Special Technology Center Orlan-10
Summary
| Category | Drone |
| Origin country | 🇷🇺 Russia |
| First flight | 1 January 2011 |
| Year of introduction | 2011 |
| Number produced | 1000 units |
| Average unit price | $0.1 million |
Description
The Orlan-10 is a Russian tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) primarily used for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It has gained notoriety for its robustness, versatility, and deployment in various conflict areas, especially the Ukraine war of 2022.
The drone is launched using a catapult system and is recovered by parachute and airbags, making it relatively easy to deploy and recover in diverse terrains. It can carry a range of detection equipment, including daylight cameras, thermal imaging cameras, and sometimes signal intelligence (SIGINT) equipment.
The Orlan-10 transmits real-time data to a ground control station. It uses encrypted communication channels for enhanced security. It can operate in swarm configurations, providing a broader operational scope. Its modular design allows for quick payload changes in the field, enhancing its adaptability to different mission profiles. While the Orlan-10 is resourceful and relatively inexpensive, it lacks advanced stealth capabilities and is not designed for strike missions, limiting its role to surveillance and reconnaissance.
Technical specifications
| Version: Orlan-10 | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 110 km (68 mi) |
| Endurance | 16 hours |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93 mph) |
| Wingspan | 3.1 m (10.2 ft) |
| Length | 2 m (6.6 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 5000 m (16404 ft) |
| Empty weight | 9 kg (20 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 16 kg (35 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × four-stroke piston engine Saito Manufacturing FA-62B |
All operators
Kazakhstan • Kyrgyzstan • Myanmar • Russia
Photo of Orlan-10
