At the AUSA 2024 exhibition, the Israeli company UVision once again showcased its HERO family of loitering munitions, along with its new autonomous multiple launch system. In an exclusive interview with Zona Militar, UVision’s CEO, Roni Gozali, discussed the company’s advancements and its focus on adapting its products to meet the needs of the U.S. Army and other international forces.
One of the most innovative systems presented at the fair was the autonomous launch container, designed to operate multiple drones from the HERO family from a single platform. Gozali explained that this system allows the simultaneous management of multiple drones, providing a significant tactical advantage. “We’ve gone from controlling one drone per operator to what we call an autonomous multiple launch system,” he detailed. This container can house different versions of the Hero drones, ranging from the Hero-30 to the Hero-400, each with varying range and payload capacities.
The container is a modular system that enables forces to deploy up to 21 Hero 120 drones in a single mission. Thanks to its open architecture, it can be integrated with existing command and control systems of military forces. “With this system, we can connect the drones to any command center, providing operators with a tool to plan missions with multiple simultaneous targets,” Gozali told Zona Militar.
Another star product showcased at AUSA 2024 was the Hero-120, a loitering munition equipped with an anti-tank warhead. According to Gozali, this drone has been successfully tested by several armed forces, including Argentina, and UVision is already in discussions to expand its offerings in Latin America.
Regarding the company’s presence in South America, Gozali stated, “We are very pleased to work in South America, and we have delivered systems to Argentina, of which we are very proud due to their performance in that country. We are in talks to expand capabilities in Argentina, but we are also seeing traction and interest from other countries. So now we are in discussions, and we would welcome more South American countries to adopt this incredible weapon system.”
In addition to individual drones, UVision demonstrated how its multiple launch system can autonomously manage drone swarms. “What we do is plan the mission so that several drones operate together, each attacking a different target without the need for constant manual control,” Gozali explained. The system is capable of processing real-time intelligence data, optimizing drone trajectories to minimize the possibility of interception.
The Hero 30, another model on display, stands out for its capability in short-range operations with a lighter payload, making it an ideal option for special forces and rapid deployment units. This model is particularly appreciated for its ease of transport and quick-launch capabilities during fast-paced missions.
UVision’s system flexibility also extends to its ability to be deployed from various platforms. “This container can be installed on trucks, ships, or even near borders, providing a significant strategic advantage,” Gozali noted. He emphasized the importance of adapting the container to tactical needs, being able to operate within a force’s command and control system, and incorporating information from other systems and sensors. The system allows military forces to launch drones from a safe, long-distance location, minimizing exposure to danger.
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