Reconnaissance UAV "Eleron-7"
UAV crews of the security and reconnaissance unit of the Strategic Missile Forces prepare the equipment for departure
The Russian army is armed with light unmanned aerial vehicles of the Eleron series. They are used in different types of armed forces and branches of the military and provide situation monitoring, reconnaissance and fire adjustment. Operators of such equipment include security and reconnaissance units from the Strategic Missile Forces. The Department of Defense recently showed how lightweight UAVs can help guard missile systems on alert.
UAV during exercises
Recently, a command post exercise of the Strategic Missile Forces took place with the participation of several formations. As part of this event, Yars mobile ground-based missile systems went out on combat patrol routes awaiting the launch order. Security and reconnaissance units also went out on patrol, designed to protect the PGRK from a possible attack by a mock enemy.
On March 27, the Ministry of Defense spoke about the work of security and intelligence units. To reconnaissance patrol routes and search for sabotage groups of a mock enemy, they use UAVs of a number of models. With their help, the fighters discovered a sabotage and reconnaissance group of a mock enemy that was carrying out mining. Then it was neutralized using standard means.
It is noted that within the framework of such an event, a lightweight UAV of the Eleron-7 type was used for the first time - the latest model of the family of the same name. The new drone has important differences from previous ones drones, increasing the efficiency of application. Flight characteristics have been improved, new optical reconnaissance tools have been used, resistance to interference has been increased, etc.
The Ministry of Defense published a video of the use of new UAVs. It is shown how a security unit on a combat anti-sabotage vehicle (BPDM) "Typhoon" moves around the area and reaches the starting position. Under the cover of riflemen, three crews of unmanned systems unload and deploy their equipment. In a minimum amount of time, they place launchers and control equipment on the ground, and also prepare their UAVs for launch.
The video also included footage of drones launching and returning using parachutes. The flight and reconnaissance process, as well as video from on-board optics, were not included in the mini-report. However, as reported, the UAV crews successfully completed their task - they discovered the mock enemy’s DRG and directed the fighters towards it.
latest model
History The Eleron-7 UAV dates back to the mid-XNUMXs. During this period, the Kazan-based ENIKS JSC developed and put through all the necessary tests the first model Eleron light reconnaissance drone. Soon this product went into production for the Ministry of Defense. Over the next few years, a number of units and formations of the ground forces were equipped with light reconnaissance drones.
Subsequently, several new designs were created based on the original UAV. Thus, at the beginning of the tenth years, the Eleron-3 and Eleron-10 products entered service, differing from the base product and from each other in size, weight, payload and tactical and technical characteristics. New modifications of these products were developed. At the same time, production and deliveries continued - with clear positive consequences for the army.
The drone is ready to take off
The latest example of its family, which appeared in the recent past, is Aileron-7. From the point of view of general technical solutions, it is similar to its predecessors, but differs in size and take-off weight. This UAV occupies an intermediate position between the “3” and “10” models, which provides certain advantages. In addition, it was equipped with new reconnaissance and communications devices.
Accurate information about the production and supply of Aileron-7 is not yet available. It is reliably known that such equipment, like the previous Ailerons, is available in the security and reconnaissance units of the Strategic Missile Forces. Apparently, it is also received by the ground forces, which also need similar means and systems.
Technical features
"Aileron-7", like its predecessors, is built according to the "flying wing" design. The airframe of the device is made of composite material and has characteristic smooth contours. The airframe combines a swept wing with removable consoles and a rudimentary fuselage protruding beyond the wing profile. There are elevons on the wing consoles, and lower keels are provided on the trailing edge.
Product dimensions are not reported. Probably, like other Ailerons, the wing span does not exceed 1-1,3 m with approximately half the length. The launch weight is 7 kg, of which 1 kg is the payload.
A compact electric motor with a folding propeller is located in the rear part of the fuselage. The main part of the internal volumes of the airframe is given over to batteries. With the help of such a power plant, Eleron-7 reaches speeds from 70 to 130 km/h. The ceiling is 5000 m. The flight duration reaches 2,5 hours. The radius of the system with video signal transmission reaches 25 km.
Return of "Aileron-7" from flight
The UAV is equipped with a combined control system. There are remote controls and an autopilot on board. Depending on the task at hand, Eleron-7 can fly and solve problems under full operator control, perform a preset flight mission with correction by the operator, or operate in fully automatic mode. In the latter case, radio silence is observed.
The drone control station is built on a secure laptop with the appropriate software. A radio communication system with a directional antenna on a tripod is also used.
The development company offers three payload options. A spherical casing under the nose of the UAV can house a camera or a full-fledged optical-electronic station. An OES with a video camera on a gyro-stabilized platform with a magnification of 30x, as well as a station with day and night channels are offered. Reportedly, the video camera and thermal imager can be used simultaneously and transmit the image to the operator’s console.
All “Ailerons” are launched from a ground launcher with a pneumatic or rubber harness drive. The unmanned systems of the Strategic Missile Forces, recently shown in a video from the Ministry of Defense, are equipped with pneumatic catapults. Landing is carried out using a parachute on board the drone.
The Eleron-7 system is distinguished by a certain ease of transportation and operation. The UAV and ground controls fit into two backpacks with carrying straps. The launcher is housed in an oblong box. The entire complex is carried by a crew of two people or transported by any suitable transport.
Intelligence tool
Light UAVs of the Eleron series have long been supplied to the Russian army and are actively used to solve reconnaissance tasks. They met all expectations, confirmed their capabilities and proved themselves to be the best. Drones have taken their place in the fleet of vehicles, and they will not be abandoned in the near future.
The Eleron-7 project is based on a successful and proven aerial platform with autonomous and remote control. In the course of consistent development, it received modern improved control and reconnaissance electronics. The resulting model entered service and is demonstrating its capabilities in practice.
It is now known about the presence of Eleron-7 UAVs in the security and reconnaissance units of the Strategic Missile Forces and about their use in practice - during combat duty and during exercises. It can also be assumed that other types of troops are also receiving such equipment. In addition, it was reported that “Ailerons” of previous models are used in the Special Operations area. We cannot exclude the presence of the latest seventh model in the troops, which can improve the reconnaissance capabilities of units.
It should be recalled that in addition to several types of Ailerons, the Russian army has a whole range of other light-class UAVs designed for monitoring the situation, conducting reconnaissance and solving other similar tasks. Different parts and connections receive unmanned systems that more fully meet their specifics and needs. This improves reconnaissance capabilities and the overall potential of units when participating in maneuvers and in real battles. The new Aileron-7 has taken its place in this system and helps achieve common goals.
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