Achievements and prospects of domestic UAVs

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"Orlan-10" is one of the main UAVs of the Russian army. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

In the past 10-15 years, the Russian army has been paying particular attention to unmanned aerial vehicles. Unmanned aerial vehicles for various purposes with different characteristics are being created, purchased and put into service, allowing to cover all the needs of the armed forces. Due to this, one of the world's largest "air fleets" of UAVs has already been created, and in the future it will become even larger and will be able to perform a wider range of tasks.

Current achievements


The current processes of construction and development of the unmanned direction were launched in the XNUMXs - although older models created in Soviet times are also in service. The development of modern UAVs began with the development of our own samples and the purchase of foreign products necessary for accumulating experience.




The calculation prepares the UAV "Eleron-3" for launch. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

Over time, the number of domestic developments grew, and some of these samples were adopted by different types of troops. Currently, UAVs of several classes are in service with the ground forces, the Air Force, the Navy, the Airborne Forces and a number of power structures. At the same time, so far only complexes of the light and middle classes are becoming widespread. Heavy UAVs, incl. shock assignments have not yet reached full service, but their appearance in the ranks is expected in the near future.

According to known data, the Russian army now has approx. 70 companies responsible for the operation of the UAV. They own hundreds of two dozen types of unmanned aerial vehicles, including at least 2 thousand aircraft. Thanks to this, Russia is one of the main "unmanned powers" in the world. In terms of the number of UAVs in service, our country is second only to the United States and Israel.


Aileron on the launching device. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

The processes of development and modernization of unmanned vehicles do not stop. Also, the production of devices continues under existing and newly emerging contracts. New directions are being explored. All this suggests that our fleet drones, at least, will not decrease in quantitative terms, but in terms of quality, real breakthroughs await him.

Park condition


At the moment, the vast majority of army UAVs belong to the light class; these are mainly devices designed for monitoring and reconnaissance. Thus, the most widespread is the Orlan-10 complex with an aircraft weighing only 14 kg and capable of carrying 5 kg of payload. Various payload options are offered, including communication equipment and electronic warfare equipment.

UAVs of the Eleron series are of great importance for the troops. Such devices are built according to the "flying wing" scheme and have a mass of 3,4 to 15 kg. They are able to stay in the air for a long time and conduct reconnaissance without attracting attention. Larger and heavier samples of the series have a changeable load. The newer UAVs of the Tachyon family have similar characteristics and capabilities. A number of other samples of Russian design and licensed production belong to the same class.


Launch of the Tachyon UAV. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

The main domestic UAV of the middle class at the moment is "Forpost" - a licensed copy of the Israeli IAI Searcher II. This aircraft has a takeoff weight of over 430 kg and carries reconnaissance equipment. As production continued, the degree of localization increased and the dependence on imported components decreased. In addition, work on the Forpost-R UAV is nearing completion. It is larger and heavier than its predecessor, and has an increased flight duration. In addition, the project provides for the use of only Russian components and software.

Features of operation


The existing UAV fleet in the troops is only suitable for observation and reconnaissance - and the army actively uses this. Reconnaissance companies with drones have been created in all large formations of ground, airborne and other troops. Their task is to collect data about the enemy and the situation as a whole, target designation for various fire weapons, etc.


Medium UAV "Forpost". Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

As part of the Syrian operation, unmanned aviation the complexes showed their capabilities in the field of reconnaissance and target designation. With their help, the work of combat aviation is ensured, incl. strategic, and friendly ground units. Various variants of such interaction between UAVs and other equipment are regularly practiced in exercises.

In recent years, the Ministry of Defense has repeatedly reported on the introduction of UAVs in new areas. So, unmanned aerial vehicles can now provide the operation of artillery systems of various types, up to high-power 2S7M systems. The data from the reconnaissance drone is used both for preparation for firing and for adjustments after the first shots.

The operation of the UAV has begun in the engineering and railway troops. With their help, sappers and railway workers can assess the situation and determine a plan for further actions - during the construction or destruction of facilities, when laying roads or repairing, etc.


Complex "Orion" with heavy drones. Photo of the company "Kronstadt"

A difficult prospect


The Russian army does not yet have heavy-class UAVs capable of showing higher flight characteristics. Due to the lack of such platforms, the question of shock drones remains open. However, work in this direction began several years ago and will soon give all the desired results.

The Orion unmanned complex shows the greatest success. He successfully passed the tests and even passed the test in Syria. In the spring of this year, the Ministry of Defense adopted the first complex with three UAVs. Serial production is expected to start. The project of a similar purpose "Altius-U" has faced some problems. This UAV is still undergoing testing, but has every chance of entering service in the near future.


Heavy "Altius-U" in flight. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

Of particular interest is the S-70 Okhotnik project, which has already been tested for the prototype. It provides for the creation of a "flying wing" with advanced reconnaissance and strike capabilities and the ability to work both independently with maximum autonomy, and in one formation with a manned fifth generation fighter.

The topic of drones capable of interacting with aircraft is developing. At the forum "Army-2020" for the first time showed a model of a promising UAV of this kind called "Thunder". It is expected that such a device will be able to carry weapon to combat air and ground targets, and will also take on the most dangerous combat work.

