College of Military and Political Basic Education, National University of Defense Technology, Zhang Tianrun, Gui Xu Chao, Xue Jihang
In the video footage released by the Ministry of Defense of Russia and Ukraine, the frequency of UAVs is increasing, which indicates that UAVs are becoming an important force on the battlefield, and for the Russian army Avileron series of light UAVs mainly equipped with various types of armed forces and arms, their main functions are to provide battlefield situation monitoring, reconnaissance and fire adjustment, and the operation and use are mainly undertaken by the security and reconnaissance units of the Strategic Missile Forces. Recently, the Russian Ministry of Defense showed how this light drone can assist in the protection of strategic missile systems when performing combat missions. It is worth paying attention to the performance parameters of this drone and what impact it has on the battlefield situation.
Past and Present – See how the Aireron series adapts to the battlefield environment as it evolves
For "Aileron-7", the history of which dates back to the middle of the 2000s. During this time, the first Aileron light reconnaissance drone was developed by ENIKS JSC in Kazan and all the necessary tests were carried out. Subsequently, the relevant authorities worked on several new designs on the basis of the original Alleyron light reconnaissance UAV. For example, in the early 10s of the 20th century, "Aileron-3" and "Aileron-10" were equipped with different accessories from the first generation of UAVs, which differed from each other in size, weight, payload and tactical-technical performance.
And as the latest model in the series, the Aileron-7, in terms of the overall technical solution, it is similar to its predecessor and is built according to the "Aileron" prototype scheme. But differed in size and take-off mass, in the middle between the "3" and "10" models, with a launch mass of 7 kg and a payload of 1 kg. Although the size of this model of drone has not been announced, it is speculated that it may be the same as other Alleyron drones, with a wing length of no more than 1-1.3 meters, and about half the length of the aircraft. In addition, it is equipped with new reconnaissance and communications equipment, new optical reconnaissance equipment has been adopted, the efficiency of use has been increased, flight performance has been improved, anti-jamming capabilities have been enhanced, etc. Strong performance parameters may provide important support for the use of UAVs in the complex battlefield environment on the front line of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Upgrading - breakthroughs in various performance indicators
In terms of design materials, the drone fuselage is made of composite materials with a unique smooth profile, while combining swept wings and detachable cantilevers, as well as an original fuselage that accentuates the wing profile. Its wings were equipped with ailerons with a lower keel on the trailing edge, a compact electric motor and a folding air propeller in the tail section. The main space inside the fuselage is devoted to the placement of batteries. This unique design allows the "Aileron-7" to reach speeds of 70 to 130 kilometers per hour, ceilings of up to 5000 meters, flight duration of up to 2.5 hours, and a video signal transmission system with a working radius of 25 kilometers.
In terms of control systems, the drone is equipped with a combined control system based on a secure laptop with the corresponding software, a remote control device and an autopilot. In addition, a radio communication system with a directional antenna mounted on a tripod is equipped. Depending on the target task, the Aileron-7 can fly and perform tasks under the full control of the operator, complete pre-set flight missions with the operator's corrections, or operate in fully automatic mode. In the latter case, radio silence is required.
In terms of drone payloads, the development company offers three payload options, in which a camera or a full-scale optoelectronic station can be placed in a spherical shell under the drone. At the same time, the company also offers a 30x magnified gyro-stabilized platform camera, as well as an uninterrupted channel. According to reports, the camera and thermal imager can be used at the same time to transmit real-time images to the operator's console, providing valuable battlefield intelligence.
In terms of operation, the Aileron-7 UAS is characterized by its ease of transport and operation, with only two staff members or any suitable vehicle to transport the entire system. The unmanned aerial vehicle and ground controls can be carried in two satchels with straps, and the launcher can be carried in a small rectangular box. All currently Aireron series UAVs are launched from pneumatic or rubber-tired ground launchers, using parachutes on the UAVs for landing. This means that the UAV can greatly facilitate the carrying, use and recovery of front-line combat teams, and if it is put into use, it will greatly improve the battlefield perception ability of combat teams. Although there is no exact information about the production and supply of the Aileron-7, according to the information, this equipment, the same as the previous series, can be equipped with security and intelligence units of the Strategic Missile Forces.
引导打击——Aileron-7 亮相俄军军演
Recently, the Russian Strategic Missile Forces held exercises with command posts of a number of troops, and it is worth noting that for the first time, the Aileron-7 light UAV - the latest model of the series was used. In this military exercise, the drone has done its job well, proving that its practical value is not limited to the published data panels.
As part of the exercise, Yars mobile ground-based missile systems waited for launch orders on combat patrol routes, and security and intelligence forces also went out on patrol aimed at protecting the Republican Guard from a possible attack by a simulated enemy. During the exercises, the Russian Ministry of Defense spoke about the work of the security and intelligence services. To reconnoiter patrol routes and search for sabotage groups of a simulated enemy, they used several models of UAVs, including the Aileron-7.
In one of the videos published by it using the new UAV "Aileron-7", the Russian security forces showed how to move around the region and reach the starting position on the anti-sabotage combat vehicle (BPDM) "Typhoon". Under the cover of the riflemen, three crews of unmanned systems unloaded and deployed their equipment. They placed the launcher and control equipment on the ground in the shortest possible time and prepared the drone for launch. Although the video of the flight and reconnaissance process, as well as the on-board optics, was not included in the video, it was reported that the drone crew successfully completed the task - they detected the imaginary enemy and gave the fighter a guided strike. Finally, footage of the drone returning using a parachute is also included in the video.
Scouting Weapon - Show your might on the battlefield
It is worth noting that, in addition to several types of Aileron, the Russian army has a range of other light UAVs designed to monitor the situation, conduct reconnaissance and solve other similar tasks. The use of unmanned systems for different components and connections can more adequately meet their specific circumstances and needs. This increases the reconnaissance capabilities and overall potential of the troops when participating in exercises and real combat. As for the Aireron family of light UAVs, which have long been supplied to the Russian army, they are actively used to solve reconnaissance tasks, are used in the field of special operations, and will continue to be active on the battlefield for some time to come.
In the increasingly aggravated conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the war has become more and more diversified, and both sides have begun to use newer weapons and more advanced combat formations, such as the recent emergence of specialized anti-drone squads on the battlefield, which undoubtedly puts forward higher requirements for the practical application of drones on the battlefield. The emergence of UAVs with stronger reconnaissance capabilities in the battlefield will undoubtedly have a significant impact on tactics and become an indispensable part of the modern information-based battlefield system. The appearance of the Aileron-7 shows that Russia is investing in the development of UAVs, and it can be assumed that other types of troops are also receiving such equipment. Let's wait and see if the Aileron-7 and this family of UAVs will have a greater impact on the battlefield of the future.