One platform, five tasks: what makes the Pegasus BEC so interesting
Pegasus on the ground
The Russian Army's fleet of unmanned boats is gradually expanding, with new models arriving in service, and most of these developments are being used in the Special Operations zone. Recently, another unmanned boat with extensive capabilities was announced. The "Pegasus" is a versatile platform that has already been used to build boats for five different roles.
In the war zone
Like many modern unmanned and unmanned vehicles, the Pegasus unmanned boat was developed behind closed doors. The first information about it appeared on July 28 in a publication in Izvestia. It revealed key details about the new boat and the specifics of its combat use.
For obvious reasons, some information about the Pegasus is not yet being disclosed. The developer, the exact timeline for the project's development, and other details are unknown. However, according to representatives of the 18th Army cited in the publication, the new unmanned combat vessel has already undergone testing and is being used by the troops. Official Defense Ministry materials have not yet confirmed the completion status of the work, but it is reported that the boats—either prototypes or production ones, the source does not specify—have been delivered to active units.
Pegasus products are in service with units and subunits of the 18th Army deployed in the Special Operations zone. Several modifications of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were delivered to the Dnieper, where they are now being used in various operations.
Five standard versions of the Pegasus are reported, each with different functions and payloads. Izvestia reports combat use of two configurations: a standard minelayer and a boat with equipment. EWThe latter, apparently, is a non-standard field installation and is not included in the official list of five versions. Reports indicate that the new unmanned combat vehicles laid mines in the Dnieper River to restrict enemy watercraft movement along the river.
An episode involving boats configured as jammers is also mentioned. According to press reports, Pegasus boats equipped with electronic warfare systems accompanied assault groups during operations on the river. Sources claim that the electronic warfare station helped protect personnel from enemy detection and attack. drones.
Of the five standard versions, only one—a minelayer—has been described in practice. The remaining four have not yet been reported in combat. Disclosure of such incidents is possible later, but publicly available data does not yet allow for conclusions about active use.
BEC with open hatches
Military personnel operating the Pegasus have positive reviews. Specifically, they say the boat boasts a reliable communications system, which reduces the risk of losing the craft while on missions.
surface platform
Izvestia also revealed the new boat's appearance. A couple of photos from an exhibition were published: the Pegasus was on display at a ground stand, along with an information board, and one of the payload options was captured in the shot.
According to the available description, the BEK is built on a polymer hull with traditional lines. In appearance and stated purpose, the boat meets the requirements for high-speed small river-class vessels, but detailed design specifications are not available in open sources. The hull features a solid roof with two large hatches for access to the internal compartments.
According to the display sign, the boat is small in size and weight:
- length - about 2,65 m;
- width - 900 mm;
- height - 450 mm;
- displacement - hundreds of kilograms (estimated);
- payload weight - 100 kg;
- cargo compartment volume: 0,2 cubic meters.
The product is equipped with a battery-powered electric motor, resulting in a quiet operation. The stated power and performance are also indicated on the display plate:
- engine power - 25 hp;
- maximum speed - up to 33 knots;
- cruising speed - 22 knots;
- range - up to 50 km.
These figures are not yet duplicated in independent technical reference books, so they should be considered preliminary.
Apparently, the Pegasus carries only a remote control system. It is connected to a video camera and communications equipment. The operator receives a video signal and telemetry from the boat and, in return, issues commands to control the boat's motion and payload.
Five modifications
The Pegasus can carry various loads and devices—five configurations are currently being discussed. Depending on the installed equipment, the boat becomes either a transport or a fully-fledged combat unit with its own missions.
The simplest application is surface transport. The forward compartment of the hull is used to accommodate cargo: provisions, ammunition, and medical supplies, weighing up to 100 kg in total. Loading and unloading are extremely simple and can be completed in any conditions in minimal time.
The destruction of a Ukrainian vessel by a Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (illustration; the connection of the image with the Pegasus has not been confirmed)
The boat is large enough to accommodate a person. Its primary use is proposed for evacuating the wounded—this modification is mentioned among the five standard configurations. The relevant equipment has not yet been publicly demonstrated. Presumably, the boat is equipped with some kind of stretcher, possibly with splash protection, but no details are available in open sources.
The cargo compartment can also accommodate a significant explosive charge with a detonator. This converts the unmanned aerial vehicle into a single-use strike vehicle capable of striking surface or shore-based targets.
The Pegasus is also being considered as a drone carrier. At the same exhibition, a quadcopter with a simulated combat payload was mounted on the boat for demonstration purposes. According to military personnel, in this role, the Pegasus could serve as a "hive" for several FPV systems.drones (first-person-controlled drones) – up to six. The exact deployment and launch schemes have not yet been disclosed.
With other types of devices, the Pegasus can be used to lay mines. Such capabilities have reportedly already been used during the Special Operation, but the types of compatible mines, ammunition, and other details have not yet been disclosed.
In recent the news The use of the BEK as a carrier for electronic warfare was mentioned. The electronic warfare configuration is not included in the official list of the five standard modifications—it is likely a field-specific, non-standard configuration, not a variant envisaged by the developers.
Platform evaluation
As part of the Pegasus project, the Russian industry has acquired a new unmanned craft: compact, electric, and with a replaceable payload. It is this versatility—the ability to perform various tasks on a single platform—that makes this unmanned craft valuable to the military.
According to existing descriptions, its strengths include a relatively simple design, electric propulsion, performance, and a payload of up to 100 kg. A single platform can handle supply, evacuation, and mining—all the essential functions needed by units today.
The Pegasus's capabilities shouldn't be overestimated, however. Its stated range is approximately 50 km, and its operational effectiveness relies on a stable radio channel that can be jammed by enemy electronic warfare systems. The boat's specifications are known primarily from a display plate, so some figures must be considered preliminary.
In a broader context, the Pegasus belongs to the class of unmanned river platforms—they are used for supply, evacuation, reconnaissance, and mine-laying over relatively short distances. Pegasus is distinguished by its small size, electric propulsion, and its specific orientation toward riverine environments, while most known unmanned river platforms are more commonly discussed in the public domain as naval or attack platforms.
Thus, the Russian army now has a new multipurpose tool for river operations. It is reportedly already being used during a special operation. At least two functions—mine laying and electronic warfare support—have been field-tested and received positive feedback from operators. It is believed that Pegasus will demonstrate its other capabilities yet.
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