Programs for the creation of unmanned aerial systems in the interests of the US armed forces. Light tactical UAVs

18.05.2020

UNMANNED AVIATION SYSTEM RQ-21A STUAS (SMALL TACTICAL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM)

13.02.2013
AMERICAN UAV INTEGRATOR LAUNCHED FROM SHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME

On February 10, the US Navy launched the RQ-21A reconnaissance drone, also known as the Integrator, from the deck of a ship for the first time. This was reported in a Navy press release dated February 12.
According to the Navy, the tests took place in the Gulf of Mexico on the deck of the amphibious dock ship Mesa Verde (LPD-19). Prior to this, the UAV was tested on land in California for three months. The device made its first flight in July 2012.
The RQ-21A UAV is being developed by Insitu (a subsidiary of Boeing). The device weighs 34 kilograms, reaches five meters in width and can carry up to 27 kilograms of payload. It develops speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour and can stay in the air for a day. The combat radius of the RQ-21A is up to 1000 kilometers. The drone is equipped with a laser rangefinder, as well as a set of electro-optical and infrared sensors.

Lenta.ru

14.02.2013

On February 10, a small tactical drone RQ-21A (Small Tactical Unmanned Air System - STUAS) performed its first takeoff from the deck of the UDC USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) of the San Antonio class, reports ASDNews on February 13. After the completion of the flight, the apparatus was taken aboard the landing ship.
The flight over the sea was preceded by three months of ground / flight tests at the Naval Air Station in China Lake (California).

19.02.2013
AMERICAN UAV RQ-21A INTEGRATOR LAUNCHED FROM SHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME

On Sunday, February 10, the US Navy launched the RQ-21A STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Air System) reconnaissance drone, also known as the Integrator, from the deck of a ship for the first time. This was reported in a Navy press release dated February 12.
According to the Navy, the tests took place in the Gulf of Mexico on the deck of the amphibious dock ship Mesa Verde (LPD-19). Prior to this, the UAV was tested on land in California for three months. The device made its first flight in July 2012. The RQ-21A UAV is being developed by Insitu (a subsidiary of Boeing). The device weighs 34 kilograms, reaches five meters in width and can carry up to 27 kilograms of payload. It develops speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour and can stay in the air for a day. The combat radius of the RQ-21A is up to 1000 kilometers.
The drone is equipped with a laser rangefinder, as well as a set of electro-optical and infrared sensors. As previously reported, the delivery of RQ-21A drones to the troops under the STUAS program is scheduled for 2017. In addition to the US Navy, RQ-21A drones are planned to be purchased for the Marine Corps. The Marines, as reported, will launch vehicles primarily on land.
Lenta

27.05.2013
RQ-21A US Navy SMALL TACTICAL UAV

The US Navy gave permission to start production of the lead batch of small tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System) RQ-21A for the Navy and the Marine Corps (MCC) as part of stage C. This was reported by ARMS-TASS.
This means that the RQ-21A program, managed by the Naval and Marine Corps STUAS Program Office at Patuxent River, Md., is entering production and deployment.
The RQ-21A unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) included in the system will perform tactical reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation tasks at sea and on land in the interests of the two branches of the US armed forces.
WEAPONS OF RUSSIA

15.01.2014

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force intends to equip ships with unmanned aerial vehicles, Jane's reports, citing military sources. American RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aerial vehicles are considered as one of the main options. Japan will spend two million yen (19.2 thousand dollars) in 2014 to test and select a shipborne drone.
According to the Japanese military, the new drones will be used to monitor the movement of Chinese ships in the East China Sea. final decision on equipping Japanese ships with drones has not yet been adopted. If the RQ-21A or other similar aircraft are purchased, the Navy will become the first Japanese branch of the armed forces to use unmanned aerial vehicles. Lenta.ru

31.01.2014

The Marine Corps and the US Navy have begun military testing of the promising RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aerial vehicle, Defense News reports. Evaluation tests of the drone are currently being conducted at the 29th US Marine Corps Air and Ground Command Center in Palms, California. After their completion, a decision may be made to adopt the RQ-21A into service.
The drone will also be tested by the US Navy's 1st Air Test and Evaluation Squadron. The military will test it both on land and at sea, launching it from the deck of a ship. After these tests lasting several months, the RQ-21A will be handed over to the 2nd Marine Corps UAV Squadron, located at Cherry Point Air Force Base in North Carolina, for testing.

