Supercam S350M Reconnaissance UAV: Improved Performance and New Features
Preparing the S350 UAV for takeoff
Since 2022-23, units and subdivisions of the Russian army have been actively using Supercam S350 unmanned aerial vehicles. Such UAVs have found wide application in the field of reconnaissance. They are used to search for enemy positions, direct fire weapons, and monitor the results of strikes. Last year, the existing S350 underwent modernization aimed at improving its main characteristics and expanding the range of tasks it can solve.
major upgrade
The Supercam series projects are being developed by the Unmanned Systems group of companies from Izhevsk. This family includes several unmanned aircraft and multicopters with different characteristics and capabilities. Civilian and military products are offered. In particular, the S350 flying wing is being supplied to the troops en masse.
In mid-May 2024, plans to modernize the existing one became known drone S350. As reported by domestic media with reference to Unmanned Systems, the S350M project involves upgrading the airframe and general onboard systems in order to reduce weight and improve other characteristics. It was also planned to give the drone new functions.
Subsequently, the developer company repeatedly mentioned the new UAV and shared details of the current work. It talked about various design changes, replacement of individual units, as well as new payload options.
Flight tests were expected to begin in the near future under the conditions of the test site. Then the UAVs were to be delivered to the Special Operations zone for trial operation in the troops and determination of their real potential. However, it is not yet known whether the new equipment has been shipped to the troops. So far, all the news The "Supercams" only mention the basic model S350 UAVs.
For different customers
Currently, the main operator of Supercam drones of various models is the Russian army. According to available information, the Ministry of Defense centrally purchases this equipment and distributes it among military units. There have also been reports of drone deliveries by volunteer organizations.
Supercam operator at work
Unmanned Systems Group is seeking to expand its customer base. To this end, it is currently participating in the IDEX 2025 exhibition as part of the Russian delegation. The United Arab Emirates is showcasing its main range of products, including the latest developments, such as the upgraded S350M.
At IDEX 2025, the developer not only presents its updated UAV, but also reveals its additional capabilities. According to the latest news, the device will be able to carry a new electronic warfare station, which will help combat enemy FPV drones. Such a load will solve a new task, but will not affect the flight and other characteristics of the UAV itself.
GC "Unmanned Systems" reminds that its drones can be used not only by the military. S350M and other devices should also be of interest to civilian structures - rescue organizations, commercial enterprises, etc. In particular, such potential customers may pay attention to the new payload option.
The SX350 drone is also on display in Abu Dhabi. It is similar in appearance and design to the S350, but has additional propeller-motor groups for vertical takeoff and landing. This equipment gives the drone obvious advantages over other Supercams and allows it to solve the same tasks more effectively.
The developer company reports that the SX350 has recently been upgraded with improved key characteristics. In particular, the flight duration has increased by 50% - the basic modification had a flight time of 2 hours. What technical solutions were used in this upgrade is not reported. Perhaps, we are talking about borrowing developments from the S350M project.
Flying wings
The Supercam S350 and S350M reconnaissance UAVs are built using the "flying wing" design, which achieves an advantageous ratio of flight characteristics and payload. Externally, the two drones are almost identical, but have a number of significant differences in terms of design and instrumentation.
Launch from a pneumatic catapult
The "flying wing" is made disassemblable. For transportation in standard containers, the consoles will be separated from the center section. When assembled, the product has a span of 3,2 m with an overall length of about 1 m. The maximum takeoff weight of the base S350 is determined at 15,5 kg. The weight of the modernized S350M has not yet been announced, but it is known that this parameter has been reduced.
The S350M is equipped with a nose electric engine with a tractor propeller. In flight, the speed is up to 110-120 km/h. The lightweight design and fuel-efficient engine allowed to increase the flight duration by 20% - up to about 5,5 hours. The flight range in this regard should have reached the level of 280-290 km.
The UAV takes off using a catapult. The initial acceleration is provided by a pneumatic system or rubber bands. The deployment of the system before launch takes no more than 15 minutes. A landing parachute is used to return after takeoff. The S350M project has implemented a modular parachute system. It allows you to quickly replace the canopy without wasting time on packing it, and immediately send the UAV on a new flight.
S350 and S350M UAV diagram, bottom view
The S350M, like the basic drone, has an autopilot and a remote control system. It can operate according to a preset program or according to the operator's commands. Radio communication with the control panel is maintained at distances of up to 100 km, and video signal transmission from the optical-electronic station is possible at distances of at least 70 km. The upgrade made it possible to increase the communication's resistance to interference.
The central part of the glider has a place for placing the payload. First of all, the Superkams carry optical-electronic stations of different types with day and night channels. The operator receives a video signal in real time and can conduct reconnaissance or perform other tasks. In addition, the new project has a function of automated data processing. The finished information is transmitted to the tactical troop control system.
The S350M UAV can carry radio-technical means. Last year, it was reported that it could be equipped with a repeater. In this case, the drone should ensure the operation of other reconnaissance or strike systems. At the same time, the installation of a radio station does not affect the flight characteristics of the device.
One of the options of OES for S350
According to the latest reports, the upgraded Supercam may feature a small-sized station EW. This device is designed to detect and suppress control channels of FPV strike devices. This function is necessary for self-defense, and can also be used to cover various objects and areas. Reconnaissance is possible - in this case, the S350M will search for radio signal sources and transmit their coordinates to the operator.
Continuous development
Unmanned aviation The Supercam family of systems have been used by the Russian army since 2022-23. Over the past time, they have confirmed their design characteristics and demonstrated the ability to conduct reconnaissance in various conditions and in the interests of various branches of the armed forces. By now, they have firmly taken their place in the UAV fleet of our armed forces.
The developer closely monitors the operation of its drones in the troops, collects feedback and wishes, and analyzes the experience of using the equipment. The result of this is now new models or modifications of existing ones, such as the S350M. The modernized device compares favorably with the basic model in improved characteristics and additional functions. It is obvious that in the near future the army will be able to test such equipment in practice.
Information