Impact drone. Drone: a review of Russian and foreign unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). About use in the army

Even 20 years ago, Russia was one of the world leaders in the development of unmanned aircraft. In the 80s of the last century, only 950 Tu-143 air reconnaissance aircraft were produced.

The famous reusable spaceship"Buran", which made its first and only flight in a completely unmanned mode. I don’t see the point and now somehow give in to the development and use of drones.

Background of Russian drones (Tu-141, Tu-143, Tu-243). In the mid-sixties, the Tupolev Design Bureau began to create new complexes unmanned reconnaissance tactical and operational purpose. On August 30, 1968, the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR N 670-241 was issued to develop a new unmanned complex tactical intelligence"Flight" (VR-3) and the unmanned reconnaissance aircraft "143" (Tu-143) included in it. The deadline for presenting the complex for testing in the Decree was stipulated: for the variant with photo reconnaissance equipment - 1970, for the variant with television intelligence equipment and for the variant with radiation reconnaissance equipment - 1972.

The reconnaissance UAV Tu-143 was mass-produced in two configurations of the nasal interchangeable part: in the photo reconnaissance version with information registration on board, in the television reconnaissance version with information transmitted via radio to ground command posts. In addition, the reconnaissance aircraft could be equipped with radiation reconnaissance equipment with the transmission of materials on the radiation situation along the flight route to the ground via a radio channel. The Tu-143 UAV is presented at the exhibition of aviation equipment samples at the Central Aerodrome in Moscow and at the Museum in Monino (you can also see the Tu-141 UAV there).

As part of the aerospace show in Zhukovsky MAKS-2007 near Moscow, in the closed part of the exposition, the MiG aircraft corporation showed its Skat strike unmanned aerial vehicle, an aircraft made according to the “flying wing” scheme and outwardly very reminiscent of the American B-2 Spirit bomber or its smaller version - the Kh-47V marine unmanned aerial vehicle.

"Skat" is designed to strike both at previously reconnoitered stationary targets, primarily air defense systems, in conditions of strong opposition anti-aircraft weapons the enemy, as well as against mobile ground and sea targets when conducting autonomous and group actions, joint with manned aircraft.

Its maximum takeoff weight should be 10 tons. Flight range - 4 thousand kilometers. The flight speed near the ground is not less than 800 km / h. It will be able to carry two air-to-surface / air-to-radar missiles or two adjustable bombs with a total mass of not more than 1 ton.

The aircraft is made according to the scheme of the flying wing. In addition, the well-known methods of reducing radar visibility were clearly visible in the appearance of the structure. So, the wingtips are parallel to its leading edge and the contours of the rear of the apparatus are made in the same way. Above the middle part of the wing, the Skat had a fuselage of a characteristic shape, smoothly mated with the bearing surfaces. Vertical plumage was not provided. As can be seen from the photographs of the Skat layout, control was to be carried out using four elevons located on the consoles and on the center section. At the same time, yaw control immediately raised certain questions: due to the lack of a rudder and a single-engine scheme, the UAV required to somehow solve this problem. There is a version about a single deviation of the internal elevons for yaw control.

The layout presented at the MAKS-2007 exhibition had the following dimensions: a wingspan of 11.5 meters, a length of 10.25 and a parking height of 2.7 m. Regarding the mass of the Skat, it is only known that its maximum takeoff weight should have been approximately equal to ten tons. With these parameters, the Skat had good calculated flight data. With a maximum speed of up to 800 km / h, it could rise to a height of up to 12,000 meters and overcome up to 4,000 kilometers in flight. It was planned to provide such flight data with the help of a bypass turbojet engine RD-5000B with a thrust of 5040 kgf. This turbojet engine was created on the basis of the RD-93 engine, however, it is initially equipped with a special flat nozzle, which reduces the visibility of the aircraft in infrared range. The engine air intake was located in the forward fuselage and was an unregulated intake device.

Inside the fuselage of the characteristic shape, the Skat had two cargo compartments measuring 4.4x0.75x0.65 meters. With such dimensions, it was possible to hang guided missiles in the cargo compartments various types, as well as adjustable bombs. The total mass of the Skat combat load was supposed to be approximately equal to two tons. During the presentation at the MAKS-2007 Salon, Kh-31 missiles and KAB-500 guided bombs were located next to Skat. The composition of the onboard equipment, implied by the project, was not disclosed. Based on information about other projects of this class, we can conclude that there is a complex of navigation and sighting equipment, as well as some possibilities for autonomous actions.

UAV "Dozor-600" (development of the designers of the company "Transas"), also known as "Dozor-3", is much lighter than "Skat" or "Breakthrough". Its maximum takeoff weight does not exceed 710-720 kilograms. At the same time, due to the classic aerodynamic layout with a full-fledged fuselage and a straight wing, it has approximately the same dimensions as the Skat: a wingspan of twelve meters and a total length of seven. In the bow of the Dozor-600, a place is provided for target equipment, and a stabilized platform for observation equipment is installed in the middle. A propeller group is located in the tail section of the drone. Its basis is the Rotax 914 piston engine, similar to those installed on the Israeli IAI Heron UAV and the American MQ-1B Predator.