06.06.2014
The new unmanned aerial system (UAS) RQ-21A "Blackjack" (Blackjack), developed and manufactured by Insitu, a division of Boeing, has already been deployed in Afghanistan, in service with the US Marine Corps. This is stated in the message of the US Navy. RQ-21A with five unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are deployed almost four years after Insitu won a contract to supply the Pentagon with small tactical UAS in August 2010 and more than two years after the transfer of the first two systems to the ILC.

20.10.2015
The American company Logos Technologies received a contract from the US Naval Research and Development Department, under which it will develop a "super sensor" for the RQ-21 Blackjack reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle. According to Flightglobal, the deal amounted to $18.2 million.
Logos Technologies will have to develop an electron-optical camera, a wide-angle camera, a shortwave infrared hyperspectral camera, and a high-resolution camera with a control sensor. These devices should be compactly placed in a small case. The mass of the finished "super sensor" should not exceed 17.8 kilograms.
All images obtained using the new system will be transmitted to a computing system on board the drone, capable of processing up to one gigabyte of data per second. "Supersensor" will allow the military to conduct a detailed marking of the area and detect hidden enemy fighters and improvised explosive devices on it.
As expected, the development of the device will be completed before the end of March 2020. Use new system intelligence will be the US Marine Corps.
N+1

09.06.2017

The Dutch Ministry of Defense signed a contract with American company In situ ( structural subdivision Boeing) for the supply of three complexes with Integrator short-range unmanned aerial vehicles, the press service of Insitu reports.
“Deliveries should start in 2018. Integrator should replace the ScanEagle unmanned systems previously acquired by the Dutch Ministry of Defense, which have been used since 2012 to protect troops during hostilities, detect targets, and adjust fire.
The Integrator is a multifunctional unmanned system with long-range vehicles. The device with a takeoff weight of about 60 kg can carry a payload with a total weight of up to 18 kg, including various reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation equipment.
Integrator (another name for the RQ-21A Blackjack system) has been mass-produced since 2016. They are used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. In addition, these devices are used by the armed forces of Canada.
RNS

UNMANNED AVIATION SYSTEM RQ-21A STUAS

The RQ-21A UAV is being developed by Insitu (a subsidiary of Boeing). The Integrator UAV, developed by Insitu, is an integral part of the RQ-21A STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System) small tactical reconnaissance unmanned aerial system, which has been assigned the status of initial operational readiness.
The first flight lasted two hours, the aircraft was controlled by specialists from the 2nd and 3rd squadrons of unmanned aerial systems of the US Marine Corps, together with representatives of Insitu.
The RQ-21A has the ability to perform several missions in one flight; it has an electro-optical system, an infrared camera, an infrared designator and a laser rangefinder on board.
The device weighs 34 kilograms, reaches five meters in width and can carry up to 27 kilograms of payload. It develops speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour and can stay in the air for a day. The combat radius of the RQ-21A is up to 1000 kilometers. The drone is equipped with a laser rangefinder, as well as a set of electro-optical and infrared sensors.
As previously reported, the delivery of the RQ-21A to the US Navy is scheduled for 2017 as part of the STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Air System) program, which involves equipping troops with small tactical drones.
In addition to the US Navy, the US Marine Corps showed interest in the RQ-21A drones. The Marines, as reported, will launch vehicles primarily on land.

CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum takeoff weight 61.2 kg
Empty weight 34 kg
Length: 2.5m
Wingspan: 4.8 m
Engine: JP-5, JP-8
Range up to 1000 km
Flight duration 24 hours
Flight speed 100 km/h
Ceiling up to 6000 m
Payload weight 18 - 27 kg

Sources: www.insitu.com and others.

Unmanned aerial systems RQ-21A "Blackjack" / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

The new unmanned aerial system (UAS) RQ-21A "Blackjack" (Blackjack) developed and manufactured by Insitu (Insitu) - a division of Boeing - is already deployed in Afghanistan, in service with the US Marine Corps. This is stated in the message of the US Navy.

