The Special Operations Forces Group of the Argentine Army now operates the Uvision HERO family of loitering munitions

Por

3 July, 2024

As part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the graduation of the first Commando course, the Special Operations Forces Group (AFOE) of the Argentine Army showcased for the first time the Uvision HERO family of loitering munitions, recently incorporated by the Argentine Armed Forces.

During the formation held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first Commando course graduation and Special Aptitude Day, AFOE personnel were seen carrying the launchers for the HERO loitering munitions. The Armed Forces have incorporated an initial batch of HERO-30 and HERO-120 versions, which have already been field-tested on several occasions.

The incorporation of this type of material, along with continuous training using simulators and in the field (in various specific geographic environments), significantly enhances the capabilities of the Argentine Army’s special operations troops. This includes not only firepower, range, and precision but also the ability to conduct all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance operations in their secondary role.

The HERO-30 and HERO-120 enable the Argentine Army Commandos to engage various types of targets at a maximum range of between 30 to 60 kilometers, respectively. Both models of loitering munitions have specific features and performances designed to neutralize targets ranging from lightly protected threats to armored vehicles.

Recent conflicts have demonstrated that a small special operations element can operate loitering munitions near the contact lines to suppress or destroy high-value targets, surveillance assets, complex air defense systems, command posts, and more. Loitering munitions like the HERO-30 and HERO-120 maintain their operational advantages due to their low profile, making them ideal tools for light infantry and special operations units.

HERO-30

Uvision describes the HERO-30 as a tactical anti-personnel/anti-material loitering munition system, “…optimized for the demands of modern asymmetric warfare and designed for precision strikes against targets located beyond the line of sight. Its multi-mission warheads make it a very versatile means, while its compact and lightweight design allows for quick deployment in any terrain, without the need for prior experience. It can reach targets with pinpoint accuracy, even in densely populated urban areas, open fields, and mountainous terrains…”.

One of the standout features of the HERO-30 is its EO/IR system mounted on a stabilized gimbal, which allows it to identify and acquire targets beyond the line of sight (NLOS), both day and night, maintaining precise tracking of static and moving targets. “…The HERO-30 employs sophisticated navigation methods that make it operational in GPS-denied environments…”, a valuable feature when operating in areas with countermeasures and electronic warfare systems.

The HERO-30 is designed to be launched from land, sea, and air platforms, and can be operated autonomously or semi-autonomously, always maintaining the Man-In-The-Loop (operator) for the final attack.

With pneumatic launch, once airborne, the HERO-30 can achieve a low loitering speed and high transit flight speed (between 90 and 150 km/h), using its maximum speed for the terminal phase. This, combined with its low sound and visual signature, minimizes any reaction from the target.

Flight endurance: 30 minutes
Range: Up to 30 km
Weight: 7.8 kg with compressed air cylinder
Typical operational altitude: 180 to 500m
Cruise speed: 90 to 150 km/h
Power: Electric
Camera: For ISR, tracking, and attack, EO/IR stabilized
Commonality: Uses the same operational equipment within the munition family

HERO-120

The HERO-120 loitering munition is an anti-armor solution designed for mid-range precision strikes against armored vehicles, fortifications, and high-value targets. The HERO-120 not only replicates some of the capabilities of its smaller counterpart in terms of guidance systems and interference resistance, but also offers the ability to be recovered if an attack cannot be carried out, maneuvering back to a safe zone. Once in position, the operator deploys a parachute as the system proceeds to secure the warhead.

The HERO-120 can also be launched from a multiple system, either autonomously or mounted on various land platforms. This launcher operates with an extended-range communication kit (parabolic antenna extending the LM range to 60 km) and an integrated control unit as a control station within the vehicle.