turret. As with the ICE system integrated onto the HERTI-D vehicle the ICE II consists of three cameras (two WFOV, one NFOV) and is capable of automatically identifying areas of interest and specific targets; imagery gathered is then transmitted via a low bandwidth data link to the UAV’s ground control station. In addition to EO systems the HERTI-1A is capable of carrying IR, low light and SAR sensors.

HERTI-1A shares the same control system as other BAE UAVs and is capable of being re-tasked in flight.

First flight was achieved on 18 August 2005 from Campbeltown airport in Scotland, this marked the first time a UAV had flown a completely autonomous flight in UK airspace. This is considered a significant achievement, not just for the HERTI programme but also for the ultimate goal of the wider integration of unmanned aircraft into British civilian airspace. It is hoped that data gathered from operations of HERTI systems in the UK will feed into the government/industry Autonomous Systems Technology Related Airborne Evaluation and Assessment programme which is aimed at opening up civil airspace to unmanned, autonomous aircraft. With this in mind BAE Systems conducted HERTI-1A’s flight programme in close cooperation with the Civil Aviation Authority. Flights are continuing throughout 2006 with tests to include the operation of multiple HERTI-1A vehicles and the handing of control of an aircraft to another ground station. BAE aims to have flown ten vehicles by the end of 2006.

Future developments of the airframe may include increased performance; the base airframe is reportedly capable of up to 3000km range, and additional payloads. A catapult launch system is currently being studied for the aircraft which would allow for much greater ease of deployment.

BAE hopes to have a production aircraft based on the HERTI-1A available by the end of 2006. The vehicle will be aimed at both military and civilian markets with a number of potential roles identified including reconnaissance, surveillance, border patrol, pipeline monitoring and disaster management.

Specifications

Manufacturer – BAE Systems
Target Market (Military/ Civilian etc) – N/A
Type – MALE Demonstrator
Role(s) – Surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition
Wingspan – 12.6 m
Length – 5.1 m
Height – 1.7 m
Weight (Empty) –
MTOW – 450 kg
Max Payload – 145 kg
Power Plant – BMW piston or Rotax, turbocharged, four cylinder, fuel injected piston engine.
Max Speed –
Cruise Speed –
Stall Speed –
Max Operating Radius – 1000 km +
Max Ferry Range –
Max Ceiling – 6096 m
Typical Operating Altitude –
Max Endurance – 25 hrs +
Launch Method(s) – Conventional paved or rough runway (requires 300m)
Recovery Method(s) – Conventional paved or rough runway

External Links

www.baesystems.com