Russian UAVs. Part 1

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Unmanned aircrafts - is one of the most promising branches of the modern warfare. Traditionally it's used to think that Russia - is in backward position in this domain. But is it true? First of all, it's partially true, that Russian army is a very conservative body regarding any new revolutionary implementations, and till now has shown low interest to UAV\UCAVs. A number of UAV\UCAV programs were financed by Russian DM since soviet time, but with except of 1-2 systems ('Pchela', 'Tipchak') no UAV system was accepted on the service. This paradigm was suddenly changed after August 2008 Caucasian war, where the need for unmanned aircrafts was awaken, and the number of Israeli UAVs were bought 'for study'. In May, 9 the UAV systems were first time shown during the Victory parade on Red Square .

However, other security forces - FSB, Internal Ministry, border guard - were more innovative, having started to use UAVs early. There is too an intensive use of UAVs for purely civilian purpose like pipelines technical support, forest fire recognition etc. It's a bulk and profitable market, which allowed for Russian UAV manufacturers to develop the models that can be further be used for different military purposes too.

There are more than couple of tens firms in Russia which manufacture tens of UAV models, more than hundred models are in different stage of development. This is a list of the most prominent Russian UAV makers. Between them there are the world known aircraft design houses and practically unknown abroad firms.

This is the comparison table of the performance characteristics of Russian UAVs. It's 4 year ago. Since then the situation is changed radically with a galaxy of new talented designing group appearance:

Specialized UAV manufacturers:

1) Zala Aero "Беспилотные системы" (former 'A-Level Aerosystems', Izhevsk)
2) 'Novik-XXI Century'
3) 'Kulon' NII (Moscow)
4) 'Luch' design house, the part of 'Vega' concern. (Rybinsk)
5) MAK (Troitsk)
6) 'Radar MMS' (S-Petersburg)
7) 'Sokol' OKB (Kazan)
8) 'Topaz' SKB (Moscow)
9) 'Tranzas' (S-Petersburg)
10) 'Eniks' ZAO (Kazan)
11) 'Aerokon' (Zhukovsky)
12) 'Antigrad-Avia' (Moscow)
13) KVAND (Moscow, Minsk)
14) 'AFM-Service'
15) 'RISSA' NTTs
16) 'Istra Aero' (Istra)
17) INDELA

Other UAV developers are already known in aircraft and spacecraft production:

1) 'Irkut' (Moscow, Irkutsk)
2) 'Kamov' (Moscow district)
3) 'Mil' MVZ (Moscow)
4) 'Lavochkin' NPO (Moscow)
5) 'Tupolev' OAO (Moscow)

'Zala Aero' - is the most successful UAV manufacturer in Russia. It is specializing in micro- and mini-UAVs production, both fixed and rotor-wing. The ideal aerodynamics allow for Zala UAVs to fly longer then most of their competitors. The most advanced of their model IMHO is ZALA 421-16  - a flying wing UAV, which has all chance to become popular on the world military and civilian market. The flight time endurance of this 18 kg weight sling-launched UAV (up to 12 hours) is better, than of many other conventionally launched platforms.

ZALA 421-16 is the new breakthrough by ZALA AERO and is first of its class to be produced by a Russian company. The characteristics of ZALA 421-16 clearly emphasize its capabilities compared to its rivals both smaller and larger class. On the 10.07.2009 the platform set the record flight time endurance of 12 hours and 21 minutes while on flight tests which were completed and full airworthiness certification was awarded on 21.10.2009.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS ZALA 421-16
Minimum (maximum) flight endurance: 5 hrs (12)
Arrangement of a power-plant: Pulling propeller
The aerodynamic scheme: Flying wing
Maximum speed: 150 km/h
Range of data transfer: 50 km
Engine: Internal combustion with separate greasing
Wing span:
1620mm
Take-off weight: 18 kg
Take-off and landing size: 50x50 meters
Take-off method:
Catapult
Minimum landings guaranteed: 100
Operating temperature:
-35..+45ºС
Payload weight (max): 3kg
Landing method: Parachute/Net

 The payload capacity of the UAV of 3kg which does not include built in photo camera that is based in the wing of the UAV. The platform has two payload compartments built into the wings of the UAV which provide an option for multiple payload operation simultaneously. With this capability and miniaturization of payloads allow ZALA 421-16 to replace systems of a larger class (70-150kg). Larger class UAS require a significant number of service personnel to operate/service the system while Z16 UAS can be operated by just two personnel while also being mobile and able to perform in all environments compared to larger systems which are restricted to certain environments and limited to set ground locations.

