UAVs are widely used. Unmanned aerial vehicles. What are drones

In recent years, there has been a large number of publications on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for solving topographic problems. Such interest is largely due to their ease of operation, efficiency, relatively low cost, efficiency, etc. The listed qualities and the availability of effective software tools automatic processing of aerial photography materials (including the selection of necessary points) open up the possibility of a wide use of software technical means unmanned aircraft in the practice of engineering and geodetic surveys.

In this issue, with an overview of the technical means of unmanned aircraft, we open a series of publications on the capabilities of UAVs and the experience of their use in field and cameral work.

D.P. INOZEMTSEV, Project Manager, PLAZ LLC, Moscow St. Petersburg

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES: THEORY AND PRACTICE

Part 1. Overview of technical means

HISTORY REFERENCE

Unmanned aerial vehicles appeared in connection with the need to effectively solve military tasks - tactical reconnaissance, delivery to the destination military weapons(bombs, torpedoes, etc.), combat control, etc. And it is no coincidence that their first use is considered to be the delivery of bombs by Austrian troops to besieged Venice with the help of balloons in 1849. A powerful impetus to the development of UAVs was the emergence of radiotelegraphy and aviation, which made it possible to significantly improve their autonomy and controllability.

So, in 1898, Nikola Tesla developed and demonstrated a miniature radio-controlled ship, and already in 1910, the American military engineer Charles Kettering proposed, built and tested several models of unmanned aerial vehicles. In 1933, the first UAV was developed in the UK.

reusable, and the radio-controlled target created on its basis was used in the Royal Navy of Great Britain until 1943.

The studies of German scientists were several decades ahead of their time, giving the world a jet engine and a V-1 cruise missile in the 1940s as the first unmanned aerial vehicle used in real combat operations.

In the USSR, in the 1930s–1940s, aircraft designer Nikitin developed a torpedo bomber-glider of the “flying wing” type, and by the beginning of the 40s, a project for an unmanned flying torpedo with a flight range of 100 kilometers and more was prepared, but these developments did not turn into real designs.

After the end of the Great Patriotic War Interest in UAVs has increased significantly, and since the 1960s, they have been widely used to solve non-military tasks.

In general, the history of the UAV can be divided into four time periods:

1.1849 - the beginning of the twentieth century - attempts and experimental experiments to create a UAV, the formation theoretical foundations aerodynamics, flight theory and aircraft calculation in the works of scientists.

2. The beginning of the twentieth century - 1945 - the development of UAVs for military purposes (aircraft-projectiles with a short range and flight duration).

3.1945–1960 - the period of expanding the classification of UAVs for their intended purpose and creating them mainly for reconnaissance operations.

4.1960 years - today - the expansion of the classification and improvement of the UAV, the beginning of mass use for solving non-military problems.

UAV CLASSIFICATION

It is well known that aerial photography, as a type of remote sensing of the Earth (ERS), is the most productive method for collecting spatial information, the basis for creating topographic plans and maps, creating three-dimensional models of relief and terrain. Aerial photography is carried out both from manned aircraft - airplanes, airships, motor hang gliders and balloons, and from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Unmanned aerial vehicles, like manned ones, are of aircraft and helicopter type (helicopters and multicopters are aircraft with four or more rotors with rotors). At present, there is no generally accepted classification of aircraft-type UAVs in Russia. Missiles.

Ru, together with the UAV.RU portal, offers a modern classification of aircraft-type UAVs, developed on the basis of the approaches of the UAV International organization, but taking into account the specifics and situation of the domestic market (classes) (Table 1):

Short range micro and mini UAVs. The class of miniature ultralight and light vehicles and complexes based on them with a takeoff weight of up to 5 kilograms began to appear in Russia relatively recently, but already quite

widely presented. Such UAVs are designed for individual operational use at short ranges at a distance of up to 25–40 kilometers. They are easy to operate and transport, are foldable and are positioned as "wearable", the launch is carried out using a catapult or by hand. These include: Geoscan 101, Geoscan 201, 101ZALA 421-11, ZALA 421-08, ZALA 421-12, T23 Eleron, T25, Eleron-3, Gamayun-3, Irkut-2M, " Istra-10",

"BRAT", "Lokon", "Inspector 101", "Inspector 201", "Inspector 301", etc.

