A new version of the Russian reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicle Orion will make its first flight in the first quarter of this year. The drone is equipped with satellite communication.
This was reported in the press service of the Kronstadt developer company. And they added that the satellite communication and control system will significantly increase the effective controlled range of the drone. Currently, without a satellite antenna, the range of direct radio visibility of the device from the ground control point is limited, RIA Novosti writes.
RG has already reported that the first sample of the updated Orion was presented to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the new Kronstadt plant in Dubna near Moscow. Up to 90 percent of drone parts are made of modern composites. Polymers are also used for Orion.
Orion is an impact medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle. Take-off weight - 1150 kilograms, cruising speed - 200 kilometers per hour, flight altitude - seven kilometers. The mass of the combat load of the drone is 200 kilograms.
Svetlana Tsygankova
