Belarusian Sky-Truck and Fly-Truck UAVs

The unmanned Sky-Truck helicopter (foreground) and the optionally manned Fly-Truck (behind)

Following other countries, the Republic of Belarus is trying its hand at creating an unmanned aerial vehicle aviationSeveral months ago, its industry unveiled two new, intriguing unmanned aerial systems. The Sky-Truck and Fly-Truck are similar and designed to transport people or cargo weighing hundreds of kilograms.

Vehicle family

The Unmanned Helicopters Design Bureau is conducting its history Since the mid-1990s, it has been developing various unmanned aerial systems with various capabilities. In recent years, the company has introduced several new projects under the UAVHELI brand.

The design bureau presented the first results of its work last year. Advanced UAVs and related equipment were showcased at Belarusian exhibitions. This year, two new and exciting developments were unveiled, designed for use in various types of air transportation.

For example, in May, the MILEX-2025 military-technical exhibition was held in Minsk. At the event, the Unmanned Helicopters Design Bureau presented its advanced Sky-Truck and Fly-Truck aerial systems. The two UAVs are extremely similar to each other, but have significant differences in design and operational capabilities.

Both are new drone They are designed for cargo transportation. The Fly-Truck is distinguished by its cockpit and controls. Depending on the operator's needs, it can be unmanned or flown under direct pilot control.

The developer reported at the time that the new technology was being developed for use along the Northern Sea Route. It was intended to complement existing logistics systems and simplify the transportation of various cargoes, as well as offer other advantages inherent to unmanned aerial systems.

The two projects utilized modern solutions and new components. Specifically, the drones were planned to be equipped with a new Russian-made turboshaft engine. Other design issues were also being worked on.

Plans for the future

The first contract for the production and delivery of new equipment was signed at the MILEX-2025 exhibition. The Unmanned Helicopters Design Bureau entered into an agreement with the Raskat Design Bureau (part of the Vnukovo Aircraft Repair Plant holding company) to produce new UAVs at Russian facilities. At the time, the agreement involved 20 aircraft.

At the end of October, the Belarusian company reported on the successes of recent months. Specifically, they announced that the new UAVs had successfully completed some of their testing. All necessary rig tests, ground trials, and even test flights had begun. Specifically, the Sky-Truck had already demonstrated a flight carrying a payload of hundreds of kilograms.

Due to some formal complications, the new Belarusian UAV received a temporary engine. It was used for testing and refining various aspects. However, once the necessary paperwork was completed, they planned to switch to the previously planned engine in the near future.

It was noted that Unmanned Helicopters has orders for 22 Sky-Truck UAVs. Of these, 20 are intended for a Russian customer, but the customer was not named. The ordering party for the remaining two UAVs is also unknown.

A second version of the transport UAV, called Fly-Truck, was also demonstrated at the exhibition, but its future prospects remain unknown. It may also be the subject of an order, but other scenarios in which it will be overshadowed by the Sky-Truck cannot be ruled out.

Technical features

The two UAVHELI-branded products have similar architecture and design, and utilize a common set of components. The main differences between the two aircraft lie in the presence or absence of a pilot's cabin in the optionally piloted UAV.

Both drones feature a distinctive fuselage shape. The nose is a curved assembly, with a flat central section behind it housing the main components. Attached to this section is the tail boom with its H-shaped tailplane. A four-point landing gear is mounted under the nose and on outriggers on the fuselage.

The exact dimensions of the two UAVs have not yet been disclosed. Overall, they are similar to some existing light helicopters. The takeoff weight of the fully unmanned aircraft is 2,5 tons. The optionally piloted version is 500 kg heavier.

In the case of the Sky-Truck UAV, the nose assembly likely houses the control system and other electronics. The onboard equipment suite should include an autopilot, navigation, and communications systems. These are responsible for automated takeoff and landing, as well as route navigation.

The Fly-Truck, in turn, features a fully functional single-seat cockpit. It features large glass areas for excellent visibility. It also features a full set of controls and a simplified "glass cockpit" display. The piloted aircraft will likely also feature an optional automatic mode.

