Chirok UAV model photo: Igor Generalov Russian United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation unveiled its new Chirok unmanned aerial ve...
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| Chirok UAV model photo: Igor Generalov |
The first of its kind hovercraft drone, features an innovative hovercraft chassis that allows the drone to take off and land without the need for a runway.
The 1:5 Chirok model presented at the exhibition has already completed aerodynamic testing at the Central Aero hydrodynamic Institute, Zhukovsky.
The innovative air-cushion landing system, allows the drone to take off and land on any terrain like loose snow, sand, water, ideal for Russian snowy conditions. The air cushion is fully retractable during flight.
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| photo: Igor Generalov |
Chirok (Teal) has an all-composite (carbon) construction. It has a wingspan of 10 m, with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 700 kg and payload capacity of 300 kg.
It is powered by two classified propeller engine means giving it an unbelievable 2,500 km range.
The UAV can ascend to an altitude of up to 6,000 meters.
The Chirok UAV will have civilian and military variants. The civilian version is designed for monitoring forest fires, disaster management and aerial patrols.
It can carry optoelectronic devices intended for various types of surveillance.
The military variant will be an armed reconnaissance drone capable of carrying bombs, rockets and precision missiles.
The weapons will be carried internally within the body, improving stealth and aerodynamic characteristics.
Currently, UIMC is working to further improve the technical characteristics of the Chirok.
The full scale chirok will be unveiled at the 2015 MAKS International Aviation and Space Show according to UIMC CEO Alexander Yakunin.
