ZAO ENIX Eleron-3 (Aileron-3)

History

The Eleron-3 is a Russian unmanned aerial system designed primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks. Developed by local Russian industry, it boasts industry-standard features such as autonomous flight capabilities, automatic landing requests, and GPS navigation. Its modular mission payload allows for versatile configurations, accommodating either an infrared/TV combo unit or a TV/thermal imaging module stack, enabling real-time monitoring and information dissemination to ground operators in battlefield scenarios.

Featuring a user-friendly design, the Eleron-3 is easily deployable and operable, making it well-suited for tactical operations at the squad level. Its hybrid wing fuselage design, with a vertical plane at the trailing edge of the swept wing, provides stability and maneuverability. Equipped with twin-blade propellers and foldable support legs for launch, the aircraft offers a comprehensive 360-degree view through its round nose-mounted optics, while its engines are housed at the rear of the fuselage.

Originally intended for civilian applications such as surveying gas pipelines and power lines, the Eleron-3 found its way into military service when procured by the Russian armed forces alongside the larger Eleron-10. Despite initial production constraints, its utilization in conflicts like the Russian-Ukrainian War and the Syrian Civil War showcased its effectiveness in providing critical aerial surveillance. Enhanced models like the Eleron-3SW offer improved flight performance, reduced noise levels, and extended flight durations, further solidifying its role as a reliable asset for military reconnaissance missions.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Service: 2015

Origins: Russia

Status: Active

Crew: 0

Production: 200+

Manufacturer: ZAO ENIX - Russia

Operator: Russia; Syria

Performance

Installed: 1 x conventional engine in a thruster configuration drives a twin-blade propeller unit at the rear of the fuselage.

Armor

None. Mission-specific equipment carried in the form of cameras and sensors.

VARIANTS

Eleron-3SV - the name of the ground forces of the Russian army.

Eleron-B - Export model designation.