Disposable drones


In recent years, the domestic industry has paid attention to the direction of the so-called. loitering ammunition - light UAVs carrying a warhead and capable of attacking ground targets. Several developments of this class have already been presented, they are being tested - but they are not yet accepted for service. Probably, a decision on this will be made in the near future.


Loitering ammunition "Lancet". Photo of Concern "Kalashnikov"

In the recent past, the "Cube-UAV" ammunition was presented. This is a small-sized product (wing span 1,2 m) with a warhead weighing 3 kg. The product is capable of flying up to half an hour. During this time, the operator can monitor the situation and look for a target to strike. Later, the Lancet ammunition was presented. It is distinguished by an aerodynamic configuration, a more advanced optical-electronic system and an increased combat load.

Present and future


UAVs of a number of classes have already become an integral attribute of the Russian army. The production of existing types of equipment continues, which allows the continuation of rearmament and the creation of new reconnaissance and monitoring units. In parallel, other samples are being developed, incl. completely new classes with different working and combat capabilities.

Thus, by now the "air fleet" of Russian drones has become a large and full-fledged force capable of solving assigned tasks. And right now it is on the verge of a new stage in its development. Apparatus of new classes with extended capabilities have already been created, and in the near future they will reach full-fledged operation. Heavy attack vehicles will complement light reconnaissance vehicles - and Russia will enter the circle of world leaders not only in the number of UAVs, but also in their quality and capabilities.
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  1. +6
    10 December 2020 18: 11
    The project of a similar purpose "Altius-U" has faced some problems. This UAV is still undergoing tests, but has every chance of entering service in the near future.

    Spare no money and develop our own motors - Altius is our only chance for a DLRO UAV.
    It's no joke - the ceiling is 12m, the range is 000km, and 10 hours in the air.
    1. +7
      10 December 2020 18: 16
      If we take REDs (what is on Altius), then from the beginning of development to the certificate, it took about 10 years.
      1. +1
        10 December 2020 18: 26
        Apparatus of new classes with advanced capabilities have already been created, and in the near future they will reach full-fledged operation. Heavy attack vehicles will complement light reconnaissance aircraft - and Russia will enter the circle of world leaders not only in the number of UAVs, but also in their quality and capabilities.
        it is better to declare in fact, "plans" and "projects" are already tired. They took to the troops, hurray. and so ... a lot of things have already been painted.
        1. -1
          10 December 2020 18: 58
          Quote: Aerodrome
          it is better to declare in fact

          Who is better?
    2. 0
      10 December 2020 21: 08
      It's no joke - the ceiling is 12m, the range is 000km, and 10 hours in the air.
      in order to implement these characteristics, a satellite control system for the UAV is needed, this is still difficult
    3. +2
      12 December 2020 09: 38
      Our only chance is not only UAV Altius, but Sirius too.
    4. -1
      12 December 2020 13: 37
      Yeah on paper ...
    5. 0
      24 January 2021 12: 43
      Yes, except for the motors, everything is German, the glider, avionics :) And yes, they already heard you, they will not regret money :)
  2. +4
    10 December 2020 18: 12
    And someone wrote that everything is lost.. But it seems that there is something ...)
    1. -1
      10 December 2020 18: 29
      Quote: SaLaR
      And someone wrote that everything is lost.. But it seems that there is something ...)

      and not only one ...
  3. +1
    10 December 2020 18: 12
    They own hundreds of two dozen types of unmanned aerial vehicles, including at least 2 thousand aircraft. Thanks to this, Russia is one of the the main "unmanned powers" of the world... In terms of the number of UAVs in service, our country is second only to the United States and Israel.

    There are three types of lies: lies, blatant lies and statistics.
    1. +4
      10 December 2020 18: 19
      There are three types of lies: lies, blatant lies and statistics.

