Kronstadt Orion (Inokhodets)

History of Kronstadt Orion (Inokhodet)

Russia faces challenges in standardizing drone technology and has increasingly focused on Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs. Despite several innovative concepts, including VTOL-capable models, few have proven suitable for widespread military use across its Air Force, Army, or Navy.

Kronstadt seeks to address this with the "Orion-E" MALE drone, a Predator-class UAV set to debut at MAKS 2017. By this time, a flight-ready prototype has been developed, incorporating composite materials for durability and reduced weight. The Orion-E measures 26.25 feet in length with a wingspan exceeding 50 feet and can carry a payload of up to 440 pounds.

The drone features a sleek fuselage containing mission equipment, avionics, fuel, and engine systems, with an optical system positioned under the aircraft’s "chin." Its rear-mounted, multi-blade propeller resembles the Predator series, while a straight main wing with truncated tips and a V-tail design replace the conventional tail structure.

Equipped with fixed tricycle landing gear, the Orion-E is built for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Kronstadt also intends to market the Orion-E internationally to strengthen Russia’s military presence and open up export opportunities.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 2020

Origins: Russia

Status: Active.

Crew: 0

Production: 40+

Manufacturer: Kronstadt Technologies - Russia

Operator: Russia

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): 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.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 26.2 feet (8.00m)

Width/span: 52.5 feet (16.00m)

Height: 6.6 feet (2.00m)

Cured weight: 1,102 lbs (500kg)

MTOW: 2,205 lbs (1,000 kg)

Wgt Difference: +1,102 lbs (+500 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 conventional engine of unknown make, model and power output to drive a twin-blade propeller unit aft of the fuselage, arranged for thrust.

Maximum speed 140 km/h (225 km/h | 121 kn)

Maximum: 24,606 feet (7,500 m | 5 km)

Area: 435 km (700 km | 1,296 nautical miles)