The Russian army still lacks medium and heavy unmanned aerial vehicles of domestic design. All available systems of this class were developed by foreign companies. Nevertheless, the negative situation in this area is gradually improving. In our country, a promising middle-class UAV has already been created, capable of solving a wide range of tasks. The first domestic project of this kind, which managed to reach the stage of flight tests, is called Orion.
The Orion UAV project is one of the most interesting domestic developments in recent years. In addition to belonging to a new class for the Russian defense industry, interest in the project was stimulated by the general atmosphere of secrecy. Developers and customers of the promising complex from time to time talked about the latest domestic development, but most of the information was not disclosed for a long time. As a result, experts and technology enthusiasts had to be content with only different estimates and assumptions.
Orion in flight. Shot from the advertising video of the "Kronstadt" group
During the recent MAKS-2017 international aerospace show, the Orion development company held an official presentation, during which it spoke about the main features of the promising UAV, its purpose, etc. In addition, an official promotional video was released. Thanks to the official presentation, everyone who wished received new information about the most interesting domestic sample.
The development of the Orion UAV was launched in 2011 by order of the Ministry of Defense. The work was carried out within the framework of the development work with the code "pacer". The Transas company (St. Petersburg) was appointed as the executor of the work and the head developer of the drone. By now, the development organization has changed its name and is now called the "Kronstadt Group". Despite such organizational processes, the design was completed on time, and later a prototype of a promising aircraft was brought out for testing.
The purpose of the ROC "Inokhodets" was the creation of a new UAV with an average size and take-off weight. The device was supposed to have a long flight duration and carrying capacity sufficient to transport reconnaissance equipment. The finished complex was supposed to be used for visual, radar or electronic reconnaissance of certain areas. At the same time, it was necessary to ensure the possibility of long-term patrolling in a given area.
Model of UAV "Orion", previously shown at exhibitions. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
It took several years to develop the drone, dubbed Orion. In 2015, the first prototype was built for use in flight tests. Subsequently, the specialists of the Kronstadt company and the Ministry of Defense carried out the necessary checks. According to reports, tests of the experienced "Orion" continue to this day. Interestingly, until a certain time, the authors of the project did not seek to disclose information about a promising UAV. Because of this, the details of the project appeared only a few weeks ago.
Moreover, the exact shape of the drone became known only in late spring. Then in social networks there were photos from the Ryazan airfield Protasovo, which captured an aircraft marked "Orion 01" on board. It should be noted that the real appearance of the new domestic car was markedly different from the one previously assumed. In particular, the UAV was built according to a normal aerodynamic design, while the possibility of using a two-girder architecture was previously mentioned.
It should be recalled that since 2013, the Transas company has shown a layout of a promising device and advertising videos for this project. At that time, it was proposed to build an aircraft with a double-girder scheme with a characteristic L-shaped tail. Such a machine could carry various optical-electronic or other reconnaissance equipment. As it became clear in the late spring of this year, since then the authors of the project have managed to significantly revise the basic concepts, which resulted in a significant change in the technical appearance of the UAV. Submitted for testing and shown at MAKS-2017, the device has no noticeable resemblance to the previously demonstrated models.
Orion at the airfield in Ryazan, May 2017. Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com
The recent presentation with the official publication of all the basic information made it possible to draw up a fairly detailed picture and understand the advantages and disadvantages of the promising Orion. Consider the available information about the most interesting domestic development.
According to official data, the promising unmanned aerial reconnaissance and surveillance system "Orion" includes a number of basic devices. First of all, these are unmanned aerial vehicles of the middle class, acting as a carrier of one or another reconnaissance equipment. In addition, the complex includes a take-off and landing control module, an operator module, a radio module, and a set of equipment for ground handling of equipment.
