Saturday, January 7, 2012, 08:50 AM

Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: ESLT, ("Elbit Systems") announced that it was awarded a contract, valued at approximately $50 million, to supply Hermes 900® Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to a governmental office of a country in the Americas.

The UAS will be operated in a variety of perimeter security missions. The project will be performed over approximately one year. The UAS will also include systems such as the Universal Ground Control Stations (UGCS), Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop's highly advanced DCoMPASS™ payload systems, as well as satellite communication systems.

The Hermes® 900 UAS builds on the vast operational experience accumulated by the Hermes® 450, the backbone of the Israel Defense Forces’ UAS operations. Hermes® 900 offers a range of enhanced capabilities, from higher flight altitude (up to 30,000 ft) to longer endurance and larger payload capacity. The system’s unique structure enables it to carry a variety of payloads in different shapes and sizes for quick "conversion" between payload configurations.

Elad Aharonson, General Manager – Elbit Systems UAS Division, commented: "We are very proud that yet another customer has selected the Hermes® 900, following orders by the Israeli Defense Forces and Chile". Aharonson added: "Hermes® 900 is establishing its position as a world-leading UAS for intelligence missions, as well as perimeter and security missions. An added value is the unique advantage of the common ground control station for both the Hermes® 900 and the Hermes® 450 array, allowing enhanced operational flexibility and cost effectiveness."