The classified nature of many projects makes it difficult to correctly portray the state of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology in Russia. Russia seems to lag behind the West in the slow-flying reconnaissance and patrol UAVs, which are popular on the market today. The Russian army has high-speed jet drones, capable to operate under heavy AD fire, but they are limited in their flight range. The escalation of low-intensity conflicts has encouraged the interest of the Russian armed forces and special services in light UAVs. As a result, the aviation industry is responding to this rise in demand. The Russian market consists of two poorly integrated segments. The first is controlled by the suppliers of the Ministry of Defense, whose products are not competitive on the commercial and international markets. The second segment offers technologically attractive models (often fitted with Western components) that are not acceptable to the military.
Most of the existing Russia’s military- purpose UAVs are in one way or another connected with the Stroi program, launched in the USSR in the 1980s. The program provided for three systems:
A front-line Stroi-F system with a Korshun UAV;
The army’s Stroi-A system with Dyatel-1 and Dyatel-2 UAV
A regiment-level Stroi-P system with a Pchela-1 UAV.
According to official information, only the last system has been adopted. The Tupolev Company continues to modernize old UAVs and develop new vehicles with turbojet engines that operate at high subsonic speed and with a relatively short flight range.
The Russian Armed Forces have about 30 Reis-D (VR-3D) unmanned systems. They are intended for roundthe- clock all-weather photo-, videoand infrared reconnaissance. The system uses a Tu-243 UAV, which is similar to its mass-produced (950-unit series) predecessor - the Reis Tu-143 system.
Most of the existing Russia’s military- purpose UAVs are in one way or another connected with the Stroi program, launched in the USSR in the 1980s. The program provided for three systems:
A front-line Stroi-F system with a Korshun UAV;
The army’s Stroi-A system with Dyatel-1 and Dyatel-2 UAV
A regiment-level Stroi-P system with a Pchela-1 UAV.
According to official information, only the last system has been adopted. The Tupolev Company continues to modernize old UAVs and develop new vehicles with turbojet engines that operate at high subsonic speed and with a relatively short flight range.
The Russian Armed Forces have about 30 Reis-D (VR-3D) unmanned systems. They are intended for roundthe- clock all-weather photo-, videoand infrared reconnaissance. The system uses a Tu-243 UAV, which is similar to its mass-produced (950-unit series) predecessor - the Reis Tu-143 system.
There is ongoing work on a newgeneration Stroi-F system (export name: Malakhit-F). A Tu-300 Korshun (Filin) UAV has been designed for it, and has surveillance, retransmission and attack (with combat payload of up to 1,000 kg.) versions. The Sukhoi Holding has also recently increased its efforts in producing unmanned technology. Sukhoi President Mikhail Pogosyan believes that Sukhoi’s first unmanned project was a high-altitude S-62 UAV with a long flight range. It was expected to fill the same market niche as the American RQ-4 Global Hawk, but to be lighter and smaller. Work on the S-62 was halted without explanation, however, after the conceptual phase was completed. At the 2003 Moscow MAKS air show, Sukhoi presented relatively undetailed models of three unmanned aircraft, tentatively named the Zond-1, Zond-2 and Zond-3. The first two were heavy aircraft versions for SIGINT (signals intelligence) and early warning. Zond-3 is a multi-role UAV with a turbofan engine and a mass of 2 tons. Russia/CIS Observer sources report that efforts to develop these projects are not very intensive.
Sukhoi is not releasing information on military and, moreover, combat UAVs. Nor are details available on agreements reached between Sukhoi and Europe’s EADS in June 2003. When the agreements were concluded, these companies announced they might cooperate in developing new defense systems, including UAVs. The Yakovlev Design Bureau is well known for its UAV for the Stroi-P system, which was adopted in 1997 after being field-tested in the North Caucasus. The most famous Yakovlev’s UAV is the Pchela-1, a small vehicle with a piston engine, equipped with TV surveillance equipment. In addition to being used by the Russian army, the Stroi-P also has been sold to North Korea.
Representatives of the Yakovlev Design Bureau told a Russia/CIS Observer correspondent that two new versions of the Pchela-1 UAV have passed government tests: target and infrared reconnaissance. Both are currently in operational testing by the Russian Defense Ministry. General testing for the modernized Stroi-P system is scheduled to be completed in 2004. A source at the Yakovlev Design Bureau notes that the performance characteristics of the Pchela-1 are being improved.
