The Orlan-10 drone is a reliable assistant to the Russian artillery and a challenge for the Armed Forces
The eyes of the Russian artillery — this is how the Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has proven itself. The reconnaissance drone combines reliability and versatility and is one of the pioneers of the military unmanned aviation of the Russian Federation. Izvestia examines what technical characteristics the device has, what advantages it differs from and what causes fears among the enemy.
Technical specifications
| Length | 180 cm |
| Wingspan | 3.1 m |
| Flight weight | 18 kg |
| Payload weight | 4 kg |
| Cruising speed | 90 km/h |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h |
| Maximum flight altitude | up to 6 thousand meters |
| The radius of application | up to 200 km |
| Maximum flight duration | 16 hours . |
The Orlan-10 is launched by means of a catapult, which can be installed on various types of army vehicles and landing ships or on a flat platform. As Maxim Kondratiev, founder of the International Training Center for Unmanned Aviation, explained to Izvestia, the possibility of long-term operation of the drone is provided by a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine installed on board. The flight can take place automatically according to the programmed program or under the control of the operator via a radio channel. At the same time, in case of disconnection from the military, the Orlan-10 does not fall, but switches to autonomous operation, the source stressed.
He also said that the operator can program the drone for different scenarios, for example, in case of loss of the control signal, equipment failure. In addition, the possibility of autonomous operation increases the stealth of the drone: there is no radio signal — there is no trace on the air.
For a successful landing, Orlan-10 is equipped with a parachute and an air bag, which reduces the risk of damage to expensive equipment. In different cases, the drone is equipped with a payload either at the factory, then the equipment cannot be changed, or it has an "adapter" that allows you to add other types of loads, Kondratiev added.
Application in the special operation zone
The Orlan-10 unmanned aerial system was developed by the Special Technology Center enterprise and accepted by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for mass production in 2012. Kondratiev clarified that the Orlan-10 can also be used for civilian purposes, for example, to help rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. However, it is more in demand among the military — it corrects artillery fire, and also shoots in the visible and thermal imaging spectra, solves cartography problems. So, the device can find targets day and night.
In addition, the drone "listens" to the broadcast, conducts radio technical reconnaissance (RTR). For example, it can detect mobile phone signals from AFU fighters or foreign mercenaries. At the same time, the command and telemetry information of the Orlan-10 itself is encrypted, which prevents the enemy from using the intercepted signal. In addition, the Russian drone can serve as a signal repeater for other drones, which expands their range of application.
"A serious challenge for the Armed Forces of Ukraine"
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky, whose powers expired in May, said at a press conference on August 27 that Russian Orlan drones are a serious challenge for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to him, Russia has a lot of reconnaissance drones, and Ukraine does not have enough funds to provide air defense (air defense).
"But you won't, for example, use the Patriot, shooting down the Orlan? It is very expensive," the head of state complained.
Ukrainian politician Igor Lapin also said in March that the Armed Forces of Ukraine cannot withstand modern Russian drones, because their technical abilities are unequal. He noted that the "Eagles" pose a danger to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, since these drones collect and transmit coordinates about the location of equipment or manpower of the Ukrainian army.
The Russian Defense Ministry also notes the successful use of the Orlan-10. So, on August 31, the press service of the department in Telegram shared that during the reconnaissance by a drone, a large accumulation of enemy equipment was discovered, preparing to move in the direction of Russian troops. As a result of the actions of the UAV operator to adjust artillery fire, the personnel and equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were destroyed, and the attack was thwarted.
