Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE: ESLT) has revealed their Hermes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) successfully flew, for the first time, using a heavy fuel commonly used in jet engines.

Elbit said that the Hermes 90 completed its heavy fuel engine (HFE) debut flight using a Kerosene-based diesel fuel (Jp5/8), which is a safer alternative to automobile gasoline. Heavy fuels provides significant advantages in the naval and maritime field, enabling refueling, launch and recovery on naval platforms and ships. Elbit Systems UAV division general manager Haim Kellerman said the test was a significant milestone in Elbit Systems' naval UAV activities, and that Elbit plans UAV landing trials on various naval platforms.