Pictured: UAS RQ-21A in Afghanistan / Photo by USMC

The RQ-21A, with five unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), is deployed almost four years after Insitu won a contract to supply the Pentagon with small tactical UAS in August 2010 and more than two years after the transfer of the first two systems to the ILC. One of the clauses of the contract provides for the receipt of prototypes of the RQ-21A for trial operation by the troops.

The next step in the UAS development program is to achieve initial combat readiness. On the US Navy website, the system's initial entry date is "Spring 2014".

However, the press secretary of the Navy specified that the achievement of initial combat readiness is planned at the end of this year. The RQ-21A is a development of the Scan Eagle UAV weighing 22 kg.

The device is equipped with a payload, which is located in the internal compartment and includes electro-optical and infrared cameras and radio relay antennas. The ILC plans to purchase 32 RQ-21A systems, the Navy - 25 systems.

Technical reference

UAV "Blackjack", created by Insitu Incorporated, is an evolution of the Scan Eagle UAV. The main external difference is the double-keel tail of the RQ-21A, which resulted in an increase in its size. The system includes:

five UAVs
two ground control stations
equipment needed for start-up and maintenance

launch catapult

For several months, land and sea tests will be carried out by the 1st Test Squadron (ATES VX, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX). After the completion of the initial testing and evaluation phase, representatives government agencies and the Insitu company will transfer these UAVs for further use to the 2nd squadron of unmanned aerial vehicles of the USMC, located at the Corps air base in Cherry Point (pc. North Carolina). Delivery of the second LRIP batch of RQ-21A is scheduled for spring 2014 and will include one system.

"Blackjack" will significantly improve control over the battlefield for the tactical grouping of ground forces and aviation of the ILC. As a result, he said, the Marines will receive a platform equipped with the appropriate equipment necessary to carry out the above task.

UAV RQ-21 / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

RQ-21A provides new level flexibility and opportunities for expeditionary forces, which are this moment are not contained in any UAV. USMC UAV squadrons using Blackjack will be able to confidently perform tasks as part of tactical groupings.

UAVs RQ-21 Integrator ordered by the US Navy as part of the program for the adoption of small tactical unmanned systems STUAS/Tier II. The initial contract worth $43.7 million was signed on July 29, 2010.

It provides for the creation and delivery of two devices, as well as their testing. The STUAS / Tier II program involves the initial deployment from 2013 of 56 unmanned systems. The potential value of the order is estimated at $450 million.

The RQ-21 Integrator UAV is designed for reconnaissance and has the ability to perform several tasks in one flight. On board are:

US to conduct initial testing and evaluation of RQ-21A Blackjack UAV

RQ-21A Blackjack

Photo from insitu.com

January 30 - The initial testing and evaluation phase of the latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) RQ-21A Blackjack has begun. It takes place at the US Marine Corps (MCGCC) MCAGCC (Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center) test center in Twentynine Palms (California). It is reported by ITAR-TASS with reference to the press service of the US Naval Air Systems Command.

The lead batch of the RQ-21A UAV, formerly known as the STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System), will demonstrate the effectiveness of the device and its suitability for use in combat operations as part of this testing phase.

Colonel James Rector, who manages the STUAS program for the USMC and the US Navy and is responsible for the creation of the RQ-21A UAV, said that "obtaining the first LRIP batch of these UAVs (RQ-21A) is a major achievement of the American leadership and industry." He described the vehicle as "efficient" and said that "it satisfies the requirements of the Marine Corps units deployed both on land and at sea."

The Blackjack UAV, created by Insitu Incorporated, is an evolution of the ScanEagle UAV. The main external difference is the double-keel tail of the RQ-21A, which resulted in an increase in its size. The system includes five UAVs, two ground control stations, equipment needed for launch and maintenance.

For several months, land and sea tests will be carried out by the 1st Test Squadron (ATES VX, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX). Upon completion of the initial testing and evaluation phase, government officials and Insitu will transfer these UAVs for further use to the 2nd USMC Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron located at Corpus Air Force Base in Cherry Point, North Carolina. Delivery of the second LRIP batch of RQ-21A is scheduled for spring 2014 and will include one system.