115 Horse power engines allow the Dozor-600 drone to accelerate to a speed of about 210-215 km / h or make long flights at a cruising speed of 120-150 km / h. When using additional fuel tanks, this UAV is able to stay in the air for up to 24 hours. Thus, the practical flight range is approaching the mark of 3700 kilometers.

Based on the characteristics of the Dozor-600 UAV, we can draw conclusions about its purpose. The relatively low takeoff weight does not allow it to carry any serious weapons, which limits the range of tasks to be solved exclusively by reconnaissance. However, a number of sources mention the possibility of installing various weapons on the Dozor-600, total weight which does not exceed 120-150 kilograms. Because of this, the range of weapons allowed for use is limited to only certain types of guided missiles, in particular anti-tank ones. It is noteworthy that when using anti-tank guided missiles, the Dozor-600 becomes largely similar to the American MQ-1B Predator, as technical specifications, as well as the composition of weapons.

Hunter

The project of a heavy strike unmanned aerial vehicle. The development of the research project "Hunter" to study the possibility of creating a strike UAV weighing up to 20 tons in the interests of the Russian Air Force was or is being carried out by the Sukhoi company (JSC Sukhoi Design Bureau). For the first time, the plans of the Ministry of Defense to adopt an attack UAV were announced at the MAKS-2009 air show in August 2009. According to Mikhail Pogosyan, in August 2009, the design of a new attack unmanned system was joint work relevant units of the Sukhoi Design Bureau and MiG (project "Skat"). The media reported on the conclusion of a contract for the implementation of research "Okhotnik" with the company "Sukhoi" on July 12, 2011. In August 2011, the merger of the relevant divisions of RAC MiG and Sukhoi to develop a promising strike UAV was confirmed in the media, but the official agreement between MiG and Sukhoi was signed only on October 25, 2012.

The terms of reference for the strike UAV was approved by the Russian Ministry of Defense in the first days of April 2012. On July 6, 2012, information appeared in the media that the Sukhoi company had been selected by the Russian Air Force as the lead developer. Also, an unnamed source in the industry reports that the attack UAV developed by the Sukhoi company will simultaneously be a sixth-generation fighter. As of the middle of 2012, it is assumed that the first sample of the attack UAV will begin testing no earlier than 2016. It is expected to enter service by 2020. In 2012, VNIIRA OJSC selected patent materials on the Okhotnik R&D theme, and in the future, it was planned to create landing approach navigation systems and taxiing of heavy UAVs on the instructions of Sukhoi Company OJSC (source).

Media reports that the first sample of the heavy attack UAV of the Sukhoi Design Bureau will be ready in 2018.

Combat use (otherwise they will say exhibition copies, Soviet junk)

“For the first time in the world, the Russian Armed Forces carried out an attack on a fortified militant area with combat drones. In the province of Latakia, army units Syrian army, with the support of Russian paratroopers and Russian combat drones, took the strategic height 754.5, the Syriatel tower.

Most recently, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, General Gerasimov, said that Russia is striving to completely robotize the battle, and perhaps soon we will witness how robotic groups independently conduct military operations, and this is what happened.

In Russia in 2013 adopted Airborne newest automated control system "Andromeda-D", with the help of which it is possible to carry out operational control of a mixed group of troops.

The use of the latest high-tech equipment allows the command to ensure continuous control of troops performing combat training tasks at unfamiliar training grounds, and the command of the Airborne Forces to monitor their actions, being at a distance of more than 5 thousand kilometers from their deployment sites, receiving from the exercise area not only a graphic image of moving units, but also a video image of their actions in real time.

The complex, depending on the tasks, can be mounted on the chassis of a two-axle KamAZ, BTR-D, BMD-2 or BMD-4. In addition, taking into account the specifics of the Airborne Forces, Andromeda-D is adapted for loading into an aircraft, flight and landing.

This system, as well as combat drones, were deployed to Syria and tested in combat conditions.

Six Platform-M robotic complexes and four Argo complexes participated in the attack on the heights, the drone attack was supported by self-propelled vehicles recently transferred to Syria artillery mounts(ACS) "Acacia", which can destroy enemy positions with mounted fire.

From the air, behind the battlefield, drones conducted reconnaissance, transmitting information to the deployed Andromeda-D field center, as well as to Moscow, to the National Defense Control Center command post General Staff Russia.

Combat robots, self-propelled guns, drones were tied to the Andromeda-D automated control system. The commander of the attack on the heights, in real time, led the battle, the operators of combat drones, being in Moscow, conducted the attack, everyone saw both their own area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe battle and the whole picture.