Z16 is designed to be multi-functional system that can be operated for unlimited number of missions with ability to function in both maritime and land environments, while performing functions such as search and surveillance using real-time adaptable high resolution day and/or infrared video that makes Z16 indispensable in both civil and military applications. Additionally the Z16   can perform functions such video and communication retranslation, coordinates analysis and systematically saving resulting in combined information analysis. The Z16 UAV can also have onboard recording for non-time critical information which also increases flexibility of the system as a whole. The new software VIZA has been specifically developed to help the operator construct analysis of the information available to increase Z16 systems productivity.

The new gas-analyzer will be installed on the complex soon.  The UAV can be used for weapon, medicines, food supply on 50 km distance. The stealth technologies are used for the military variant of the UAV.
ZALA 421-16 has been awarded certification of air worthiness after successfully completing its final stage of development and completing 1000 test flight hours. Boasting minimum 7hr endurance, 3kgs payload, ship launch/recovery and cost effectiveness compared to its nearest rivals.

Already the platform has already been chosen to replace the current serving UAVs in the energy sector, emergency services and other government agencies. Currently the system has already been awarded four contracts for a total of six UAS systems after outstanding displays not least overwhelming all the expectations and producing a 12 hour endurance during its test flights.

Future developments for ZALA 421-16 include heavy fuel conversion to increase its endurance and additional payload concentrating on anti-terrorist surveillance capabilities. ZALA 421-16 has been developed specifically by ZALA AERO (A-LEVEL AEROSYSTEMS) to fill a niche in its product range and to complete the ZANET system, under which over forty UAS systems will be systemised and used in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games simultaneously. According to developer, it can load and delivery different weapon systems as well.

COMPOSITION OF UAV COMPLEX
UAV ZALA 421-16 x 2 units
GCS with increased protection casing x 1 unit
UAV payload, color video camera with full view beneath the platform (controlled by the operator/changeable) x 2 units
UAV payload, color high resolution photo camera Canon 1000D or higher spec x 2 units
UAV transportation container x 2 units
Video and communication antenna x 1 unit
Signal tracking add-on x 1 unit
Telescopic mast 7 meters or above x 1 unit
Charging equipment with batteries with increased protection casing x 1 unit
Additional notebook-for video analysis x 1 unit
Autopilot software license x 1 unit
VIZA software license x 1 unit
Launcher/catapult x 1 unit
Case for spare parts and payload storage x 1 unit

Functional Capabilities of ZALA Systems

Easy and fast implementation, automatic checks and mission inputs thought intuition based navigation on the interface.

Corrections (adding, deleting and changing waypoints), full restart of flight mission and synchronization of flight mission with two GCS during the flight.

Real time video and data transfer from onboard the platform to the GCS. Recording of video in high resolution for after flight analysis and future analysis.

Ability to change video channels onboard the UAV during the flight using the GCS.

Flight data is directly displayed in the video feed; Speed, altitude, coordinates, flight times, GMT time, voltage and time left.

UAV autonomously completes a flight by the set mission and any pre-programmed flight figures: around a waypoint, figure of eight, snake, circle left/right at any point during the mission. Waypoints can be adjusted in real time to take account of changing weather conditions or discrepancy of the map.

Options of UAV flight (can be performed at any time during the mission):

a) Autonomous (the mission is performed automatically)

b)    Semi-autonomous (operator controls the heading, altitude, speed
and gyro-stabilised payload using the joystick)

Semi-autonomous control of the UAV can be performed with the joystick.

Loss of communication/control - the UAV will return to the launch position and will land automatically.

An operator can control up to four UAVs from one GCS at any given point. UAV can be controlled from two or more GCS and with full handover option.

Voice mode information -voice information about mission changes, reaching way-points, change in weather conditions and many more.

Radiolink encryption.

Takeoff and landing is performed autonomously.

Today ZALA 421-16 has been awarded certification of air worthiness after successfully completing its final stage of development and completing 1000 test flight hours. Boasting minimum 7hr endurance, 3kgs payload, ship launch/recovery and cost effectiveness compared to its nearest rivals.

Already the platform has already been chosen to replace the current serving UAVs in the energy sector, emergency services and other government agencies. Currently the system has already been awarded four contracts for a total of six UAS systems after outstanding displays not least overwhelming all the expectations and producing a 12 hour endurance during its test flights.

Future developments for ZALA 421-16 include heavy fuel conversion to increase its endurance and additional payload concentrating on anti-terrorist surveillance capabilities. ZALA 421-16 has been developed specifically by ZALA AERO (A-LEVEL AEROSYSTEMS) to fill a niche in its product range and to complete the ZANET system, under which over forty UAS systems will be systemised and used in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games simultaneously.