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Bolden, commander of the USMC 2nd UAV Squadron, said that Blackjack will significantly improve battlefield control for the tactical grouping of ground forces and aviation of the Marine Corps. As a result, he said, the Marines will receive a platform equipped with the appropriate equipment necessary to carry out the above task. "The RQ-21A provides a new level of flexibility and capability to the Expeditionary Force that is currently not found in any UAV," Bolden said. "As a result, USMC UAV squadrons using Blackjack will be able to confidently perform tasks as part of tactical groupings," he added.

The length of the RQ-21A is 2.4 m, the wingspan is 4.8 m. The device provides surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for units operating on land and at sea. The open architecture allows fast reconfiguration of the installed optoelectronic equipment, the weight of which is limited to 10 kg. The standard load includes moving day and night surveillance cameras, an infrared pointer, a communication kit, automatic recognition system receivers.

For a long time, surface ships remained the only effective tool for waging war at sea, and only in coastal areas could they have some competition from coastal artillery. The appearance of submarines and naval aviation (deck-based and shore-based) radically changed the face of naval warfare and fleets. Now, with the beginning of the development and implementation of a significant number of a wide variety of unmanned underwater and aerial vehicles, one can observe the beginning of a new stage of cardinal changes in the structure of the fleets of the leading maritime powers.

MQ-4C Triton

Underwater drones are at the very beginning of their development, and it will be a long time before they can play a significant role in naval activities. In contrast, maritime unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are undergoing a period of rapid development. In the structure of the US Navy, they already play a significant role, which should grow significantly over the next decade. Many maritime powers are on the path of catching up development, but they are also paying quite serious attention to maritime unmanned systems.

It is especially worth noting that, as in the case of manned aircraft, the tasks and capabilities of different classes of UAVs differ significantly. One of the options for the classification of UAVs, which is used by the UK Department of Defense, involves the division of all UAVs into three classes according to the maximum take-off weight. The first class corresponds to drones up to 150 kg, the second - from 150 to 600 kg, and the third - more than 600 kg. This classification is very conditional: for example, the third class includes samples so different in their capabilities, such as the strategic reconnaissance UAV MQ-4C Triton (maximum takeoff weight is about 15 tons) and the tactical helicopter-type drone MQ-8B Fire Scout (maximum takeoff weight - about 1400 kg).

The main advantages of UAVs are their significantly smaller size compared to manned aircraft, which makes it possible to increase shipborne air groups, as well as to deploy UAV air groups on ships that are poorly adapted to manned aviation. Also, UAVs are usually less expensive. In addition, drones can stay in the air much longer than manned helicopters and airplanes. Finally, the use of UAVs in a combat situation avoids the threat to the lives of pilots.

"Strategic" maritime UAVs

In May 2013, we witnessed a number of significant successes in the programs to create "strategic" (given their size, cost and range of tasks performed; the term HALE - High Altitude, Long Endurance is often used in the West) of US Navy unmanned aerial systems. On the morning of May 14, 2013, Northrop Grumman's X-47B UAV made its first takeoff from the USS George W. Bush. This UAV is one of two prototypes created by Northrop Grumman under a contract with the Navy in 2007 under the UCAS-D (Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration) program. As part of this program, it is planned to work out the takeoff and landing of UAVs on an aircraft carrier, as well as refueling in the air. Aerial refueling trials are scheduled to take place by October 1, 2014.

X-47B

UCAS-D precedes the start of the UCLASS (Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike) program, which involves the creation of an inconspicuous heavy carrier-based drone. Such UAVs will have to carry out reconnaissance and strike at ground targets. In the context of the development of anti-ship missiles, non-nuclear submarines and other so-called. "access restriction systems", high hopes are placed on the UCLASS UAV. There is an opinion among experts and representatives of the American leadership that the future of carrier-based aviation and the aircraft carrier component of the US Navy depends on the creation of an attack drone with a large (about 1800 km) combat radius. Research and development (R&D) under the UCLASS program should begin in 2013. It is planned to allocate 2.3 billion dollars for them. UAVs developed under the UCLASS program should reach combat readiness by 2020.

