UKRJET UJ-32 (Lastivka)

History

UKRJET, a Ukraine-based company, specializes in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and their showcased UJ-32 "Lastivka" loitering munition drone at the 2021 Arms Show in Kyiv caught the attention of modern militaries and industry players worldwide. The UJ-32 is designed for kamikaze-style attacks on ground targets, using an RPG-7 grenade as its active charge, making it a consumable system. Its cost-effective design, utilizing readily available RPG-7 grenades, reduces manufacturing and procurement expenses for both the drone and spare units. The UJ-32's simple and unique configuration, including a "V-sloped" tail for enhanced control and stability, along with a twin-blade propeller, provides an economical unmanned solution for engaging enemy vehicles.

This versatile UAS is capable of operating in various lighting and weather conditions, maximizing its effectiveness against stationary ground and sea targets. It can be launched via a catapult rail and is highly portable due to its relatively light and compact size. The drone boasts a range of up to 40 km, cruising at almost 100 km/h, while flying at altitudes below 2000 meters. Manual and automatic control options are available through the Dedalus software, allowing for reconnaissance and attack capabilities, while pre-programming offers added flexibility for mission planning.

The streamlined nature of the UJ-32's operations minimizes setup and teardown time, providing tactical advantages for forward forces in active theaters. This cost-effective and adaptable UAS offers valuable reconnaissance and attack capabilities, making it a noteworthy option for modern military operations.

Specification

BASICS

Years in Service: 2021

Origins: Ukraine

Status: Active.

Crew: 0

Production: 250

Manufacturer: UKRYET - Ukraine

Operator: Ukraine

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Unmanned ability

Aircraft designed (or later developed) have inherent unmanned capabilities and can fill a variety of battlefield roles.

Note Fatures

Pusher bracket

The design features a rearward push rod arrangement in contrast to the more traditional pull rod arrangement.

All Electric

The design uses an all-electric powerplant for propulsion.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

Unmanned operation

The design features the ability to fly without a pilot, with actions controlled by onboard programming and/or ground operators.

Autonomous operation

The design features autonomous flight operations through artificial intelligence or onboard pre-programming.

Camera equipment

Payload supports photography devices that provide real-time still images and/or image/video results.

MAINPLANE STRUCTURE

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Central Install

The main aircraft is mounted below the center on the sides of the fuselage.

Straight

Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: 1 x electric motor drives a thrust-arranged two-bladed propeller unit.

Max Speed: 75 mph (120 kph | 65 kts)

Cruise Speed: 56 mph (90 kph | 49 kts)

Maximum Speed Diff: +19 mph (+30 kph | 16 kts)

Ceiling : 6,562 ft (2,000 m | 1 mi)

Range: 25 mi (40 km | 74 nm)

ARMAMENT

RPG-7 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) warhead.