Drones were the first to attack, approaching 100-120 meters to the fortifications of the militants, they called fire on themselves, and self-propelled guns immediately attacked the detected firing points.

Behind the drones, at a distance of 150-200 meters, the Syrian infantry advanced, clearing the height.

The militants did not have the slightest chance, all their movements were controlled by drones, artillery strikes were carried out on the detected militants, literally 20 minutes after the start of the attack by combat drones, the militants fled in horror, leaving the dead and wounded. On the slopes of a height of 754.5, almost 70 militants were killed, the Syrian soldiers had no dead, only 4 wounded.

According to experts, unmanned aerial vehicles are of inestimable importance for modern military aviation. The advent of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, as they are also called, has changed the tactics of conducting hostilities. The "unmanned boom" occurred in the late 70s of the XX century. The generally recognized leaders in the global production of drones are the Americans.

The use of UAVs in Russia was seriously considered only in 2008. The basis for this was the Georgian conflict. After the events in Georgia, all the advantages that the use of drones can give have become obvious. Information about Russian military UAVs is presented in the article.

Introduction to the machine

The abbreviation UAV stands for "unmanned aerial vehicle". It indicates that a pilot is not needed to operate this aircraft. The movement of the UAV can be controlled remotely: from an aircraft, from the ground or from space.

About classification

Today, a huge number of different drones have been produced for the needs of aviation. Each model has its own configuration features and component characteristics. According to experts, in Russia, the UAV manufacturer has not yet developed standards for the manufacture of drones. This, in turn, led to the lack of requirements for a drone. UAVs can be classified using the following parameters:

• Design.
• Start type.
• Special purpose.
• Specifications.
• Type of power supply of the power plant.
• Navigation characteristics and radio frequency spectrum.

Drone types

Unmanned aerial vehicles presented on the global aviation market are:

• Unmanaged.
• Remote controlled.
• Automatic.

Depending on the dimensions, drones are divided into several groups:

• Microdrones. Their weight does not exceed 10 kg. Such aircraft are designed for a one-hour flight.
• Mini drones. UAVs weigh within 50 kg. They can stay in the air for 3 to 5 hours.
• Midi. The mass of such a drone is about a ton. He is able to overcome 15-hour flights.
• Heavy. The mass of such devices exceeds a ton. Of all the above types, these drones are considered the most advanced. Heavy UAVs are suitable for intercontinental flights.

In Russia, there is no production base focused on the commercial or consumer market.

About the advantages of drones

Unlike manned aircraft and helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles have the following strengths:

• In the UAV, overall characteristics are reduced, which cannot be said about traditional aircraft (LA).
• Production of drones is less expensive.
• The military command has the ability to use the UAV in combat conditions without putting the pilot's life at risk. Due to the relative cheapness of the device, if necessary, they are not sorry to "sacrifice".
• Since UAVs are capable of transmitting received information in real time, they can be used for reconnaissance purposes.
• Drones have high combat readiness and mobility. To launch them, there is no need to raise the entire flight crew.
• From several UAVs, small mobile complexes can be formed.

About the disadvantages

Despite the presence of undeniable advantages, unmanned aerial vehicles are not without some disadvantages. Weaknesses UAVs are:

• Unlike traditional aviation, such nuances as landing and rescuing an aircraft are not sufficiently thought out for drones.
• Drones are significantly inferior to controlled aircraft and helicopters in such a parameter as reliability.
• IN Peaceful time UAVs are limited.

Tasks of drones on the "citizen"

UAVs appeared immediately after the creation of the first aircraft. However, the production of drones was put on stream only in the 1970s. As it soon turned out, with the help of these devices it is possible to make aerial photography, monitor various objects, geodetic research, and also deliver purchases to your home.

Areas of application of the UAV

In Russia, unmanned aerial vehicles are designed to perform the following tasks:

• Monitoring and protection of state borders.
• Intelligence and identification of the terrorist threat.

Drones are widely used by the military during a special operation in Syria. Drones are also used in agriculture. With the help of UAVs, aerial photography and inspection of oil pipelines are carried out. According to aviation experts, the civil sphere in the use of UAVs in Russia (drones) occupies only 30%.

About use in the army

The direction for the production of UAVs in Russia is set by the military. The army command uses drones primarily for reconnaissance missions. Exactly at this direction the main UAV manufacturers in Russia operate. IN last years, in addition to reconnaissance drones, they began to produce attack drones. Kamikaze drones belong to a separate group. In addition, some UAV models are adapted for electronic warfare with the enemy, to relay radio signals. Drones can also provide target designations for artillery pieces. During military exercises in Russia, UAVs are used as relatively inexpensive aerial targets. The cheap production of drones makes it possible to sacrifice these unmanned vehicles when performing important military tasks.

About the first models of Russian drones

Compared to Israel and the United States, Russia is significantly losing in the production of UAVs today. Many Russians are interested in the question of what kind of unmanned aerial vehicles the military aviation of their country has. One of the first, still Soviet, models is the Bee-1T drone.