However, there are fears that the UCLASS program can degenerate into the creation of a carrier-based drone that will be focused on reconnaissance missions, and strike functions will play a secondary role. In addition, the UCLASS UAV could end up using significantly fewer stealth technologies than the existing X-47B. Brian McGrath, one of the leading American naval experts, voiced concerns that the UCLASS UAV could be created as a carrier-based analogue of the Predator family of combat UAVs. It is worth recalling that General Atomics Corporation, which is the creator of the Predator family, is participating in the UCLASS program with the Sea Avenger UAV. Such a UAV will undoubtedly strengthen the US naval aviation, but will not be able to operate effectively in the presence of the enemy's developed "access restriction systems." Speaking about the reasons for the opposition to the creation of a truly stealth strike UAV, McGrath notes competition from the F-35C fifth-generation carrier-based fighter program, which should take over the functions of the “first day of war” strike aircraft, reduction in military spending in the United States, as well as conservative representatives of the naval aviation command.

Predator-C Sea Avenger

The second type of "strategic" UAV, which in the near future should become important tool US Navy, is a long-range coastal reconnaissance UAV MQ-4C Triton manufactured by Northrop Grumman, which made its first flight on May 22, 2013. This UAV is being created as part of the BAMS (Broad Area Maritime Surveillance) program based on the RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV of the US Air Force .

Four MQ-4Cs will be able to provide constant patrolling of a given sector of the oceans. They will carry out long-term (up to 28 hours) patrols of large areas (the radius of the patrol zone should be about 3700 km). Also, the MQ-4C will be able to act as a repeater to maintain communication between dispersed forces in the theater of operations. The MQ-4C Triton is being developed as a complement to Boeing's P-8A Poseidon coastal patrol aircraft. Drones should remove most of the tasks of patrolling the sea and reconnaissance from the P-8A, which will allow the Poseidons to focus on other tasks, including the fight against surface ships and submarines.

In total, it is planned to purchase 70 MQ-4Cs, including two prototype. The cost of the program should be $13.2 billion (including $3.3 billion for R&D), and the final cost of a serial drone is $189 million. Australia has officially confirmed its interest in purchasing the Triton UAV. In addition, there is a possibility that the MQ-4C will be of interest to India, which is purchasing P-8A. Triton should reach combat readiness in 2016. First of all, these UAVs will be deployed in the Middle East in the area of responsibility of the Fifth Fleet, where the experimental BAMS-D UAV is now successfully operating, then on the island of Guam in the area of responsibility of the Seventh Fleet, at the Sigonella base in Italy (Sixth Fleet) and finally in the continental United States.

Heavy tactical maritime UAVs

Expensive "strategic" maritime UAVs are complemented by significantly cheaper heavy tactical helicopter-type UAVs, which can become the workhorses of naval aviation, complementing helicopters.

MQ-8B Fire Scout

The most striking example of such UAVs is the MQ-8B Fire Scout, which was developed by Northrop Grumman based on the Schweizer/Sikorsky S-333 light helicopter. This UAV takes up half the space of a standard US Navy MH-60R Seahawk carrier-based helicopter and can perform many of the tasks that a helicopter would. The dimensions of UAVs allow to significantly increase the number of aircraft on surface ships. On board LCS-type littoral combat ships (BCPS), which are the main carriers of UAV data, one or two Fire Scouts will almost always complement the manned Seahawk. And on board the frigate can be placed four MQ-8B. It is worth emphasizing that such UAVs are planned to be used mainly not as a replacement, but in addition to manned aircraft. Thus, the study showed that from the point of view of the cost-effectiveness criterion, a mixed air group on coastal warships is preferable to an air group consisting only of UAVs or helicopters.

MQ-8C

Using onboard equipment and electronic systems MQ-8B, Northrop Grumman developed the larger MQ-8C drone based on the Bell 407 Jet Ranger helicopter. The corporation has been developing own funds, but the US Navy liked the new model and abandoned further purchases of the MQ-8B in favor of the MQ-8C. In 2012, the corporation received a contract to build 30 MQ-8Cs. The new version of the Fire Scout features an increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 2 tons, almost twice the payload (about 500 kg), more high speed(about 260 km/h) and longer flight duration (up to 11-14 hours). Test flights of the MQ-8C are scheduled to begin this September and will be operational by the end of 2014. Due to the increased size and significantly improved performance characteristics, the Navy plans to make do with less UAV data on ships. So, instead of 4 MQ-8Bs, 3 MQ-8Cs will be based on frigates.

