According to the data provided, Russia for the first time tested the Altius unmanned aerial vehicle with a bombing strike. The tests were conducted at one of the military training grounds.
The Altius UAV is one of the most important Russian projects in the field of unmanned aviation. There were many obstacles on the way of its development, but, according to a source in the military-industrial complex, one of the most important stages was recently passed : the device struck a bomb strike for the first time. The tests were conducted at a military training ground.
During the summer, the UAV will complete an additional series of tests using small-sized bombs and missiles at various types of targets. The device uses a universal complex of weapons, which has also found its application on the Pacer attack UAVs, known as the Orion. It is possible to use free-falling, adjustable and controlled small-caliber aerial bombs. The unmanned vehicle can also use guided missiles.
Earlier, another source said that during the tests, they will work out the defeat of such targets as a tank, lightly armored vehicles, artillery positions and manpower.
"Altius — is a heavy medium-altitude UAV with a long flight duration. The take-off weight is about six tons. The payload weight is more than one ton. The device has two turboprop engines. The combat range of the Altius is approximately 3.5 thousand kilometers. It is known that the device has a satellite communication system, as well as a multi-channel optical-electronic system for species reconnaissance and a side-view radar.
The most significant project in the field of unmanned aviation for Russia was the Orion mentioned above. De facto, this is the first full-fledged Russian attack UAV of a modern type. The combat use of the device in Syria became known in February. He performed both reconnaissance and strike missions.
Orion UAV
Image source: RIA Novosti
At the same time, both Orion and Altius can hardly be called" revolutionary "developments. A real breakthrough in this area can be associated with a promising attack UAV "Hunter", which now exists only as a prototype. According to open sources, the device will have a combat load weighing about three to eight tons. The technology of low visibility has been widely used in its design.
According to the data presented in February, Russia is currently building three more Hunter UAVs. The third and fourth samples must correspond to the serial version. The device may be adopted in the middle of the decade.