Light short-range UAVs. This class includes somewhat larger vehicles - with a take-off weight of 5 to 50 kilograms. The range of their action is within 10–120 kilometers.

Among them: Geoscan 300, Grant, ZALA 421-04, Orlan-10, PteroSM, PteroE5, T10, Ele ron-10, Gamayun-10, Irkut-10,

T92 "Lotos", T90 (T90-11), T21, T24, "Tipchak" UAV-05, UAV-07, UAV-08.

Light medium-range UAVs. A number of domestic samples can be attributed to this class of UAVs. Their mass varies between 50-100 kilograms. These include: T92M "Chibis", ZALA 421-09,

"Dozor-2", "Dozor-4", "Bee-1T".

Medium UAVs. The take-off weight of medium-sized UAVs ranges from 100 to 300 kilograms. They are designed for use at ranges of 150-1000 kilometers. In this class: M850 Astra, Binom, La-225 Komar, T04, E22M Berta, Berkut, Irkut-200.

Medium UAVs. This class has a range similar to the UAVs of the previous class, but they have a slightly higher take-off weight - from 300 to 500 kilograms.

This class should include: Hummingbird, Dunham, Dan-Baruk, Stork (Julia), Dozor-3.

Heavy medium-range UAVs. This class includes UAVs with a flight weight of 500 or more kilograms, designed for use at medium ranges of 70–300 kilometers. In the heavy class, the following are: Tu-243 "Reis-D", Tu-300, "Irkut-850", "Nart" (A-03).

Heavy UAVs of long flight duration. The category of unmanned vehicles, which is quite in demand abroad, includes American Predator, Reaper, GlobalHawk UAVs, Israeli Heron, Heron TP. In Russia, there are practically no samples: Zond-3M, Zond-2, Zond-1, Sukhoi unmanned aerial systems (BasS), within which a robotic aviation complex (RAC) is being created.

Unmanned Combat Aircraft (UBS). Currently, the world is actively working on the creation of promising UAVs that can carry weapons on board and are designed to strike land and surface stationary and mobile targets in the face of strong opposition from enemy air defense forces. They are characterized by a range of about 1500 kilometers and a mass of 1500 kilograms.

To date, two projects are presented in Russia in the BBS class: Breakthrough-U, Skat.

In practice, for aerial photography, as a rule, UAVs weighing up to 10–15 kilograms (micro-, mini-UAVs and light UAVs) are used. This is due to the fact that with an increase in the takeoff weight of the UAV, the complexity of its development and, accordingly, the cost increases, but the reliability and safety of operation decrease. The fact is that when landing a UAV, energy E = mv2 / 2 is released, and the greater the mass of the device m, the greater its landing speed v, that is, the energy released during landing grows very quickly with increasing mass. And this energy can damage both the UAV itself and the property on the ground.

An unmanned helicopter and a multicopter do not have this drawback. Theoretically, such a device can be landed with an arbitrarily low speed of approach to the Earth. However, unmanned helicopters are too expensive, and copters are not yet capable of flying over long distances, and are used only for shooting local objects (individual buildings and structures).

Rice. 1. UAV Mavinci SIRIUS Fig. 2. UAV Geoscan 101

UAV ADVANTAGES

The superiority of UAVs over manned aircraft is, first of all, the cost of work, as well as a significant reduction in the number of routine operations. The very absence of a person on board the aircraft greatly simplifies the preparations for aerial photography.

First, you don't need an airfield, even the most primitive one. Unmanned aerial vehicles are launched either by hand or with the help of a special take-off device - a catapult.

Secondly, especially when using an electric propulsion circuit, there is no need for qualified technical assistance to maintain the aircraft, and measures to ensure safety at the work site are not so complicated.

Thirdly, there is no or much longer inter-regulatory period of operation of the UAV compared to a manned aircraft.

This circumstance has great importance when operating an aerial photography complex in remote areas of our country. As a rule, the field season for aerial photography is short, every fine day must be used for shooting.

UAV DEVICE

two main UAV layout schemes: classical (according to the “fuselage + wings + tail” scheme), which includes, for example, the Orlan-10 UAV, Mavinci SIRIUS (Fig. 1) and others, and the “flying wing”, which include Geoscan101 (Fig. 2), Gatewing X100, Trimble UX5, etc.