In Februar 2010 Zala Aero won the tender of Russian FSB border guard for supply of navalized fixed wing and rotor wing UAVs, integrated  in ZANET net-centric system. ZANET is fully ready for supplying and starting from now will be installed in all supplied 'Zala' UAVs by default. These UAVs will be fighting economic piracy in Russian territorial water. They have IR camera installed for night operation and the encrypted C-OFDM link for safe communication.

ZALA 421-16 is available for export in January 2010.

 

 Other 'Zala Aero' UAVs:

 UAV ZALA 421-08

It is the most popular best selling Zala's UAV till now.
The unmanned complex based on the airplane UAV ZALA 421-08 is designed for remote land monitoring at the altitude 100-700 m (up to 3600 m above sea level), at the distance 40 km (Standard complex is arranged detailed for 10km) from the ground control system (GCS), duration 100 minutes, with ability of data receiving and transmission, aero photography and video recording in a real-time mode.

Wing span: 800mm
Length: 420mm
Height: 250mm
Payload: 200g
Weight: 1,9 kg
Maximum service ceiling: 15-3600 m
Flight duration: 100 minutes
Range: 10 km (Up to 40km)
Engine: Electric
Navigation: GPS, autopilot
Launch method: Hand launch /catapult
Speed range: 60-150 km/h
Service personnel: Two
Runway / Landing:50x50 m
Recovery method: Parachute recovered
Complex weight: 9 kg

Container:820 x 450 x 210 mm

ZALA AERO has announced the latest modular payload upgrade for ZALA 421-08. The latest development comes in time to celebrate the ZALA 421-08 platform 3 year anniversary since its first flight. ZALA 421-08 has now established itself as first UAV to be mass produced in the last 20 years in Russia and is currently in service with every government agency in Russia and abroad.

Since 2006, ZALA has come a long way with its regular upgrade the platform boast onboard 10Mpx built in camera and changeable payload modules which include; double day view cameras, infrared module, gas analyser module and now a 360 degree payload with the latest video payload with its unique Super HAD matrix and 460 TVL puts ZALA 421-08 on par with a class of much larger UAVs.

The latest development in the payloads for ZALA 421-08 UAV platforms. The new full colour video camera is fixed to the undercarriage of the platform and is stabilised in two-axis. This latest development now allows the operator to perform complete surveillance under the carriage of the platform independent of the angle or heading that the platform is travelling in. This payload is controlled from a mounted joystick on the ground control system and now with the latest development in the tracking of targets and digital stabilisation as the operator requires significantly less time to find the target and its coordinates. One of the main advantages of the latest payload is the camera is not only fixed when approaching the target but also allows the operator to monitor the target after the flyover.

ZALA AERO has continued to increase the flexibility offered to its customers as this latest payload comes in the standard mounting block that is easily replaceable by a number of other payloads.

While the UAS system that includes two platforms and GCS is back-packable by a team of two making the a perfect front line UAS for any operation.
A number of ZALA 421-08 complexes were supplied for Russian Army in urgent way in Autumn 2008 after the War in Georgia.  The name of the complex in Russian Army language is 'Strekoza'. It's installed on 'Dozor' vehicle, and was demonstrated during May, 9 Victory Parade in Moscow. The net-centric technologies were implied on the modernised ZALA 421-08 recently, including re-translation capability, stream video etc. Each UAV pilot can guide up to 4 UAVs. The target coordinates definition system was implemeted too.
The naval variant was successfully tested in 2008 in Arctic.
The UAV is actively used by Russian 'Spetznaz', and at least one successful operation against terrorists (in Neftekumsk) was confirmed as supported by this UAV.


UAV ZALA 421-04M (421-12)

- This is an extremely beauty UAV in my view. It has the record unprecedented long flying time for this weight class: 3 h 15 min! It's due to its almost ideal aerodynamics and the economic engine.

UAV for any operation

 Optimal balance between size and high resolution payloads 

 Constant surveillance over one target 

 Onboard recording and after flight analysis

Wing span:       1600mm

Length: 800mm

Height:             350mm

Payload:           1kg

Weight:            3.9kg

Maximum service ceiling:          3600m

Flight duration:            

120min

Range: 10km (40km Max)

Engine:             Electric

Launch method:           Catapult / Hand launch

Recovery method:        Parachute / Net landing / Belly landing

Speed range:    65-130km/h

Service personnel:        Two

Runway / Landing:       50 x 50m

Complex weight          

15-18kg

COMPOSITION OF UAV COMPLEX
Two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ZALA 421-04M
One ZALA 421-08 platform
One case for transportation for UAVs
Protected ground control system in the form of a case with independent power supply for 6 hours of continuous work. GCS can work from external power supply of 12/220 V
Payload (plug-in payload) • Two stabilized cameras • Infrared camera with resolution not less than 160х120 (Optional)
Catapult (Optional made to the order)
Charger for battery and associated cables
Maintenance tool set
One license for the autopilot interface
Case for spare parts and accessories, battery charger, batteries, tool set
Documentation

ZALA 421-04M was modernized at 2009 to 421-12 modification with both installed photo camera and changeable IR or high definition TV cameras.