      Are you saying that Turkey is the leading UAV power? )))
    2. +1
      15 December 2020 13: 33
      I completely agree!!! Only the United States is inferior !!! fellow
  4. +4
    10 December 2020 18: 32
    Well. Quantitatively, we are really not in the last ranks. But qualitatively ...
    In real combat conditions, with active air defense and electronic warfare, our UAVs have not yet worked, and the drums are still only in development.
    Let's wait and hope.
  5. +6
    10 December 2020 18: 46
    It is high time to start work on a medium-sized UAV-interceptor for showdowns with various rascals like Bayraktarov.
    1. 0
      10 December 2020 18: 51
      It is necessary to make a universal, relatively cheap, mass turbojet platform. In versions of electronic warfare, AWACS, repeater, attack aircraft, fighter, etc.
      Something like the Sukhoi Probe project. On the AI-222-25 turbojet engines used on the Yak-130 training aircraft. It is also possible on RD-33 with AL-31, with the appropriate modifications.
      1. +6
        10 December 2020 19: 00
        I would bet more on screw motors. All the same, for a UAV of a defense nature, maneuverability and autonomy time, and the cost of operation are important.
        1. +2
          10 December 2020 19: 07
          I think the ability to lift 3-4 tons of payload is more important. This is a full-fledged radar and the whole range of controlled and non-controlled weapons in service. You can put a cannon too.
          Turbojet UAVs can be in the air for more than 24 hours, that's more than enough.
          Electric motors are more for small UAVs and kamikaze drones.
          One does not cancel the other. 2 directions are needed equally: swarms of small-class drones and shock-reconnaissance "large" UAVs.
          1. +1
            10 December 2020 19: 10
            Yes, this is understandable, I'm now talking more about the concept of a hunter for a UAV at the direction of ground stations. Perhaps it would be more productive against the "swarm of drones" than all these modern missile and cannon tricks. And for this task, you need an autonomous cheap machine with cheap operation, which is capable of what is called "hover" for hours like a bird of prey. Drummers, yes, turbojets, there are no options.
      2. +2
        15 December 2020 13: 35
        Yeah, and they will cost like the Yak-130.
  6. +3
    10 December 2020 18: 49
    Altius and Oreon depend on Austrian engines, because of the blackmail with us, these engines were no longer sold to us, and the license for their production was refused. So, at most, we will get a few more Oreons on the engines purchased and received from the Austrians, and then. .. wait for your piston engines for shock drones to appear. With proper funding, according to some information, our engines of this kind will be created in 2-3 years and put into production!
    1. +1
      10 December 2020 18: 58
      Quote: Thrifty
      With proper funding, according to some information, our engines of this kind will be created in 2-3 years and put into production!

      Already 20-30 years these 2-3 years last. It is already necessary to score on these engines and build UAVs on turbojet engines.
      1. +6
        10 December 2020 19: 19
        The Fiery Cat-turbojets are more hungry, and heavier, the drummer with them will weigh like a light fighter, and the price of such a drone will be almost like a conventional fighter!
  7. +12
    10 December 2020 22: 13
    Such an article could be published in the Pravda newspaper.
    The headline is a feast for the eyes, we have only achievements
    and prospects, not failures and delays.
    So veiled to tell that we do not have "combat"
    UAVs, and those that exist are only small flying cameras,
    could only be a master of military journalism.
    And after all, you will not immediately understand that in terms of the UAV we are again behind
    the whole planet, Won and Shoigu recently "asked" to speed up work in
    this direction.
  8. +9
    10 December 2020 23: 02
    RF third half after the United States and Israel? What, even the Celestial Empire was bypassed, in which the UAV, already at the level of the motorized infantry department, is in the state! So far, we can only dream of such a saturation of drones in the troops!
    1. +1
      11 December 2020 18: 15
      The question is in quantity. The PRC has shock workers, and we use light ones for reconnaissance and for the formation of RUKs. Here I wonder what will happen to the lancets.
      + waiting to see how Thunder and the Hunter will end. Let's hope that success (in a large series of good cars).
  9. +1
    11 December 2020 06: 12
    It’s not even interesting to read how they write for the imbecile ... but the people hawk and comment seriously ... laughing
    Some projects. Will be ... planned ... in the near future ... and so on and so on .... wassat
    But there should be articles about the new staffing table in the army, about the positions of operators in companies and battalions, about training problems ... but what do we see on the site? And all the same: sweet talk about the future ... fellow
  10. bad
    +15
    11 December 2020 08: 50
    The opponents, of course, ran far away. It will not be easy to catch up. We must act. Or answer asymmetrically.
  11. +5
    11 December 2020 11: 22
    The son works in the company "Kronstadt", worked for 1,5-2 months almost seven days a week. It seems like they are bringing 3 more UAVs and ammunition to them. Exactly, he didn't ask, but in the conversation he mentioned ...
  12. +4
    11 December 2020 15: 54
    Thanks to this, Russia is one of the main "unmanned powers" in the world. In terms of the number of UAVs in service, our country is second only to the United States and Israel.

    I really hope that this 3rd place does not lull the military. Heavy and shock UAVs are still a weak point. We are waiting, sir.
    ----
    I watched the victory parade in Baku. There Turkish and Israeli large UAVs were deservedly transported across the square. It was especially offensive for the Armenians to see captured MLRS, armored vehicles, which were also transported on trailers. The results of these UAVs. Wasted time in Yerevan and wasted money drinks
  13. +3
    12 December 2020 09: 37
    In fact, the list of UAVs is more extensive.
  14. Kuz
    +14
    12 December 2020 11: 58
    The UAV is now being taken seriously. And not everything gets into the press and news.
    1. +3
      12 December 2020 13: 45
      We took up not the UAV, but another place ...
  15. +4
    13 December 2020 14: 29
    This article reminded me of the movie "If tomorrow is war". Victoriously pathetic without taking into account the realities.
  16. +4
    13 December 2020 14: 33
    Quote: Cottodraton
    Aha, and whose electronics is there? Not really your own?

    Yes, Chubais developed it at Skolkovo. I didn’t sleep at night, I was thinking about my homeland. American.
  17. +3
    15 December 2020 13: 56
    I read it, and for some reason I remembered North Korea with its largest fleet in the world ... Not by battleships and aircraft carriers ... Namely by the number of ships, or rather boats, and not only submarines, but also motorized ones ...

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