Both UAVs are designed to be equipped with a VK-650V turboshaft engine, developed and manufactured in Russia. This engine produces 650 horsepower in takeoff mode and 750 horsepower in emergency mode. The engine is connected to a uniquely designed gearbox. It was developed by the Unmanned Helicopters Design Bureau and is to be manufactured at Russian facilities.

It is reported that the prototype UAVs of the new type have not yet received their standard engines due to the ongoing certification process and other procedures. Therefore, they are equipped with British Rolls Royce 250-C30 engines with similar characteristics. At the earliest opportunity, they will be replaced with Russian VK-650V engines.

The UAVs have a rotor system with two coaxial, counter-rotating propellers. A "double" hub with a special swashplate is used, which is standard for such designs. Flight is accomplished using three-bladed propellers with a diameter of 12,8 meters.

According to the developer, the Sky-Truck and Fly-Truck have a cruising speed of up to 160 km/h. The drones can remain airborne for up to 4-5 hours. Their flight range is 480 km.

Currently, drones are offered for air transport. In this configuration, a rectangular container is suspended under the central fuselage. It can carry up to 600 kg of cargo. Other payload and auxiliary equipment options may be added in the future.

Aerial platforms

Thus, the Belarusian company "Unmanned Helicopters" has developed a rather interesting unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) project capable of solving various practical problems. The Sky-Truck and Fly-Truck projects have several interesting features that could help them find practical application. Moreover, these UAVs have reportedly already received their first order.

In terms of their overall architecture and potential for installing interchangeable modules, the two Belarusian UAVs are similar to the Ka-26 helicopter and its variants. Experience has shown that such an aerial platform truly has great potential and can be used for a wide range of tasks. Whether the Unmanned Helicopters Design Bureau will utilize these capabilities will become clear in the near future.

Modern electronics are fully capable of handling simple transport tasks—taking off, flying to a designated point, and landing. Autonomous operation or following operator commands are possible. A cargo drone doesn't require any special capabilities, and the Sky-Truck should meet these expectations. At the same time, the software and hardware can be modified to suit new tasks.

The proposal to create an optionally piloted version is of great interest. Depending on the specific task and mission, it will be possible to choose the control method—human onboard, remote control, or automated. This will increase flexibility and offer several practical advantages.

The new Belarusian drones are reportedly already undergoing testing and demonstrating their characteristics and capabilities. Furthermore, the first orders for the construction and delivery of such equipment have been placed. It is expected that the equipment will be delivered to the customer and put into operation soon. At this stage, conclusions will be drawn that will influence the future of these two interesting projects.

Comments

[Dedok]

Belarusian Sky-Truck and Fly-Truck UAVs

I can't imagine what budget these pepelats were created on, but great job!

Two Belarusian UAVs resemble the Ka-26 helicopter and its modifications.

more like the pepelats from "Avatar"

[Vend]

The SVO radically changed the concept of military technology and warfare.

[gridasov]

If you wait for events like the SVO and only then see the picture of development, then consider yourself a loser.

[Mikhail Ivanov]

How can they be used in the SVO? At 169 km/h, they're an easy target.
As I understand it, this will be civilian equipment, and the key factor will be the cost of the product...
We have a pretty good mini-electric car project, and it would sell at around a million. But even before it goes into production, it's already priced at around three and won't sell.

[Lako]

I was at the Millex exhibition back in 2018. Even then, the variety of UAV models on display was simply astounding. Including some Belarusian-made ones. Moreover, private companies were also involved in this in Belarus. So, the SVO had nothing to do with it.

[gridasov]

There are many different products that all share the same technology for converting airflow energy. This means they all share the same problems, parameters, and performance characteristics. Therefore, it's worth discussing changes to the fundamental basis of flight support, both in terms of theory and new devices, both as a method and technology.

[alexoff]

It has nothing to do with the SVO; the projects appeared before 2022.

[gridasov]

There's a real situation and a real need. So why do all this if there was a plan in place before 22, and there's no implementation.