The UAV made its first flight in 1990. Its task is to carry out the adjustment of firing from the artillery pieces "Smerch" and "Hurricane". Today, this model is in service with Russia. UAV "Pchela-1T" is designed for a range of up to 60 thousand meters. The weight of the device is 138 kg. To launch the drone, a special installation and rocket boosters are provided. The drone lands using a parachute. "Pchela-1T" was used Russian army during the Chechen conflict. During the hostilities, this Russian UAV made ten sorties. Two models were shot down by militants. According to aviation experts, today this sample outdated.

Another old-style Russian reconnaissance drone is the Dozor-85 model. After the tests successfully passed in 2007, the first batch of 12 drones was ordered by the military. "Dozor-85" is intended for border guards. The mass of the apparatus is 85 kg. The UAV of this model can stay in the air for no more than 8 hours.

About aircraft manufactured in 2007

Skat is a reconnaissance and strike UAV of Russia. The aircraft was designed in the experimental design bureau of Mikoyan and Gurevich and OJSC Klimov. The UAV was shown at the MAKS-2007 air show. The device was presented in the form of a full-size layout. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, as the main developer of the strike UAV of Russia, was the AKH Sukhoi. Soon, as stated CEO RAC "MIG" Sergey Korotkov, design work on the drone was stopped. The reason for this was insufficient funding for the project. However, as the CEO stated, as of 2015, the production of the drone was resumed again. The project is funded by the Russian Ministry of Industrial Trade. Destined unmanned vehicle for reconnaissance. In addition, with the help of aerial bombs and guided missiles from this device, it is possible to carry out shelling of ground targets.

The size of the UAV is 10.25 m. The height of the UAV is 2.7 m. The drone is equipped with a tricycle landing gear and one RD-5000B turbofan engine with a flat nozzle. UAV weight - no more than 20 thousand kg. The aircraft is capable of transporting a combat load of up to 6,000 kg. The drone is equipped with four suspension points. Their location was the internal bomb bays. The drone is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 850 km/h. Designed to overcome 4 km distances. The combat radius is 1200 km.

About the Russian-Israeli project

2010 was the year of signing between the Russian military department and Israeli company IAI contract for the manufacture of drones. According to the agreement, the machines are assembled at aircraft manufacturing enterprises of the Russian Federation. The Israeli-made Searcher drone of 1992 was taken as the basis. In Russia, the UAV was improved and renamed "Forpost". The takeoff weight of the drone is 400 kg. The flight range does not exceed 250 km. The device is provided with a satellite navigation system and thermal imaging cameras.

Other models

Since 2007, reconnaissance activities have been carried out by aircraft models of the Tipchak UAV. The starting weight of the aircraft is 50 kg. The duration of the drone flight does not exceed two hours. For the UAV, conventional and infrared cameras are provided.

In 2009, the Russian company Transas launched the Dozor-600 UAV. The aircraft is a multipurpose drone. It was first presented at the MAKS-2009 exhibition. Experts believe that this drone is an analogue of the MQ-1B Predator. However, there is no reliable information about the exact characteristics of the American UAV. In the future, Russian aircraft designers are planning to equip the radar system with a video camera and a thermal imager. A target designation system is also being developed for the drone. Using "Dozor-600", the military carries out reconnaissance and surveillance in the front-line zones. Information indicating the strike capabilities of this drone is not yet available.

The Russian military aviation uses the Orlan-3M and Orlan-10 UAV models. With the help of these devices are carried out: reconnaissance, prospecting work and target designation for salvo fire from artillery pieces. Outwardly, both models of "eagles" are very similar. The slight differences are in their takeoff weight and range. A special catapult is used to launch both drones. UAV landing is carried out using a parachute.

About the new Russian UAV

For the needs of the military aircraft industry by Zala Aero Group was created new model unmanned aerial vehicle, which is known as Zala 421-08. Chief project manager: Zakharov A.V. The main task of the UAV: ​​to monitor, correct volley fire from artillery pieces. In addition, with the help of a drone, you can assess the damage. According to experts, distinctive feature of this aircraft is the ability to perform video and photo surveillance from a short distance. For the drone, the “flying wing” scheme was applied. For the drone, there are:

• Glider with autopilot.
• Governing bodies.
• Power point.
• Feeding onboard system.
• Removable blocks containing the target load.
• The system that is responsible for landing using a parachute.

The body of the drone is equipped with special miniature LED lights. Thanks to them, the drone is not lost at night. The machine also provides automatic parachute landing. The video channel operates within a radius of 15 km, audio - 25 km. The drone has a short flight time - only 80 minutes. The wingspan is 81 cm. The maximum flight altitude is 3600 m. The drone is launched from a catapult. Landing is carried out using a parachute or a special net. The aircraft is equipped with a pull-type electric motor. The drone has a speed of 65 to 130 km/h. The maximum takeoff weight is 2.5 kg. The operation of the drone is possible in temperature regime from -30 to +40 degrees, as well as at the maximum allowable wind speed of 20 m/s. The aircraft is equipped special module, with the help of which target tracking is carried out automatically.