For obvious reasons, the unmanned aerial vehicle of the same name is of the greatest interest in the new Orion complex. This UAV had special requirements. In particular, Orion was supposed to become the first domestic MALE class vehicle (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance). Such characteristics make it possible to obtain a number of important capabilities that increase the potential of technology in the context of solving reconnaissance tasks.
The project proposes the construction of a medium-sized aircraft with a normal aerodynamic configuration with a straight wing and V-shaped tail. Airframe parts are made from carbon fiber composites, which reduce the weight of the structure while maintaining sufficient strength. The main part of these or those units is installed inside the fuselage. Some instruments, however, are partially located outside the airframe, which requires additional removable fairings.
The nose of the drone. Shot from the advertising video of the "Kronstadt" group
A promising UAV has a high aspect ratio fuselage with an asymmetrical cross-section. The sides and the top surface are made in the form of a single surface, and the bottom has a curved shape. As can be seen from the available materials, the nose fairing of the fuselage is made radio-transparent and, probably, allows the installation of certain electronic equipment. In the central part of the fuselage there are wing attachment points. On the sides of the tail, it is provided for the installation of two inclined planes of the tail. Between these planes and on the bottom there is a pair of rectangular casings necessary for engine cooling.
A significant part of the internal volume of the fuselage is given for the installation of various electronic equipment. On the bottom of the bow there are mounts for installing the necessary equipment, behind which is the niche of the front landing gear. In the center of the fuselage, in front of the wing, there is another volume for target equipment. Behind the wing, on the lower fuselage, there is a pair of longitudinal niches for the main landing gear. A piston engine is located at the rear of the machine.
The creation of the required lift is assigned to the mid-position, straight wing of high aspect ratio with a slight taper. In the central part of each plane there is a pylon with a fairing to accommodate some of the instruments. The wing has developed mechanization. In its root part there are large flaps. Ailerons are located near the tips. UAV "Orion" received a V-shaped tail unit, consisting of two rectangular elements. Their trailing edge is given under rudders, suitable for pitch and yaw control.
The bottom of the car, view of the tail. Shot from the advertising video of the "Kronstadt" group
An important feature of the drone is the architecture of the controls. Control over the operation of all major devices is carried out only with the help of electrical systems. All rudders, landing gear cleaners, etc. equipped with electric drives. In addition, the glider is equipped with an electrical anti-icing system.
According to known data, the device is equipped with a gasoline piston engine. The model and parameters of the power plant are unknown, but there is reason to assume the use of an air-cooled engine. The motor is connected to a two-bladed pusher propeller.
Takeoff and landing should be carried out using a three-point landing gear with a nose strut and small diameter wheels. The struts have a suspension with shock absorbers and, after takeoff, are retracted into the fuselage by turning back.
Orion can carry special equipment for various purposes. Thus, the main surveillance tool is a multifunctional optoelectronic system suspended under the nose of the fuselage. Several optical instruments are housed in a spherical fairing mounted on a U-shaped support. Possibility of pointing in different directions and observation at any time of the day is provided. Such equipment can be used for reconnaissance and surveillance, both independently and in combination with other equipment.
Propeller group. Shot from the advertising video of the "Kronstadt" group
The central fuselage seat can be used to mount an aerial camera or other equipment. Also, near the center of gravity of the machine, a compact radar station or electronic reconnaissance equipment can be suspended. The radar can be used in conjunction with an optoelectronic system, while electronic reconnaissance means require the installation of additional equipment in the nose of the fuselage. Large and protruding suspended units must be covered with fairings.
According to published data, the UAV of a new type can only carry reconnaissance equipment of various types. The possibility of carrying and using any weapons was not announced. According to the developer, the total payload weight is 200 kg. Its composition is determined in accordance with the goals of departure.
The Orion's takeoff weight is approximately 1200 kg, of which 200 kg is for the payload in the form of target equipment. The device is capable of taking off and landing automatically. On commands from the operator's panel, the car must go to the specified area. The drone can operate at a distance of up to 250 km from ground control equipment. Flight characteristics and an economical engine made it possible to obtain a flight duration of 24 hours. Flight altitude - up to 7500 m.
