Athlon-Avia ST-35 Silent Thunder

History of the Athlon-Avia ST-35 Silent Thunder

The ST-35 "Silent Thunder" is a loitering munition unmanned aerial system that stays in the target area, searches for targets, and attacks once a target is found. It allows for quicker response times against hidden or concealed targets without risking high-value platforms or causing extensive collateral damage.

The system was developed using advanced technology to improve operational capabilities and enhance radar, visual, and acoustic stealth. It benefits from extensive experience in developing and supporting military unmanned systems used in various conflicts.

The ST-35 can be equipped with different types of warheads (explosive, thermobaric, incendiary, cumulative) to accurately strike important targets and critical infrastructure like radars, communication systems, ammunition depots, and fuel stores. Its biplane design with an "X-layout" is optimal for effective horizontal flight and precise target engagement. The system is designed to be carried in backpacks and includes three loitering munitions, with each unit weighing approximately 15 kilograms.

To extend flight duration and range, the system utilizes a multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for vertical launch of the loitering munition and relay of control signals and payload data.

Specification

Basics

Years of Service: 2022

Origins: Ukraine

Status: Active.

Crew: 0

Production: 200

Manufacturer: Athlon-Avia LLC - 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.

Disable 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.

Special Forces

Serve special forces/special operations forces and missions.

Unmanned

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

Notable Features

Vertical Takeoff/Landing (VTOL)

The series has the tactical capability of vertical take-off and/or landing, a characteristic usually associated with helicopters.

Fader support

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.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

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 Weights

Curb Weight: 7 lbs (3kg)

MTOW: 9 pt (4kg)

Wgt Difference: +2 pt (+1 kg)

Main Plane Structure

Four layers

The design features a quad-plane wing arrangement that utilizes four main plane elements to generate lift while enhancing cornering/agility. A less popular evolution of the bi-wing/tri-wing.

Central Install

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

Special

Floor plans rely on a particular shape that may be unique to aircraft or rarely used in aviation.

Performance

Installed: 1 electric motor drives 6 twin-blade propellers for VTOL take-off and 1 twin-blade propeller unit in the rear of the fuselage for level flight (thrust arrangement).

Maximum speed: 93 km/h (150 km/h | 81 kn)

Cruising speed: 84 km/h (135 km/h | 73 kn)

Maximum speed difference: +9 km/h (+15 km/h | 8 kn)

Maximum: 3,937 feet (1,200 m | 0 km)

Area: 19 km (30 km | 56 nautical miles)

Weapon

1 x 7.7 lb (3.5 kg) warhead. Variable types are supported, including High Explosion, Thermobaric, Combustion, and Accumulation.