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Sukhoi Zond (Series)

2015 MODERN AIRCRAFT DRONE TECHNOLOGY

The Story of Sukhoi Dzong (series)

Russian pillar company Sukhoi OKB is developing the Zond series of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The family consists of Zond-1, Zond-2, and Zond-3, each assigned a different non-military role.

The Zond-1 is primarily used as a communications relay and transmits TV signals at low to medium altitudes (up to 18,000 meters) via radar and phased array (PAA) antennas and a TV link relay kit. Zond-2 will perform surface and upper atmospheric environment monitoring missions using a side-looking synthetic aperture radar system, infrared and television surveillance at medium and high altitudes (up to 24,000 meters).

Zond-3M is planned as a combination of the two preceding Zond vehicles - for monitoring environmental and atmospheric events and changes, as well as communications. Compared to the full-size Zond-1 and Zond-2 series vehicles, the Zond-3 will be smaller and will be designed to operate at altitudes below 12,000 meters

Aside from some notable physical differences, the three aircraft are largely identical in design. All versions will feature a Global Hawk nose profile with low-lying straight wings and truncated tips.

Zond-1 and Zond-2 have a maximum take-off weight of 12,000 kg, while Zond-3 has a maximum take-off weight of 2,000 kg. The Zond-1 and Zond-2 will also share the same tail assembly, which features a pair of V-shaped vertical tails that slope outward. The Zond-3 will get a similar layout, but with an inverted V-shaped design.

Zond-1 will carry a triangular radar assembly on a reinforced bracket on the fuselage spine. The Zond-2 features a bottom bracket on the body to elevate deeper contoured images.

Unlike the Zond-1 and Zond-2 models, the Zond-3 is powered by a lighter, propeller-based engine in a thrust configuration. Zond-1 and Zond-2, on the other hand, have a (presumed) turboshaft engine in the fuselage and side-mounted air intakes.

All three designs are expected to use retractable landing gear.