Rosoboronexport, the state arms trade agency, is conducting pre-contract negotiations with potential purchasers of this UAV system. Since 2003, Rosoboronexport has been actively promoting the surveillance/attack system, which includes the Smerch multiple launch rocket system and the Pchela-1 UAV. In the spring 2003, the Yakovlev Design Bureau joined the Irkut Corporation. Since Irkut management is quite interested in UAVs, the Yakovlev Design Bureau will most likely step up its unmanned technology programs. Yakovlev representatives told the Russia/CIS Observer the company is.
Sukhoi is not releasing information on military and, moreover, combat UAVs. Nor are details available on agreements reached between Sukhoi and Europe’s EADS in June 2003. When the agreements were concluded, these companies announced they might cooperate in developing new defense systems, including UAVs. The Yakovlev Design Bureau is well known for its UAV for the Stroi-P system, which was adopted in 1997 after being field-tested in the North Caucasus. The most famous Yakovlev’s UAV is the Pchela-1, a small vehicle with a piston engine, equipped with TV surveillance equipment. In addition to being used by the Russian army, the Stroi-P also has been sold to North Korea.
Representatives of the Yakovlev Design Bureau told a Russia/CIS Observer correspondent that two new versions of the Pchela-1 UAV have passed government tests: target and infrared reconnaissance. Both are currently in operational testing by the Russian Defense Ministry. General testing for the modernized Stroi-P system is scheduled to be completed in 2004. A source at the Yakovlev Design Bureau notes that the performance characteristics of the Pchela-1 are being improved.
Rosoboronexport, the state arms trade agency, is conducting pre-contract negotiations with potential purchasers of this UAV system. Since 2003, Rosoboronexport has been actively promoting the surveillance/attack system, which includes the Smerch multiple launch rocket system and the Pchela-1 UAV. In the spring 2003, the Yakovlev Design Bureau joined the Irkut Corporation. Since Irkut management is quite interested in UAVs, the Yakovlev Design Bureau will most likely step up its unmanned technology programs. Yakovlev representatives told the Russia/CIS Observer the company is.
The project with the highest priority is the development of a While details are not available, it is emphasized that significant attention is given to decreasing the cost of receiving surveillance information. Work on the project is carried out jointly with experts from the Sokol Design Bureau, based in Kazan.
The Yakovlev Design Bureau is also developing a new attack UAV that is comparable to the Boeing X-45. The objective of this project is the The Irkut Corporation began research on unmanned technology in 1999. By 2002, it had prepared a long-term development program based on market analysis. One of the stages in this program was the purchase of Aerostar UAV technology and components from the Israeli Aeronautics Defense Systems Company in 2003. In the near future, Irkut plans to begin flight-testing its UAV, which is based on Israeli experience and technology. Deliveries may begin in 2005. The Russian Ministry of Disaster Relief is expected to become one of the clients. It would use unmanned vehicles to locate and fight forest fires along with Be-200 amphibious aircraft.
Corporation representatives note that Irkut is not planning to copy foreign technology in the short, medium or long term. According to Irkut Senior Vice President Sergey Tsivilev, three basic UAVs, which differ in payload capacity and takeoff weight, are currently being developed. Russia/CIS Observer sources note that Russian Avionics, an Irkut subsidiary, has designed a special UAV using developments proven useful in helicopter modernization. This UAV is being tested, but no information on it has been made available. Irkut President Alexey Fedorov had earlier stated the corporation began researching an attack UAV model and outlining technical requirements in cooperation with potential clients.
The Sokol Design Bureau in Kazan is officially dedicated to the development of UAVs. However, the only project openly promoted on the market is the Dan’ aerial target, which has been mass-produced since 1993, used in fighter testing and exported. In the long term, the enterprise plans to present a modernized Dan’-M. Sokol General Director Alexander Gomzin has spoken about the possibility of installing a side-looking radar, a multi-channel radiometer and a broadband link on the Dan’ UAV. There were also reports that this UAV could be fitted with electronic countermeasures equipment. It is possible that the Dan’ UAV was constructed as part of the Stroi-A program.
