BAE Systems HERTI
British UAV based on a Polish motor glider, first flown in 2004.
The BAE Systems HERTI (High Endurance Rapid Technology Insertion) is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the British company BAE Systems in Warton, United Kingdom. Its airframe is based on the J-6 Fregata motor glider designed by Jarosław Janowski of J&AS Aero Design in Poland. The HERTI first flew in December 2004 at the Australian Woomera test range and was the first UAV to fly in the UK with a flight certified by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer
- BAE Systems
- First Flight
- 2004
- Introduction
- 2007
- Primary User
- United Kingdom
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The HERTI flight test programme was conducted primarily in Australia at the Woomera range and West Sale airbase. In late 2006 a HERTI flew several fully autonomous missions from Woomera to expand its flight envelope. In mid-2007 BAE Systems began a campaign from West Sale to fly 28 km from base at altitudes of about 1830 m. A 'sense and avoid' system using radar and electro-optical systems was under development to enable safe flight in civilian airspace. In the UK, flights were conducted over Machrihanish Bay from Campbeltown Airport in 2005, earning the claim of being the first CAA-certified UAV flight in the country.
Under Project Morrigan, a HERTI was deployed to Afghanistan from Camp Bastion. Specific mission profiles remain classified, but the system sent data back to the UK via 'reach back', and the Royal Air Force stated it was successful 'in demonstrating its capability in an operational environment'. BAE Systems showed the HERTI at air shows including Farnborough and Dubai, and potential uses discussed included police and border control, oil and gas industry, traffic control, coastal protection, and search and rescue.
Variants include the jet-powered HERTI-1D (based on the J5 Marco glider, mass about 350 kg, later discontinued), the piston-powered HERTI-1A (BMW engine, based on J6 Fregata), the HERTI-1B (Rotax engine, multi-lane flight controls, ICE II mission system), the armed Fury (announced in 2008, equipped with Thales Lightweight Multi-role Missile), and the HERTI-OC (pursuing UK civil certification, featuring a new airframe and redesigned flight and mission systems). A high-altitude long-endurance version with larger wingspan and a catapult-launched version (tested with a dummy mass in Finland in 2005) were proposed.
Reader's Guide
The BAE Systems HERTI represents a notable step in British UAV development, combining a Polish motor-glider airframe with British systems engineering. Its significance lies in its operational debut in Afghanistan under Project Morrigan, where it demonstrated the ability to send data back to the UK via 'reach back', and in being the first UAV to fly in the UK with CAA certification. The HERTI programme explored multiple variants, including the armed Fury, reflecting an incremental approach to capability. The HERTI-OC variant pursued civil certification, though CAA restrictions ultimately moved flight trials overseas. The programme's legacy includes the development of sense-and-avoid technology and the demonstration of UAV utility in both military and potential civilian roles such as border control, coastal protection, and search and rescue. The HERTI also served as a testbed for catapult launches and high-altitude long-endurance concepts, though these remained in development stages.
Did You Know?
- An armed version, the BAE Fury, was announced in 2008 and equipped with the Thales Lightweight Multi-role Missile.
- Under Project Morrigan, a HERTI was deployed to Afghanistan and sent data back to the UK via a procedure called 'reach back'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BAE Systems HERTI?
The HERTI, short for High Endurance Rapid Technology Insertion, is a long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by BAE Systems at their Warton facility in the United Kingdom. It was designed to carry out extended-duration surveillance and technology-demonstration missions.
Where does the HERTI's airframe design come from?
The airframe is based on the J-6 Fregata motor glider, originally created by Polish engineer Jarosław Janowski at J&AS Aero Design. BAE Systems adapted that glider platform into a powered UAV system for military and research use.
When and where did the HERTI make its first flight?
The HERTI first flew in December 2004 at the Woomera test range in Australia. That flight also made it the first UAV to operate under a certification issued by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority.
What are the HERTI's key performance figures?
The initial vehicles had a maximum takeoff weight of 450 kg and a 150 kg payload, while the first production variant grew to a 750 kg maximum takeoff weight. The production model is capable of loitering for up to 20 hours.
Why is the HERTI considered a milestone for UK aviation?
It was the first unmanned aircraft to complete a flight under a Civil Aviation Authority certification in the United Kingdom. That regulatory first helped open the door for integrating UAVs into the country's controlled airspace.
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