The main parts of an unmanned aerial photography complex are: body, engine, onboard control system (autopilot), ground control system (GCS) and aerial photography equipment.

The body of the UAV is made of lightweight plastic (such as carbon fiber or Kevlar) to protect expensive photographic equipment and controls and navigation, and its wings are made of plastic or extruded polystyrene foam (EPP). This material is light, strong enough and does not break on impact. A deformed EPP part can often be repaired with improvised means.

A light UAV with a parachute landing can withstand several hundred flights without repair, which, as a rule, includes the replacement of wings, fuselage elements, etc. Manufacturers try to reduce the cost of parts of the hull that are subject to wear so that the cost to the user to maintain the UAV in working condition is minimal.

It should be noted that the most expensive elements of the aerial photography complex, the ground control system, avionics, software, are not subject to wear at all.

The power plant of the UAV can be gasoline or electric. Moreover, a gasoline engine will provide a much longer flight, since gasoline, per kilogram, has 10-15 times more energy stored than can be stored in the best battery. However, such a power plant is complex, less reliable and requires a significant amount of time to prepare the UAV for launch. In addition, a gasoline-powered unmanned aerial vehicle is extremely difficult to transport to the job site by plane. Finally, it requires a highly skilled operator. Therefore, it makes sense to use a gasoline-powered UAV only in cases where a very long flight duration is required - for continuous monitoring, for examining particularly remote objects.

The electric propulsion system, on the other hand, is very undemanding to the skill level of the operating personnel. Modern rechargeable batteries can provide a continuous flight duration of more than four hours. Servicing an electric motor is very easy. Mostly this is only protection against moisture and dirt, as well as checking the voltage of the on-board network, which is carried out from the ground control system. The batteries are charged from the on-board network of the accompanying vehicle or from an autonomous power generator. The brushless electric motor of the UAV practically does not wear out.

The autopilot - with an inertial system (Fig. 3) is the most important control element of the UAV.

The autopilot weighs only 20-30 grams. But this is a very complex product. In the autopilot, in addition to a powerful processor, many sensors are installed - a three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer (and sometimes a magnetometer), a GLO-NASS / GPS receiver, a pressure sensor, an airspeed sensor. With these devices, an unmanned aerial vehicle will be able to fly strictly on a given course.

Rice. 3. AutopilotMicropilot

The UAV has a radio modem necessary for downloading a flight task, transferring telemetry data about the flight and the current location at the work site to the ground control system.

Ground control system

(NSU) is a tablet computer or laptop equipped with a modem for communication with the UAV. An important part of the NSU is software for planning a flight task and displaying the progress of its implementation.

As a rule, a flight task is compiled automatically, according to a given contour of an areal object or nodal points of a linear object. In addition, it is possible to design flight routes based on the required flight altitude and the required resolution of photographs on the ground. To automatically maintain a given flight altitude, it is possible to take into account a digital terrain model in common formats in a flight task.

During the flight, the position of the UAV and the contours of the photographs being taken are displayed on the cartographic substrate of the NSU monitor. During the flight, the operator has the ability to quickly redirect the UAV to another landing area and even quickly land the UAV from the "red" button on the ground control system. On command from the NSU, other auxiliary operations can be planned, for example, parachute release.

In addition to providing navigation and flight, the autopilot must control the camera in order to receive images at a given frame interval (as soon as the UAV flies the required distance from the previous photographic center). If the pre-calculated inter-frame interval is not stable, you have to adjust the shutter time so that even with a tailwind, the longitudinal overlap is sufficient.

The autopilot must register the coordinates of the photographing centers of the GLONASS/GPS geodetic satellite receiver so that the automatic image processing program can quickly build a model and bind it to the terrain. The required accuracy of determining the coordinates of the centers of photographing depends on the terms of reference for the implementation of aerial photography.

Aerial photography equipment is installed on the UAV depending on its class and purpose of use.

Micro- and mini-UAVs are equipped with compact digital cameras supplied with interchangeable lenses with fixed focal length(without zoom or zoom device) weighing 300-500 grams. These cameras are currently used SONY cameras NEX-7

with a 24.3 MP sensor, CANON600D 18.5 MP sensor, and the like. Shutter control and signal transmission from the shutter to the satellite receiver is performed using standard or slightly modified electrical connectors of the camera.

