HERO – Loitering Munitions

Series of high precision loitering munition systems

Today's battlefields require precise ammunition systems that can track and engage time-sensitive targets and can be controlled or even recalled until the final strike. Loitering Munitions* play a vital role in this. Rheinmetall has therefore teamed up with UVision to offer European customers the most advanced systems in this field.

* The term loitering munition (“LM” for short) is derived from the munition’s ability to remain undetected in the airspace above the target area for an extended period of time and to strike when the right moment arrives.

The Land, Sea & Air Battlefield Game - Changer

Multi-Domain, NLOS systems for land, sea and air

The HERO series of high precision loitering munition systems is designed to provide operating forces in the modern battlefield with the ultimate operational flexibility. They bring to the fighting forces unique independent fire capabilities combined with quality ISR, allowing them to locate, track and engage time sensitive low signature enemy targets at extended ranges organically and independently.

The HERO Loitering Munition loiters above the operational arena, locate and track the enemy, ‘investigate’ possible targets to help selecting the high value ones, choose the right timing, direction and angle of attack, and then performs a precise strike. HERO Loitering Munitions offer unique commonality, which allows all systems to be operated by the same ground operator unit and datalink terminal. All HERO Systems are designed to operate in challenging battlefield conditions, including GPS denied environment and communication interferences.

Changing the battlefield – Combat proven

With units deployed and field proven record in leading fighting forces – including dominant NATO countries, the HERO series of Loitering Munitions is already widely accepted and procured by world military forces. Based on recent lesson learning from use of loitering munitions in some of the world current active battlefields, the HERO series introduces unprecedented advantages to the forces operational traits and is already becoming a ‘Battlefield Game Changer’.

Suitable for a wide spectrum of missions

The HERO series of Loitering Munitions is suitable for a wide range of units and forces, and for tactical and strategic missions, of short, medium and long ranges. The unique design of the HERO enables maximum maneuverability with pinpoint strike accuracy and mission abort and reengage capability. Depending on the model, the systems are man portable and can be mounted on land vehicles, ships or aerial platforms.

On land

Simple deployment and flexible operation

Extremely lightweight, and man-pack portable, the HERO Loitering Munitions can be carried right into the heart of the battle and deployed within minutes. With a pneumatic launch, low noise and low thermal, visual and radar signature, HERO is a silent, invisible, surprise attacker – a major asset both in rural and urban battlefields.

Based on extensive field experience and tested in combat, the HERO highly advanced munitions are simple to operate, specifically tailored for use of land forces in harsh conditions. With their unique ability to transfer the control between different units and forces in the battlefield while in mid-air, the HERO series allows the modern soldier to utilize the advantages of the entire line of munition at his will. HERO series provide full commonality, offering even frontline dismounted units, and small light forces, highly accurate long-range heavy firepower combined with advanced ISR that until now was only achieved by complex cooperation between several units and echelons. They bring a completely new range of operational possibilities to the land forces battleground.

Variety of missions & targets for all echelons

The HERO system has consistently demonstrated effectiveness against variety of targets, such as infantry targets, moving light-duty vehicles, tanks, fortified enemy positions, air defence systems and key high-value installations – delivering a significant advantage in today’s conflicts. With rapid deployment, independent target acquisition and attack capabilities, the unique HERO loitering systems can be utilized by all military echelons – from the individual soldier to central command – for both strategic and tactical missions.

At sea

Multi-dimensional coverage of the naval arena

The HERO series of Loitering Munitions provides new and unique operational solutions to the different dimensions of the naval warfare. Their extended range and unique transfer of control trait, offer versatile use, improved cooperation and synergy between vessels and other units along with quick response to fast evolving threats.

Launched from single or multi-canister launchers, and easily integrated to existing naval C2 and target-acquisition systems, HERO systems bring highly affordable solutions to the growing challenges of the complex naval arena.

In the air

Enhanced effectiveness and higher survivability

The HERO Loitering Munitions can be launched from a wide choice of aerial platforms.

The systems are seamlessly integrated into the air vehicle avionics suite – hence allowing the aircrew to simply operate the munition using the standard controls. The flight and guidance of the HERO munitions is done from the platform, and can be transferred to fighting forces on the ground. This dramatically enhances the effectiveness and operational range of the air platform, and its ability to counter low-signature time sensitive targets, allowing it much greater ability to support the ground (or naval) forces.

The loitering munitions ability to operate at lower altitudes, many times lower than the clouds, increases the operational flexibility of the air platform, especially in near terrain flying altitude airspace. While operating the HERO systems, the aerial platform can stay in a standoff position, significantly lowering its exposure to possible threats, and allowing it to penetrate and neutralize many advanced air defence systems. All HERO Systems are designed to operate in challenging battlefield conditions, including GPS denied environment and communication interferences. This makes them highly suitable for the modern battlefield.