Elbit Systems of America, a subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems, has tested its Hermes 450 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone in North Dakota, US, to help in assessing damage to utility infrastructure after storms, tornadoes, and other natural disasters.
Conducted in collaboration with Xcel Energy, University North Dakota and Northern Plains UAS Test Site, the test will also help farmers with precision agriculture methods.
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With the ability to cover 40,000 acres of land in one hour, the Hermes 450 features advanced sensors and high-resolution cameras, including Vision Map A3 Edge and Elbit Systems Compass EO/IR real-time sensor.
The drone can fly for 17 hours at a stretch.
Elbit Systems of America president and CEO Raanan Horowitz said: “North Dakota has been called the 'Silicon Valley of Drones' and it is our honour to bring the Hermes 450 to Traill County.
“Leveraging the experience of our parent company with the commercial insights of our partners, we bring advanced technology to the farmland, demonstrating effective approaches for data collection.”
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By GlobalDataA subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems, the company has been undertaking various precision agriculture flights at its US-base in Hillsboro Regional Airport for the last four months.
It has also worked with few local farmers to collect and examine data for crop management improvement, increasing efficiency and greater yield.
Xcel Energy operating services and enterprise transformation office vice-president Michael Lamb said: “In a natural disaster, drone technology will provide valuable damage assessment data to help Xcel Energy mobilise crews, materials and equipment to speed recovery efforts.
“We’re pleased to work with Elbit Systems and other partners using technology that improves energy reliability and safety for our customers and employees.”
The Minnesota-based utility holding company currently serves more than 3.3 million electric customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers across various regions in the US.