About "Hunter-B"

Aviation designers of Sukhoi and MiG companies are carrying out design work on the manufacture of a modern model of Russian UAVs. 2017-2020 - such terms are given to designers to create an unmanned aerial vehicle. In the documentation, the drone is listed as "Hunter-B". IN Russian media former leader It was stated to the United Aircraft Corporation that the Sukhoi company is considered the main developer of the drone, and the MiG corporation acts in this project as an accomplice. According to the leading Russian expert in the field of unmanned systems Denis Fedutinov, the UAV will look no different from reconnaissance and strike vehicles produced by the United States and technologically advanced European countries. In the manufacture of the drone, Russian designers used the "flying wing" scheme. At the moment more detailed information about the future aircraft is not available. It is known that Okhotnik-B will belong to the type of heavy drones, and its flight and combat characteristics will be as close as possible to the parameters of the X-47B, manufactured by the American company Northrop Grumman. For the Russian unmanned vessel, subsonic speeds will be possible, its range will be 4 thousand meters. It is planned to arm the Okhotnik-B with a variety of target loads, including shock. According to the expert, the mass of the load will be at least two tons. Flight tests are scheduled for 2018. The UAV will enter service with Russia no earlier than 2020.

About manufacturers

Geoscan Aero, Tranzas, Armair and Zala Aero (a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov concern) are carrying out design work to create unmanned aerial vehicles for the economic and military sectors of the country.

Development of a new Russian drone engaged in aviation specialists at the Tupolev plant. The products of these companies are in demand both in the military and industrial, as well as in commercial sectors. With the help of the UAV released by Zala Aero, pipelines, reservoirs, state borders, reserves. Drones are used to carry out operational-search activities. The machines produced by Geoscan Aero are mainly used in the commercial sector. With their help, photo and video shooting and delivery of various goods to the customer are carried out.

State tests of the new Russian heavy strike drone could start as early as next year. This was stated Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov during a visit to the Kazan Design Bureau named after Simonov. Apparently, we are talking about the first Russian heavy strike drone"Zenica".

This drone was developed in Kazan and made its first flight in 2014. Out now prototype, which takes into account all the experimental data obtained during preliminary tests. It is he who, as Borisov expects, will enter the state tests next year. The Deputy Minister is sure that the tests will be carried out in a short time and will fully confirm the fulfillment of the terms of reference by the designers. That is, purchases by the Zenica army are expected already in 2018. It is assumed that at first the serial production of the drone can reach 250 units.

About strike drones we have been talking about for a long time. Not having them in service, we long and energetically "exposed" the American "Predator". It is allegedly a highly indiscriminate weapon, raining down missiles on foot, horse, and personnel, and on military equipment enemy and civilians.

However, already at that time, in our own state design bureaus and private firms, energetic work was underway to create the first Russian analogues"Traitor". From time to time there were reports that some developer was already a stone's throw from transferring unmanned fighters of manpower and armored vehicles for state testing.

Most of all, it was said about the Dozor-600, created by the Kronstadt company since the middle of the last decade. The prototype made its first flight in 2009. Since then, information has periodically appeared that a little more and ... In 2013 Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu demanded to speed up the work. But that doesn't make much sense right now. Because Dozor-600 is yesterday's unmanned aircraft. Its payload is only 120 kg. The American veteran of the Predator, which has been in operation since the last century, has 204 kg. And the modern "Reaper" - 1700 kg. True, the developers insist that the Dozor-600 is not only a strike drone, but also a reconnaissance one. However, unmanned reconnaissance aircraft for every taste in our army is already quite enough.

Kronstadt also has one more development. And it was carried out jointly with the aforementioned Kazan Design Bureau. Simonov. This is Pacer, which is more impressive than Dozor-600 and has a higher readiness. A year ago, information appeared that the Gromov Flight Research Institute began testing the Pacer. Nothing is known about the prospects for adopting it. And this is not surprising, since he was also very late with the birth. Which is perfectly illustrated by a comparison of the main performance characteristics of the Pacer and the American Predator adopted in 1995.

LTH UAV "Predator" and "Pacer

Maximum takeoff weight, kg: 1020 - 1200

Payload weight, kg: 204 - 300

Engine type: piston - piston

Max Height flight, m: 7900 - 8000

Maximum speed, km / h: 215 - presumably 210

Cruising speed, km / h: 130 - presumably 120-150

Flight duration, h: 40 - 24

Although, of course, light shock drones, which include the Pacer, have their own niche in the army. They do an excellent job of solving anti-terrorist tasks to eliminate "particularly outstanding" militants. This is the path Israel is taking, creating compact drones armed with one or two short-range missiles with precise targeting.