[alexoff]

Who doesn't? Russia? We have a lot of things we don't use for, except geraniums and Chinese drones. We showed off large drones before the Second World War, and we showed them a year and a half after it started. That's all. But Indel Design Bureau has been around for over 20 years, they haven't closed down, they haven't starved to death, and they sell their drones to some, and they buy them from others.

[Vend]

Quote: gridasov

There's a real situation and a real need. So why do all this if there was a plan in place before 22, and there's no implementation.

With language removed.

[Vend]

Quote from alexoff

It has nothing to do with the SVO; the projects appeared before 2022.

There are a lot of projects, but not all of them are realized. In the late 90s, our IT specialists had a project for a computer processor that was two generations ahead of Intel. The project was never realized. It was cheaper to buy a ready-made processor than to invest in production. So, the distance between project and implementation is a long way off if the right situation isn't right.

[gridasov]

I'll give you an example: I've long positioned a method and technique for modulating electromagnetic pulses or currents not simply by a linear vector, but by their reactive parameters. In other words, the generator simply modulates the pulse using new algorithms and dominant physical parameters. This means that to dampen or distort this process, it must also be generated accordingly. This pulse generation process itself is more optimized and energy-efficient. And the result is that neither appropriate shielding nor fiber optics are required. It's simply a different signal modulation. Of course, I'm sure the relevant institutions and people have known this for a long time. Therefore, the conclusion is that serious processes are currently underway and require new approaches and solutions if we want to remain in our current position.

[alexoff]

We are talking about a specific company that did not develop any processors.

[Vend]

Quote from alexoff

We are talking about a specific company that did not develop any processors.

No need to beat around the bush.))) You yourself started citing examples from other companies. And I gave you an example of how a project might not be in demand if there's no suitable situation.

[alexoff]

In that case, you need to choose what to quote. And practically everything except small drones turned out to be unpopular. But motorbikes, scooters, and Korean art are in high demand. Which suggests that it's not that everything is wrong, but that a purchased drone is like a new Versace dress for some Timur Ivanov's wife that wasn't purchased.

[Vend]

Quote from alexoff

In that case, you need to choose what to quote. And practically everything except small drones turned out to be unpopular. But motorbikes, scooters, and Korean art are in high demand. Which suggests that it's not that everything is wrong, but that a purchased drone is like a new Versace dress for some Timur Ivanov's wife that wasn't purchased.

It's not true; different drones are used in the SVO zone, not just the Geraniums.

[alexoff]

Of those carried in parades, there were only the rare Orlans and the very rare Orions. The Lancet was remembered only after the start of the Second World War. Where are the Marker, Uranus, Corsair, and Thermite?

[Bersaglieri]

VMG is clearly from Ka-126, by the way.

[Dedok]

VMG- obviously from Ka-126, by the way.

No, not obviously - but for now - Rolls-Royce
that's when it will be obvious...

[Bersaglieri]

engine - yes, and the column?

[hagen]

Quote: Dedok

more like the pepelats from "Avatar"

Belarusian use of Sikorsky's S-64 concept in miniature.

[APASUS]

There are Belarusians nearby, buy some. There will always be a place for this kind of equipment in the SVO.

[Alexey RA]

Quote: APASUS

There are Belarusians nearby, buy some. There will always be a place for this kind of equipment in the SVO.

Until we have a domestic engine, there's nothing to buy. A British engine in a Russian Armed Forces helicopter is a bit too surreal.

It is reported that the new type of experimental UAVs have not yet received their standard engines due to the ongoing certification process and other procedures. Therefore, they use products of the British company Rolls Royce 250-C30 with similar characteristics. At the first opportunity, they will be replaced by Russian VK-650V.

[APASUS]

Quote: Alexey RA

Until we have a domestic engine, there's nothing to buy. A British engine in a Russian Armed Forces helicopter is a bit too surreal.

The timing of the appearance of a Russian-powered aircraft isn't that critical. The point here is rather that one can't handle everything with one hand; the entire range of UAV production, and some, can be purchased from an ally.

[alexoff]

Quote: Alexey RA

Until there is a domestic engine, there is nothing to buy.

