Russia’s Almaz-Antey Develops Multipurpose Drone

Almaz-Antey’s All-Russian Research Institute of Radio Equipment (VNIIRT) said it is completing work on a new multi-purpose light quadcopter unmanned  aerial vehicle (UAV).

The UAV as high strength and low weight due to the use of modern materials such as carbon fiber and filled polymers. The widespread use of additive technologies in the production of components allows the UAV to develop a speed 120 km/h, Almaz-Antey said in a press release today.

The drone can be operated at high wind loads and negative temperatures. Its dimensions are 250mmX250mmX100mm. Control channel range - at least 5 km, flight altitude - up to 3 km, route length - up to 20 km.

The drone’s software is adapted for inexperienced users. Video display, UAV control and flight task input are performed from a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. At the same time, a flight route can be preloaded into the UAV for its independent flight outside the control channel coverage area using satellite information.

This drone also supports "First Person View" control mode, which allows the product to be used for solving a wide range of tasks. One can charge these drones both from a conventional outlet and from a car battery, the company said.

In the near future, UAVs will be equipped with means of identification of belonging, an encrypted control channel and a closed video transmission channel. The control and video transmission channels, built on the basis of the enterprise's own developments in the field of command transmission systems, have increased noise immunity with software encryption. Key input device for information transmission in the onboard part is interfaced via standard USB protocols with a computer or tablet.

By the end of 2022, the drone’s own flight controller with an identification function and its own software will be developed. At the beginning of 2023, it is planned to develop data transmission equipment for the control channel and video information.

In addition, in the first quarter of next year, the production of frames, engines, blades, controllers and control equipment for UAVs will be localized at the enterprises of the concern.