Orion

The Kronshtadt Orion is a multi-role MALE unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Russia-based Kronshtadt Group. Also presented as Orion-E, the platform is designed for day-and-night intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions, while also supporting a limited armed-reconnaissance role.

Orion’s mission system allows the aircraft and its payloads to be managed through a ground control centre. Automatic flight, takeoff and landing functions reduce operator workload, while the data terminal supports the transfer of telemetry and mission information to the ground segment. A SATCOM option extends communications beyond direct radio line-of-sight.

Available mission payloads can include electro-optical/infrared imaging, thermal observation and laser target designation systems. Three external hard points are designed to support reconnaissance configurations as well as laser-, satellite- or television-guided weapons.

Orion can support border surveillance, tactical reconnaissance, target acquisition, real-time video transmission and armed-reconnaissance missions. According to Kronshtadt’s Orion-E data, the platform can remain airborne for at least 24 hours with a standard payload and has an approximate direct-radio mission range of 250 kilometres. According to the Plarok database, Orion has a maximum speed of 110 knots, an endurance of 24 hours, a service ceiling of 25,000 feet and a payload capacity of 200 kilograms.