Demonstration of the airframe structure made of composites. Shot from the advertising video of the "Kronstadt" group
All control of unmanned aerial vehicles is carried out by a ground-based complex of means, which includes several modules for various purposes. All modules are built on the basis of unified container bodies, however, they have a different set of equipment. As follows from the published data, one module is intended to accommodate operators and their consoles, the second contains radio equipment, and the third is intended for automatic take-off and landing devices.
The UAV is controlled by the operator, who has a remote control with a set of appropriate equipment. Each operator station is equipped with a pair of widescreen LCD monitors and controls. Depending on the available goals, the operator can prepare a flight program, directly control the drone, receive data from it, process the collected information, etc. At the same time, the Orion reconnaissance complex equipment provides both direct control of aircraft and automatic flight according to a previously created program. One container module accommodates four operator workstations.
The proposed appearance of the unmanned aerial complex provides a comparative ease of operation combined with high mobility. Container modules that accommodate a variety of equipment and drones can be quickly and easily transported to a given area by any suitable transport. The deployment of the Orion complex on the position should also not be associated with noticeable difficulties.
Operator consoles in a container module. Shot from the advertising video of the "Kronstadt" group
The promising domestic medium UAV "Orion" belongs to the MALE class, which to a certain extent reveals its capabilities and purpose. The device is capable of staying in the air during the day, which makes it possible to use it for long-term patrolling of specified areas, observing various objects, etc. A removable payload, which can include a variety of optoelectronic or radioelectronic equipment, can be used for observation, mapping, etc. Based on the results of the drone departure, the operator, using the standard equipment and software of his workplace, can draw up a detailed report, including three-dimensional maps of the terrain and information on the location of certain objects.
At the moment, there is every reason to believe that the newest domestic project "Orion" is coming to an end with a successful solution of all the tasks set. Thanks to this, the new technology, after completing the tests and showing itself well, will be able to enter service and go into series. Corresponding orders and orders may appear in the next few years. For obvious reasons, it has not yet been specified when the order will appear. According to various estimates, the finished complex will be presented to the military department in the next 2018.
It should be noted that there are already remarkable rumors in the context of the Orion project. According to this information, which, by definition, has no confirmation, a contract for the serial production of new UAVs may appear in the end of this decade. The army can order several dozen unmanned aerial systems, together with which up to a hundred aircraft will be used. New subdivisions can be formed especially for the operation of such equipment.
Orion is taking off. Shot from the advertising video of the "Kronstadt" group
According to available data, the Orion unmanned aerial complex with the UAV of the same name is currently undergoing various tests, including those involving test flights. It is known that the tests started no later than last year, and therefore by now the Kronstadt group could obtain certain positive results, as well as carry out the necessary refinement of the existing project. In light of the known data and similar assumptions, the possibility of completion of the work next year looks quite possible.
The successful completion of the development work of the "Walker" with the receipt of a full-fledged operational reconnaissance and surveillance complex will give the most positive results for the domestic armed forces. The army will receive a modern multifunctional complex capable of conducting reconnaissance and collecting information about specified areas, including at a considerable distance from the deployment sites. The long flight duration, in turn, will make it possible to solve such problems with greater efficiency.
In addition, the Orion project is of great importance in the context of the development of the domestic aircraft industry. Until recently, Russian enterprises proposed new projects of medium and heavy class UAVs, but most of such developments did not even reach the first test flight. UAV "Orion" is currently the most successful representative of its class. This project was brought to the construction and testing of experimental equipment, and is now approaching possible adoption.
The expected official start of operation of such equipment and the launch of mass production will show that the Russian defense industry was really able to master a new direction for itself and provide the army with the required complexes. In the medium term, the successful completion of the Orion project will make it possible to begin replacing imported equipment with domestic samples. Another important area can be developed without outside help.