Vladislav Lachugin, a representative of Sokol, said designers are focusing on modernizing existing technology. A principally new product could appear on the market in late 2006 or early 2007. According to Lachugin, Sokol is working on other unmanned projects, including micro- UAVs, which may be useful in counter-terrorist operations. In the summer of 2004, the design bureau announced that it was working on a mobile unmanned system for video surveillance for military and civilian needs. This system uses a 30-kg. UAV with a flight range of 300 km.
Low-intensity conflicts made the Russian Army look closer at light unmanned aerial Vehicles
UAV is relatively inexpensive at under $25,000. In the near future, a new major player will appear on Russia’s unmanned technology market. A presidential decree dated April 28, 2004 established the Vega Radio Engineering Concern. Its exact makeup has not been made public, but it is known that the Concern will include a number of key enterprises involved in unmanned technology, such as the Kulon Research Institute (the producer of the Stroi-P), the Kyshtym Radio Plant and the Luch Design Bureau.
In September 2004, at the 5th International Gelendzhik-2004 Hydroaviation Salon, Luch presented the Tipchak, a tactical aerial reconnaissance system. The system’s UAV has a twin-boom; its targeting technology uses a combined line-scanning infrared and visible band high-resolution camera. A source at Rosoboronexport told the Russia/CIS Observer that the Tipchak system will be actively promoted for export.
The Kuznetsov Research Institute of Applied Mechanics (NII PM), which focuses on missile and aircraft equipment design, has developed the Pustelga-4 micro-UAV, which weighs less than 400 grams. This very original UAV is based on a four-rotor helicopter model and fitted with electric engines. The Pustelga system can be used for conducting surveillance in cities, buildings and structures. It is virtually invisible at 50 meters. Vladimir Achildiev, a deputy general designer at the Institute has said that the flight unit of the system will be tested in December 2004. The designers seek to create a micro-UAV weighing less than 100 grams. Russia/CIS Observer sources note that Rosoboronexport considers the Pustelga one of the most promising UAVs for export.
The Novik-XXI Century Company is focusing on three fairly simple and inexpensive, but effective, tactical UAVs. The heaviest, weighing 60 kg, is the Otshelnik, which is intended for aerial photo-surveillance at distances of several hundred kilometers. Novik cooperated with the Kyshtym Radio Plant to develop the GRANT system, which can conduct uninterrupted TV-surveillance in real time at distances of up to 70 km. There are two versions of a miniature UAV called the BRAT. The first is recoverable and has a range of 30 km. The second, BRAT-2, is expendable, but can carry out its mission at a distance of up to 290 km. Its payload may be a TV camera and TV transmitter, or ECM equipment. The basic model of the miniature UAV costs $10,000. BRAT is produced in a limited series for foreign clients.
The Elron system, created by Kazan-based Enics Company, was unveiled at the July 2004 armament show in Nizhny Tagil. The miniature UAV is built on a flying wing design and equipped with an electric engine. At the 1993 and 1995 Moscow air shows, Enics presented expendable R-90 UAVs that are deployed to the area of reconnaissance with the aid of the Smerch MLRS.
In developing a UAV with a rotarywing design, the Kamov Company built a prototype of an unmanned Ka-137 helicopter with a unique spherical fuselage in 1996. A representative of Kamov told a Russia/CIS Observer that the UAV is ready for testing, but work on the project is held back by the passive attitude of its client. It is obvious that the Russian UAV market has much to offer. However, it is still unclear, which of the aforementioned models will make it to the mass-production stage.
The Yakovlev Design Bureau is also developing a new attack UAV that is comparable to the Boeing X-45. The objective of this project is the The Irkut Corporation began research on unmanned technology in 1999. By 2002, it had prepared a long-term development program based on market analysis. One of the stages in this program was the purchase of Aerostar UAV technology and components from the Israeli Aeronautics Defense Systems Company in 2003. In the near future, Irkut plans to begin flight-testing its UAV, which is based on Israeli experience and technology. Deliveries may begin in 2005. The Russian Ministry of Disaster Relief is expected to become one of the clients. It would use unmanned vehicles to locate and fight forest fires along with Be-200 amphibious aircraft.
Corporation representatives note that Irkut is not planning to copy foreign technology in the short, medium or long term. According to Irkut Senior Vice President Sergey Tsivilev, three basic UAVs, which differ in payload capacity and takeoff weight, are currently being developed. Russia/CIS Observer sources note that Russian Avionics, an Irkut subsidiary, has designed a special UAV using developments proven useful in helicopter modernization. This UAV is being tested, but no information on it has been made available. Irkut President Alexey Fedorov had earlier stated the corporation began researching an attack UAV model and outlining technical requirements in cooperation with potential clients.
