For the first time, two different unmanned drones can be controlled simultaneously from the same control center. Israel’s Elbit Systems, manufacturer of the Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 drones, reports that in a test carried out recently, one of each was controlled from the same ground station, with intelligence information transmitted to the center via different communication channels. Video: Hermes 450 The Hermes 900, which can fly at 30,000 feet, is twice as large and twice as effective as the Hermes 450. Both feature long range, wide area real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR). Video: Hermes 900 Elbit explains that the simultaneous control of two different unmanned drone systems is important for operational flexibility, enabling the drone type to be matched with the appropriate mission, and for the conduct of integrated missions.Training and infrastructure costs are also saved in this manner. “Elbit Systems’ drone families – Hermes and Skylark – play a central role in the worldwide war against terrorism, both in Israel and around the world, serving armies and security forces in many countries,” Elbit says.