These are all cheap excuses. The Iranians seem to have copied all the light and heavy engines, two-stroke, four-stroke, and jet engines. They're used in light aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles. It's almost impossible to Google regional news these days. A design bureau in Rybinsk went bankrupt around 2019. It was developing a 50-horsepower engine for the long-forgotten Korsar drone. And the contract was supposedly for about 8 million rubles. 8 million rubles, Karl! For developing an engine for a drone! That's how much engine development we do here; is it any wonder there's nothing? And by a surprising coincidence, the Italian engine originally installed in the Korsar was copied by the Iranians and installed—guess where?

[Azimutt]

This kind of technology could already be used in science fiction films about the future.

[Quzmi4]

Personally, for some reason the Sky-Truck's nose reminded me of

[gridasov]

And yet, it's worth considering technology with new propulsion systems. I understand that engineers have little understanding of how the frontal flow energy can be used as a force to combat, and the force of the repulsive flow, which can be used more effectively as a supporting flow.

[Bersaglieri]

Maybe some antigrav then? Do you have any Unobtanium in your stash? :)

[gridasov]

In everything there must be a measure of both fantasy and correspondence to real reproduction technologies.

[Bersaglieri]

What's the reality? Propellers or impellers. Jet propulsion is out of place here—it's uneconomical.

[gridasov]

NO! It's neither one nor the other, and no one uses it at all. You're talking primarily about the hardware, but I'm talking about the process, and only then about the fact that this simple, basic device is capable of converting the kinetic flow of continuous media into potential energy. The fuel type and quality are essentially irrelevant; it can be used without fuel. The only issue is the rotation speed of the working element. This means that the mass dimensions are orders of magnitude smaller, and the efficiency is higher. Moreover, the support mechanisms have been modified, since bearings can't withstand such speeds. Essentially, it's an electric motor, a turbine, and a generator—whatever you want within the framework of the dominant interest. This has been openly marketed for over twenty years, but no one has shown any interest. There's no one to work with! Moreover, the device's operation is considered a balanced system of mass suction and ejection. BUT the mass ejection is also included in a closed process. The external environment becomes orders of magnitude more polarized as a supporting medium.

[Bersaglieri]

"...even without fuel..." - have they learned to repeal the laws of thermodynamics and conservation laws? "We easily change the metrics of space with an act of will," yeah right :)

[gridasov]

Well, I can still distinguish fantasy and illusion from justification based on logic and existing knowledge. That's why I always speak the language of mathematics—though it's somewhat different. You can and should not believe me. But possessing the ability to analyze, compare, and harmonize information is essential.

[Bersaglieri]

What "other mathematics"? In our space-time, alas, there's only one. :)

[gridasov]

I'll just point out that the hydrogasdynamic flow at each exaggerated point has individual parameters and directions of movement, both developmental and relative, as well as the geometry of movement. And it's not at all smart to analyze flows using abstract concepts. In general, these are big data with algorithmic patterns across many parameters. This means that the analysis tool must be somewhat different and not based on the binary logic of integrating or differentiating the value of a Number or other comparisons. In short, this is a separate topic.

[Bayun]

I also thought that rotating wings with a pair of motors plus a small third motor for stabilization, like a helicopter tail, would be more effective than the four motors of a quadcopter. You could hide a battery in the wings, improving aerodynamics... Mechanical flaps and vertical stabilizers are unnecessary. Flight stabilization is achieved with motors, like a copter.

The enemy is already making real vehicles with rotating wings. It would be logical to practice on "cat" UAVs.

[Bersaglieri]

Interesting vehicles. A further development of the Israeli frontline transport UAV concept, I understand?

[Dedok]

Further development of the Israeli idea of ​​a frontline transport UAV, as I understand it?

Did Dad buy a license for this piece of junk?

[Bersaglieri]

No, the design was different there - a "chisel" with impellers.

[gridasov]

No one is working with the flow energy density. No one sees how to increase the flow capacity of a Laval nozzle by orders of magnitude without increasing pressure and power consumption. Simply put, no one is understanding the mechanism of dynamic influence on the flow so that its kinetic parameters can be used for nuclear or potential transformations.

