Drone - Russian standard equipment for the Arctic - UAS Vision video

Flight Tests of Scale Model of Russian Tilt-Rotor UAS

A scale model of the Frigate, Russia’s up and coming multi-purpose tilt-rotor drone, is undergoing preliminary testing. Frigate is designed as a multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicle capable of performing both surveillance and search-and-rescue missions, as well as cargo transportation duties.

Frigate is expected to be deployed in the Arctic region, as part of the Russian Air Force mission to the area.

Kronshtadt Group, the St Petersburg-based company behind the drone, just released video footage of a scale-down model of the Frigate undergoing testing in spring weather conditions.

As the footage shows, two tilt-rotors mounted on its folding wings provide Frigate with lifting power, and a stationary rotor in the back is used for manoeuvering. This unique design gives the Frigate the ability to take-off and land nearly anywhere, greatly expanding its operational capabilities in difficult terrain conditions.

The full-scale Frigate is designed to have enough lifting power to carry 1,700 kilogrammes when taking off horizontally, and 1,000 kilogrammes when doing so helicopter-style. The engine should allow it to reach altitudes of about 8,000 metres and speeds of up to 700km/h. Frigate is expected to have an effective range of 5,000 kilometres and remain airborne for 10 hours.

This impressive piece of machinery will not be small, with a 19 metres  wingspan and a height of 3.1 metres. When folded, wingspan can be reduced to 10 metres.

Kronshtadt Group says that the Frigates unique features will help it occupy a niche somewhere between helicopters and planes.