Bell 412EP helicopter launches Hero-120 kamikaze drone and destroys target at 50km distance

UVision USA and Axxeum tested the ability to launch a kamikaze drone from a Bell 412EP helicopter. The demonstration took place as part of Experimental Demonstration Gateway Event 23 at the US Army Range in Yuma, Arizona.

Here's What We Know

The test took place in May. During the event, a Bell 412EP helicopter was able to launch a Hero-120 kamikaze drone, which is equipped with a 4.5 kg payload. The hovering munition successfully separated from the aircraft, flew 50km and destroyed the target on the ground.

For more than half of the distance the operators, who were on board the helicopter, kept in touch with the Hero-120. Moreover, they even transferred control of the drone to each other several times. The maximum communication range is 30 km. The drone flies further without operator input.

The hovering munition was developed by UVision USA. Axxeum created a system that made it possible to attach the launcher to the Bell 412EP. At the same time, it is also compatible with other aircraft.

Source: EDR