[Bersaglieri]

Let's go into more detail. What "dynamic influence on the flow"? "Vril," perhaps? :)

[gridasov]

I don't think this is the case, because there are aspects that suggest a different process. I can say that the development and understanding of the process's depth were evident in the early 20th century. However, a full analysis of the entire array and algorithms for changes in hydrogasdynamic flow could not be performed due to the lack of a mathematical technology for analyzing simultaneity across a larger array of diversity. Therefore, simply inventing something without understanding the full complexity of the process is impossible. The very transition from turbulence to nuclear transformations requires that it be supported by speeds and other physical aspects that are currently difficult to achieve or uncontrollable. One thing I will say is that technologies for influencing flow are not applicable—the flow itself must create the conditions for such a manifestation of its reactions.

[Bersaglieri]

What "nuclear transformations" are there in a subsonic (or even supersonic) flow? The energies are different, though. This isn't an accretion disk near a pulsar or a black hole, where plasma "rubs" at relativistic speeds. :)

[gridasov]

You're obviously unfamiliar with Koldamosov's research and the transformation of fluid flow energy into plasma-level processes. I think we're talking about the optimization, effective use, and further development of this research.

[Bersaglieri]

And remember Fominsky, yeah...with Atsyukovsky and Shipov :)

[gridasov]

Each of them has a lot of interesting and important features. There's no one who can systematize all these individual anomalies, analyze them, and produce an optimized solution. BUT, the most important thing is to provide a mathematical justification as a system for understanding the patterns and their use.

[Bersaglieri]

"I knew it!" Well, give me your fuel-free torsion generator :)

[gridasov]

Let me point out that plasma physical processes are essentially a breakdown of a specific spatial electromagnetic circuit. And you can say whatever you want, but if you don't see the patterns, that's a problem.

[Bersaglieri]

Comrade, answer me - what is your education and occupation?

[gridasov]

Alas, I don't answer these questions. Consider me gone. Time is gone, and the place and events are quite interesting. Everything I say is purely for the sake of discussion and the opportunity to connect with talented people.

[Bersaglieri]

It's clear, there's apparently nothing to answer.

[Alexey RA]

In terms of overall architecture and the potential for installing interchangeable modules, the two Belarusian UAVs are similar to the Ka-26 helicopter and its modifications.

Rather, it is a Ka-126 after tuning - it has just one gas turbine engine.

[Tailpipe]

Why are the "Berol" UAVs named after the English word? Is it some kind of reverence for the West? Or is it a lack of imagination?

[alexoff]

Because no one from the former Soviet Union ever bought anything from them, only Arabs. Their leader mentioned this in an interview. That's why they created the Hunter combat drone helicopter, not the Hunter, which flew and fired a PKT quite decently.

[Lako]

I've already seen three modifications of this Hunter. And I have no idea where it flies or shoots. Especially since the developer is a private company. I have a suspicion that it's nowhere.

[alexoff]

Well, they have to live on something, they have a big, beautiful office. They said that the UAE and other petro-monarchies bought from them.

[Fangaro]

Vamos a ir a Kansas?

Why are Belarusians called in English?
And why not made in Belarus?
Aren't these two different things, Belarus and Belarus?
Has Belarus liberated itself from the dictatorship of the Soviet Russian language?
Personal opinion...
When I was a schoolboy, I studied history. And there was so much there...
About Minsk, Vilnius, Smolensk, Pskov, Krakow, Riga... And other friendly cities.

[RR_Vernadsky]

According to the developer, the cruising speed of the Sky-Truck and Fly-Truck reaches 160 km/h.

Spray the fields and fight hogweed?!?!?

[Evgeny_Sviridenko]

Ну что же, неплохо. Вопросы конечно к двигателю, но эти вопросы можно задать ко всему авиационному промышленному российскому сектору. Который неплохо так раздербанили в 90 е и последующие годы. Двигатель концептуально устаревший, но сейчас сами понимаете - не до жиру. Более того, я бы лично воссоздал бы и поршневые движки М-14В26, которые стояли на КА-26. Они работают до сих пор ! Что характеризует их как надёжное, неприхотливое изделие.