The Sokol Design Bureau in Kazan is officially dedicated to the development of UAVs. However, the only project openly promoted on the market is the Dan’ aerial target, which has been mass-produced since 1993, used in fighter testing and exported. In the long term, the enterprise plans to present a modernized Dan’-M. Sokol General Director Alexander Gomzin has spoken about the possibility of installing a side-looking radar, a multi-channel radiometer and a broadband link on the Dan’ UAV. There were also reports that this UAV could be fitted with electronic countermeasures equipment. It is possible that the Dan’ UAV was constructed as part of the Stroi-A program.
Vladislav Lachugin, a representative of Sokol, said designers are focusing on modernizing existing technology. A principally new product could appear on the market in late 2006 or early 2007. According to Lachugin, Sokol is working on other unmanned projects, including micro- UAVs, which may be useful in counter-terrorist operations. In the summer of 2004, the design bureau announced that it was working on a mobile unmanned system for video surveillance for military and civilian needs. This system uses a 30-kg. UAV with a flight range of 300 km.
Low-intensity conflicts made the Russian Army look closer at light unmanned aerial Vehicles
UAV is relatively inexpensive at under $25,000. In the near future, a new major player will appear on Russia’s unmanned technology market. A presidential decree dated April 28, 2004 established the Vega Radio Engineering Concern. Its exact makeup has not been made public, but it is known that the Concern will include a number of key enterprises involved in unmanned technology, such as the Kulon Research Institute (the producer of the Stroi-P), the Kyshtym Radio Plant and the Luch Design Bureau.
In September 2004, at the 5th International Gelendzhik-2004 Hydroaviation Salon, Luch presented the Tipchak, a tactical aerial reconnaissance system. The system’s UAV has a twin-boom; its targeting technology uses a combined line-scanning infrared and visible band high-resolution camera. A source at Rosoboronexport told the Russia/CIS Observer that the Tipchak system will be actively promoted for export.
The Kuznetsov Research Institute of Applied Mechanics (NII PM), which focuses on missile and aircraft equipment design, has developed the Pustelga-4 micro-UAV, which weighs less than 400 grams. This very original UAV is based on a four-rotor helicopter model and fitted with electric engines. The Pustelga system can be used for conducting surveillance in cities, buildings and structures. It is virtually invisible at 50 meters. Vladimir Achildiev, a deputy general designer at the Institute has said that the flight unit of the system will be tested in December 2004. The designers seek to create a micro-UAV weighing less than 100 grams. Russia/CIS Observer sources note that Rosoboronexport considers the Pustelga one of the most promising UAVs for export.
The Novik-XXI Century Company is focusing on three fairly simple and inexpensive, but effective, tactical UAVs. The heaviest, weighing 60 kg, is the Otshelnik, which is intended for aerial photo-surveillance at distances of several hundred kilometers. Novik cooperated with the Kyshtym Radio Plant to develop the GRANT system, which can conduct uninterrupted TV-surveillance in real time at distances of up to 70 km. There are two versions of a miniature UAV called the BRAT. The first is recoverable and has a range of 30 km. The second, BRAT-2, is expendable, but can carry out its mission at a distance of up to 290 km. Its payload may be a TV camera and TV transmitter, or ECM equipment. The basic model of the miniature UAV costs $10,000. BRAT is produced in a limited series for foreign clients.
The Elron system, created by Kazan-based Enics Company, was unveiled at the July 2004 armament show in Nizhny Tagil. The miniature UAV is built on a flying wing design and equipped with an electric engine. At the 1993 and 1995 Moscow air shows, Enics presented expendable R-90 UAVs that are deployed to the area of reconnaissance with the aid of the Smerch MLRS.
In developing a UAV with a rotarywing design, the Kamov Company built a prototype of an unmanned Ka-137 helicopter with a unique spherical fuselage in 1996. A representative of Kamov told a Russia/CIS Observer that the UAV is ready for testing, but work on the project is held back by the passive attitude of its client. It is obvious that the Russian UAV market has much to offer. However, it is still unclear, which of the aforementioned models will make it to the mass-production stage.
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