Athlon-Avia A1-CM Furia (Fury)

History

Athlon-Avia LLC, a Ukrainian company, manufactures the A1-CM Furia drone for the country's Armed Forces, showcasing Ukraine's self-reliance in military technology. Since 2014, the Furia has been integral in the conflict against Russia in Donbas, aiding in intelligence gathering and artillery fire adjustment. It is currently utilized by various Ukrainian military and security units, with numerous units produced, though some have reportedly been shot down by Russian forces.

The Furia drone boasts a lightweight design, weighing only 12 pounds, and can stay airborne for approximately three hours, covering a range of up to 30 miles. Equipped with versatile optical devices, including thermal imaging, it offers day and night surveillance capabilities. Its onboard software is based on Linux, facilitating encrypted data transmission to the Ground Control Station for remote operation.

Launched via catapult, the Furia can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and is constructed using lightweight materials such as fiberglass and carbon fiber. Recovery is facilitated by a parachute system. Originally deployed in 2014, the Furia has seen upgrades, including the A1-SM model for the Ukrainian National Guard. Additionally, Athlon-Avia promotes the ST-35 "Silent Thunder," a single-use ammunition system.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Service: 2014

Origins: Ukraine

Status: Active.

Crew: 0

Production: 150

Manufacturer: Athlon-Avia Ukraine

Operator: Ukraine

Roles

Close Air Support (CAS): Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance: Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

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

Attention feature

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 photographic devices that provide still and/or live image/video results.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 3.0 feet (0.90 m)

Width/span: 6.6 feet (2.00 m)

Cured weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)

MTOW: 13 lbs (6 kg)

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 the two-bladed propeller unit at the rear of the fuselage, arranged in "thrust".

Maximum speed: 47 km/h (75 km/h | 40 knots)

Cruising speed: 40 km/h (65 km/h | 35 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +6 km/h (+10 km/h | 5 kn)

Area: 50 km (93 nautical miles)