OKB im. Simonova approaches the problem of creating a domestic strike drone on a wide front, not limited to the development of two topics. At the same time, all developments are brought to the stage of at least the production of prototypes. Big hopes simonovtsy connected with the drone "Altair" of the middle class - weighing up to 5 tons.

Altair made its first flight at the end of last year. However, it turned out that the creation of a fully functional sample is still far away. OKB continuously and quite radically refines its offspring. So, instead of the declared 5 tons, the drone began to weigh 7 tons. And according to the terms of reference, it was assumed that it would have a payload mass of about two tons, a ceiling of 12 km. The maximum flight time is 48 hours. At the same time, the drone must have a stable connection with the control complex at a distance of up to 450 km without the use of satellite channels.

The rest of the features are classified. But from what is known, it can be assumed that the Altair should be at least as good as the American Reper. Its ceiling is slightly lower, but the flight duration is significantly higher - 48 hours versus 28 hours.

When the amount of development exceeded 2 billion rubles, the Ministry of Defense decided to cut funding. At the same time, Altair was given a chance - by offering to create a civilian modification for monitoring the Arctic regions, so that civilian structures could co-finance the project.

In case of receiving additional sources of funding, Kazan intends to complete the development of the Altair in 2019 and introduce the drone into mass production in 2020. The decision to cut funding was made two weeks ago.

With a careful study of the question of how many heavy attack drones the OKB im. Simonov, there is a suspicion (based on facts) that they are trying to present one product under the guise of another.

Firstly, Yuri Borisov, while in Kazan, said that the Simonov Design Bureau several years ago, in a tough competition, won the competition for the development of a heavy drone. However, we know for certain that in the tender the Simonovites won the right to create Altair, and not Zenitsa. The cost of the tender is also known - 1.6 billion rubles.

Secondly, Zenica is not heavy drone, its takeoff weight is 1080 kg. And, therefore, the payload cannot exceed a quarter of a ton in any way. It is known that it was developed on the basis of the Soviet Tu-143 Reis drone, which was put into service back in 1982. Characteristics, of course, today are significantly improved. So, for example, the ceiling has grown from 1000 m to 9000 m, and the flight range - from 180 km to 750 km. But, of course, this became possible due to a significant increase in the mass of fuel, which did not benefit the payload. So, the 250 kg we are supposed to be may turn out to be unbearable for Zenitsa.

LTH UAV "Zenica"

Length - 7.5 m.

Wingspan - 2 m.

Height - 1.4 m.

The maximum takeoff weight is 1080 kg.

Cruise flight speed - 650 km / h

Maximum flight speed - 820 km / h

Maximum range flight - 750 km

Maximum flight altitude - 9100 m

Aircraft engine type - jet

So it can be assumed that under the guise of "Zenitsa" we are being offered "Altair", the attitude towards which the Ministry of Defense has changed dramatically due to unknown reasons.

If we talk about a truly heavy strike drone, which our aviation industry may soon issue "on the mountain", then this is the 20-ton Okhotnik UAV. Although he should have already been born under the name "Scat". The fact is that since the beginning of the "zero" years, "Skat" has been developed by the Design Bureau of Mikoyan and Gurevich. In 2007, a full-scale layout was presented at the MAKS-2007 salon. However, funding for the project soon ceased due to the policy of the then Minister of Defense Anatoly Serdyukov for the purchase of high-tech weapons for the army abroad.

After the change of minister, the project was thawed, but it was transferred to the Sukhoi Design Bureau. RAC MiG was involved in the project as a co-executor.

TK for the "Hunter" was approved by the Ministry of Defense in 2012. Its details were not disclosed. The drone will be built on a modular basis, which will allow it to be used to solve a wide range of tasks. The developers were determined to start testing the prototype in 2016 and deliver it to the army in 2020. However, as usual, the deadlines "floated". The year before last, the first flight of the prototype was rescheduled for 2018.

Since about LTH "Hunter" nothing is known, we give the characteristics of the Skat UAV. Logically, the performance of the "Hunter" should be at least as good.

Length - 10.25 m

Wingspan - 11.5 m

Height - 2.7 m

Maximum takeoff weight - 20000 kg

TRD engine thrust - 5040 kgf

Maximum speed - 850 km / h

Flight range - 4000 km

Practical ceiling - 15000 m

Even 20 years ago, Russia was one of the world leaders in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles. In the 80s of the last century, only 950 Tu-143 air reconnaissance aircraft were produced. The famous reusable spacecraft "Buran" was created, which made its first and only flight in a completely unmanned mode. I don’t see the point and now somehow give in to the development and use of drones.