UAV ZALA 421-09
Land based reconnaissance, damage assessment, surveillance and target localisation in real time through the use of satellite communication. First fly - in 2008. It has onboard SAR. Can take off snow or ice.

Wingspan: 3900mm
Length: 2500mm
Takeoff weight: 70 kg

Engine: Internal combustion
Takeoff/landing: Dirt runway surface
Speed range: 90-130 km/h
Radiolink range: Up to 50 km
Flight duration: 10,5 hours (payload weight 10kg)
Payload:
TV/ IR / Photo gyro stabilized

UAV ZALA 421-02

Currently it is the biggest Russian unmanned helicopter in serial production. Is made from light composits. Has two onboard computer: for piloting and data processing. Full autopilot or hand-held guiding is possible. Has the link for networking with other UAVs.

Ship or land based reconnaissance, damage assessment, surveillance, target localization, gas and radioactivity analysis in real time.
Rotor diameter: 3064mm
Length: 2640mm
Height: 940mm
Performance: 0-150km/h
Flight duration: 6 hrs
Mission radius: 50km

Datalink: Encrypted
Takeoff weight: 95kg
Payload weight: 50kg

Payload:

Gyro stabilized video camera or IR payload with 360 degree viewing angle.
Gas or radioactivity analyzer combined with photo/video/infrared camera.
Total payload capacity is 40kg

UAV ZALA 421-06

The unmanned complex based on the airplane UAV ZALA 421-06 is designed for remote land monitoring at the altitude 20-700 m (up to 3000 m above sea level), at the distance 40 km (standard complex is arranged detailed for 10km) from the ground control system (GCS), duration 120 minutes, with ability of data receiving, transmission and video recording in a real-time mode. The UAV ZALA 421-06 is capable of hovering in close parameters and has a vessel based modification.

Rotor Diameter: 1770mm
Length: 1570mm
Height:670mm
Payload: 3.5kg
Weight: 12.9 kg
Maximum service ceiling: 15 - 3600 m
Flight duration: 120 minutes
Range: 10 km (Up to 40km)
 Engine: Internal combustion
Navigation: GPS, autopilot
Launch method: Vertical (autonomous)
Speed range: 0-80 km/h
Service personnel: Two
Runway / Landing: 10x10 m
Recovery method: Vertical (autonomous)
Complex weight: 20 kg
Container: 820 x 450 x 2100 mm

COMPOSITION OF UAV COMPLEX

• Two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ZALA 421-06
• Two cases for transportation of UAVs
• Protected ground control system in the form of a case with independent power supply for 6 hours of continuous work. GCS can work from external power supply of 12/220 V
• Payload (plug-in payload)
• Gyro stabilized cameras
• (optional) infrared camera with resolution not less than 320x240
• Charger for battery and associated cables
• Maintenance tool set
• One license for the autopilot interface
• Case for spare parts and accessories, battery charger, batteries, tool set
• Documentation

UAV ZALA 421-15

The unmanned complex based on the airplane UAV ZALA 421-15 is designed for remote land monitoring at the altitude 20-700 m (up to 3000 m above sea level), at the distance 10 km from the ground control system (GCS), duration 40 minutes, with ability of data receiving, transmission and video recording in a real-time mode. The UAV ZALA 421-15 is capable of hovering in close parameters and has a vessel based modification.

Rotor Diameter: 1350mm
Length: 1190mm
Height: 435mm
Payload: 1kg
Weight: 5kg
Maximum service ceiling: 15 - 2000 m
Flight duration: 40 minutes
Range: 10 kmEngine: Electric engine
Navigation: GPS, autopilot
Launch method: Vertical (autonomous)
Speed range: 0-55 km/h
Service personnel: Two
Runway / Landing: 10x10 m
Recovery method: Vertical (autonomous)
Complex weight: 15 kg
Container: 820 x 450 x 2100 mm

COMPOSITION OF UAV COMPLEX

• Three Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ZALA 421-15
• Two cases for transportation of UAVs
• Protected ground control system in the form of a case with independent power supply for 6 hours of continuous work. GCS can work from external power supply of 12/220 V
• Payload (plug-in payload)
• Gyro stabilized cameras
• (optional) infrared camera with resolution not less than 320x240
• Charger for battery and associated cables
• Maintenance tool set
• One license for the autopilot interface
• Case for spare parts and accessories, battery charger, batteries, tool set
• Documentation