Similar work in the interests of the French Navy is currently being carried out by Boeing, together with DCNS and Thales: in the fall of 2012, tests of the H-6U Unmanned Little Bird UAV based on the Boeing MD-530А helicopter were completed. H-6U is combined aircraft, that is, it can be used both as a UAV and as a manned helicopter.

H-6U Unmanned Little Bird

The main functions of the MQ-8 are reconnaissance and target designation, but the Navy also plans to arm these UAVs - in particular, with 70mm APKWS precision missiles.

Helicopter-type UAVs have certain limitations in flight duration and range, which raises the question of developing fixed-wing maritime UAVs (the term MALE is often used in the West - Medium Altitude, High Endurance), which can be based on small ships. The US Department of Defense Advanced Technology Agency (DARPA) has launched the TERN (Tactically Exploited Reconnaissance Node) program, which involves the development of a similar UAV, the payload of which should be about 300 kg, and the operational radius should be from 1100-1700 km, and an accompanying system that will ensure its takeoff and landing on the BKPZ and other suitable ships. Drones under the TERN program will have to perform both reconnaissance and strike functions.

Light tactical UAVs

Along with heavier UAVs, light UAVs, similar to the fixed-wing ScanEagle reconnaissance UAV with a fixed wing manufactured by Boeing Insitu, which has been in operation in the US Navy since 2005, and is also successfully used by the fleets of other states, take their place on the deck of ships.

ScanEagle

In 2012, Singapore signed a contract for the supply of these UAVs for its fleet. By July 2011, ScanEagle made a total of 56,000 sorties, their total flight time exceeded 500,000 hours, including about 250,000 hours in the interests of the Navy, and their total strength in the US Navy exceeded 120 units. It is noteworthy that the Navy does not purchase ScanEagle, but uses their services under contract agreements with the manufacturer.

RQ-21A Integrator

These UAVs precede the implementation of the STUAS (Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System) program to create an unmanned reconnaissance system with larger RQ-21A Integrator UAVs in the interests of the US Navy and Marine Corps, which is being implemented by Insitu under a contract concluded in 2010. The maximum takeoff weight of the drone will be about 60 kg. The first flight from the deck of the RQ-21A ship was made on April 9, 2013. In total, the Navy plans to purchase 36 STUAS systems, each of which will include five UAVs.

Russia

Unlike the United States, the development of maritime unmanned systems in Russia is just beginning. And although the adoption of “strategic” drones remains a long-term issue, the development of tactical UAVs of various ranges is already underway. Speaking directly about maritime UAVs, it is worth mentioning the Horizon Air S-100 model based on the Camcopter S-100, which at the International naval saloon in St. Petersburg in 2011 was demonstrated by Gorizont OJSC (Rostov-on-Don). The company assembles UAVs under license from the Austrian Schiebel. These drones are already actively operated by the French Navy and the fleets of other states, including, according to some reports, China.

Horizon Air is a helicopter-type UAV with a maximum takeoff weight of 200 kg, which can be used for night and day patrols, surveillance and monitoring of ground and surface space, search and rescue operations, participation in the aftermath of natural disasters and man-made disasters, and border protection. Moreover, the S-100 can be armed: this UAV successfully launched the Thales LMM multi-purpose light missile. Now the drone is at the stage of certification.

Skyline Eyre

In November 2012, for trial operation, the first complex with an S-100 UAV was delivered for the needs of the Coast Guard of the Border Service of the FSB of Russia. A preliminary decision on the purchase of one complex with the Horizon Air UAV for trial operation was also made by the Navy. The Ministry of Internal Affairs also expressed interest in the UAV data.

The development of unmanned systems is not a priority for naval construction in Russia. This is due both to the priority of the task of updating the ship composition of the fleet, and to the technological lag in this area. Nevertheless, the development of unmanned systems can strengthen the aviation of the fleet, coast guard and other departments. By performing patrol and reconnaissance functions, maritime UAVs will help protect Russia's national interests in the oceans.