Background of Russian drones (Tu-141, Tu-143, Tu-243). In the mid-sixties, the Tupolev Design Bureau began to create new tactical and operational unmanned reconnaissance systems. On August 30, 1968, the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR N 670-241 was issued to develop a new unmanned tactical reconnaissance complex "Flight" (VR-3) and the unmanned reconnaissance aircraft "143" (Tu-143) included in it. The deadline for presenting the complex for testing in the Decree was stipulated: for the variant with photo reconnaissance equipment - 1970, for the variant with television intelligence equipment and for the variant with radiation reconnaissance equipment - 1972.

The reconnaissance UAV Tu-143 was mass-produced in two configurations of the nasal interchangeable part: in the photo reconnaissance version with information registration on board, in the television reconnaissance version with information transmitted via radio to ground command posts. In addition, the reconnaissance aircraft could be equipped with radiation reconnaissance equipment with the transmission of materials on the radiation situation along the flight route to the ground via a radio channel. The Tu-143 UAV is presented at the exhibition of aviation equipment samples at the Central Aerodrome in Moscow and at the Museum in Monino (you can also see the Tu-141 UAV there).

As part of the aerospace show in Zhukovsky MAKS-2007 near Moscow, in the closed part of the exposition, the MiG aircraft corporation showed its Skat strike unmanned aerial vehicle, an aircraft made according to the “flying wing” scheme and outwardly very reminiscent of the American B-2 Spirit bomber or its smaller version - the Kh-47V marine unmanned aerial vehicle.

"Skat" is designed to strike both at previously reconnoitered stationary targets, primarily air defense systems, in the face of strong opposition from enemy anti-aircraft weapons, and at mobile ground and sea targets when conducting autonomous and group actions, joint with manned aircraft.

Its maximum takeoff weight should be 10 tons. Flight range - 4 thousand kilometers. The flight speed near the ground is not less than 800 km / h. It will be able to carry two air-to-surface / air-to-radar missiles or two adjustable bombs with a total mass of not more than 1 ton.

The aircraft is made according to the scheme of the flying wing. In addition, the well-known methods of reducing radar visibility were clearly visible in the appearance of the structure. So, the wingtips are parallel to its leading edge and the contours of the rear of the apparatus are made in the same way. Above the middle part of the wing, the Skat had a fuselage of a characteristic shape, smoothly mated with the bearing surfaces. Vertical plumage was not provided. As can be seen from the photographs of the Skat layout, control was to be carried out using four elevons located on the consoles and on the center section. At the same time, yaw control immediately raised certain questions: due to the lack of a rudder and a single-engine scheme, the UAV required to somehow solve this problem. There is a version about a single deviation of the internal elevons for yaw control.

The layout presented at the MAKS-2007 exhibition had the following dimensions: a wingspan of 11.5 meters, a length of 10.25 and a parking height of 2.7 m. Regarding the mass of the Skat, it is only known that its maximum takeoff weight should have been approximately equal to ten tons. With these parameters, the Skat had good calculated flight data. With a maximum speed of up to 800 km / h, it could rise to a height of up to 12,000 meters and overcome up to 4,000 kilometers in flight. It was planned to provide such flight data with the help of a bypass turbojet engine RD-5000B with a thrust of 5040 kgf. This turbojet engine was created on the basis of the RD-93 engine, however, it is initially equipped with a special flat nozzle, which reduces the visibility of the aircraft in the infrared range. The engine air intake was located in the forward fuselage and was an unregulated intake device.

Inside the fuselage of the characteristic shape, the Skat had two cargo compartments measuring 4.4x0.75x0.65 meters. With such dimensions, various types of guided missiles, as well as adjustable bombs, could be suspended in the cargo compartments. The total mass of the Skat combat load was supposed to be approximately equal to two tons. During the presentation at the MAKS-2007 Salon, Kh-31 missiles and KAB-500 guided bombs were located next to Skat. The composition of the onboard equipment, implied by the project, was not disclosed. Based on information about other projects of this class, we can conclude that there is a complex of navigation and sighting equipment, as well as some possibilities for autonomous actions.

UAV "Dozor-600" (development of the designers of the company "Transas"), also known as "Dozor-3", is much lighter than "Skat" or "Breakthrough". Its maximum takeoff weight does not exceed 710-720 kilograms. At the same time, due to the classic aerodynamic layout with a full-fledged fuselage and a straight wing, it has approximately the same dimensions as the Skat: a wingspan of twelve meters and a total length of seven. In the bow of the Dozor-600, a place is provided for target equipment, and a stabilized platform for observation equipment is installed in the middle. A propeller group is located in the tail section of the drone. Its basis is the Rotax 914 piston engine, similar to those installed on the Israeli IAI Heron UAV and the American MQ-1B Predator.

115 horsepower of the engine allows the Dozor-600 drone to accelerate to a speed of about 210-215 km / h or make long flights at a cruising speed of 120-150 km / h. When using additional fuel tanks, this UAV is able to stay in the air for up to 24 hours. Thus, the practical flight range is approaching the mark of 3700 kilometers.

Based on the characteristics of the Dozor-600 UAV, we can draw conclusions about its purpose. The relatively low takeoff weight does not allow it to carry any serious weapons, which limits the range of tasks to be solved exclusively by reconnaissance. Nevertheless, a number of sources mention the possibility of installing various weapons on the Dozor-600, the total mass of which does not exceed 120-150 kilograms. Because of this, the range of weapons allowed for use is limited to only certain types of guided missiles, in particular anti-tank ones. It is noteworthy that when using anti-tank guided missiles, the Dozor-600 becomes largely similar to the American MQ-1B Predator, both in terms of technical characteristics and armament composition.

The project of a heavy strike unmanned aerial vehicle. The development of the research topic "Hunter" to study the possibility of creating a strike UAV weighing up to 20 tons in the interests of the Russian Air Force was or is being conducted by the Sukhoi company (JSC Sukhoi Design Bureau). For the first time, the plans of the Ministry of Defense to adopt an attack UAV were announced at the MAKS-2009 air show in August 2009. According to Mikhail Pogosyan, in August 2009, the design of a new attack unmanned complex was to be the first joint work of the relevant units of the Sukhoi Design Bureau and MiG (Skat project). The media reported on the conclusion of a contract for the implementation of the Okhotnik research project with the Sukhoi company on July 12, 2011. In August 2011, the unification of the relevant divisions of the RAC MiG and Sukhoi to develop a promising strike UAV was confirmed in the media, but the official agreement between MiG and Sukhoi was signed only on October 25, 2012.

The terms of reference for the strike UAV was approved by the Russian Ministry of Defense in the first days of April 2012. On July 6, 2012, information appeared in the media that the Sukhoi company had been selected by the Russian Air Force as the lead developer. An unnamed source in the industry also reports that the strike UAV developed by Sukhoi will simultaneously be a sixth-generation fighter. As of mid-2012, it is assumed that the first sample of the strike UAV will begin testing no earlier than 2016. It is expected to enter service by 2020. In 2012, VNIIRA JSC selected patent materials on the Okhotnik R&D theme, and in the future, it was planned to create landing approach navigation systems and taxiing of heavy UAVs on the instructions of Sukhoi Company (source).

Media reports that the first sample of the heavy attack UAV of the Sukhoi Design Bureau will be ready in 2018.

Combat use (otherwise they will say exhibition copies, Soviet junk)

“For the first time in the world, the Russian Armed Forces carried out an attack on a fortified militant area with combat drones. In the province of Latakia, the army units of the Syrian army, with the support of Russian paratroopers and Russian combat drones, took the strategic height 754.5, the Siriatel tower.

Most recently, the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces, General Gerasimov, said that Russia is striving to completely robotize the battle, and perhaps in the near future we will witness how robotic groups independently conduct military operations, and this is what happened.

In Russia in 2013 adopted armament of the Airborne Forces the latest automated control system "Andromeda-D", with the help of which it is possible to carry out operational control of a mixed group of troops.
The use of the latest high-tech equipment allows the command to ensure continuous control of troops performing combat training tasks at unfamiliar training grounds, and the command of the Airborne Forces to monitor their actions, being at a distance of more than 5 thousand kilometers from their deployment sites, receiving from the exercise area not only a graphic image of moving units, but also a video image of their actions in real time.

The complex, depending on the tasks, can be mounted on the chassis of a two-axle KamAZ, BTR-D, BMD-2 or BMD-4. In addition, taking into account the specifics of the Airborne Forces, Andromeda-D is adapted for loading into an aircraft, flight and landing.
This system, as well as combat drones, were deployed to Syria and tested in combat conditions.
Six Platform-M robotic complexes and four Argo complexes took part in the attack on the heights, the attack of drones was supported by the Akatsiya self-propelled artillery mounts (ACS) recently transferred to Syria, which can destroy enemy positions with mounted fire.

From the air, behind the battlefield, drones conducted reconnaissance, transmitting information to the deployed Andromeda-D field center, as well as to Moscow, to the National Defense Control Center of the command post of the Russian General Staff.

Combat robots, self-propelled guns, drones were tied to the Andromeda-D automated control system. The commander of the attack on the heights, in real time, led the battle, the operators of combat drones, being in Moscow, conducted the attack, everyone saw both their own area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe battle and the whole picture.

Drones were the first to attack, approaching 100-120 meters to the fortifications of the militants, they called fire on themselves, and self-propelled guns immediately attacked the detected firing points.

Behind the drones, at a distance of 150-200 meters, the Syrian infantry advanced, clearing the height.

The militants did not have the slightest chance, all their movements were controlled by drones, artillery strikes were carried out on the detected militants, literally 20 minutes after the start of the attack by combat drones, the militants fled in horror, leaving the dead and wounded. On the slopes of a height of 754.5, almost 70 militants were killed, the Syrian soldiers had no dead, only 4 wounded.