On light short-range UAVs are installed SLR cameras with a large sensor size, such as Canon EOS5D (sensor size 36×24 mm) , Nikon D800 (36.8 MP sensor (sensor size 35.9×24 mm)), Pentax645D (44×33 mm CCD sensor, 40 MP sensor) and the like, weighing 1.0–1.5 kilograms.

Rice. 4. Scheme of placement of aerial photographs (blue rectangles with labels of numbers)

UAV CAPABILITIES

According to the requirements of the document "Basic provisions for aerial photography performed to create and update topographic maps and plans" GKINP-09-32-80, the carrier of aerial photography equipment must follow the design position of aerial photography routes as accurately as possible, maintain a given echelon (photographing height), ensure the requirements for compliance limit deviations for camera orientation angles - tilt, roll, pitch. In addition, navigation equipment must provide exact time shutter operation and determine the coordinates of the centers of photography.

The equipment integrated into the autopilot was mentioned above: these are a microbarometer, an airspeed sensor, an inertial system, and satellite navigation equipment. According to the tests carried out (in particular, the Geoscan101 UAV), the following deviations of the real shooting parameters from the given ones were established:

UAV deviations from the route axis - in the range of 5–10 meters;

Deviations of photographing heights - in the range of 5–10 meters;

Height fluctuation of photographing adjacent images - no more

Arising in flight "Christmas trees" (turns of images in the horizontal plane) are processed by an automated system of photogrammetric processing without noticeable negative consequences.

The photographic equipment installed on the UAV makes it possible to obtain digital images of the terrain with a resolution of better than 3 centimeters per pixel. The use of short-, medium-, and long-focus photographic lenses is determined by the nature of the finished materials obtained: be it a relief model or an orthophotomap. All calculations are made in the same way as in the "big" aerial photography.

The use of a dual-frequency GLO-NASS/GPS satellite geodetic system for determining the coordinates of image centers allows, in the process of post-processing, to obtain the coordinates of photography centers with an accuracy better than 5 centimeters, and the use of the PPP (PrecisePointPositioning) method allows determining the coordinates of image centers without using base stations or at a considerable distance from them.

The final processing of aerial photography materials can serve as an objective criterion for assessing the quality of the work performed. For illustration, we can consider the data on the assessment of the accuracy of photogrammetric processing of aerial photography materials from the UAV, performed in the PhotoScan software (manufactured by Agisoſt, St. Petersburg) by control points (Table 2).

Point numbers	Errors along the coordinate axes, m				Abs, pix	projections
(ΔD)2= ΔХ2+ ΔY2+ ΔZ2

UAV APPLICATION

In the world, and recently in Russia, unmanned aerial vehicles are used in geodetic surveys during construction, for the preparation of cadastral plans industrial facilities, transport infrastructure, settlements, suburban areas, in mine surveying to determine the volume of mine workings and dumps, when taking into account the movement of bulk cargo in quarries, ports, mining and processing plants, to create maps, plans and 3D models of cities and enterprises.

3. Tseplyaeva T.P., Morozova O.V. Stages of development of unmanned aerial vehicles. M., "Open information and computer integrated technologies", No. 42, 2009.

The development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is one of the most promising areas for the development of modern military aviation. Drones or drones have already led to significant changes in the tactics of warfare, and their importance is expected to increase even more in the near future. The progress of unmanned aerial vehicles is probably the most important achievement of aviation in recent decades.

Today, UAVs are used not only by the military, they are also actively used in civilian life. They are used for aerial photography, patrols, geodetic surveys, monitoring of objects, and even for home delivery of purchases. However, it is the military that sets the tone in the development of new unmanned aerial systems.

Military UAVs perform many tasks. First of all, this is reconnaissance - most modern drones are created for this purpose. However, in recent years, more and more strike unmanned vehicles have appeared. In a separate group, kamikaze drones can be distinguished. UAVs can conduct electronic warfare with the enemy, serve as a radio signal repeater, give target designations to artillery. Drones are also used as air targets.

The first projects of aircraft without a person on board were created immediately after the appearance of aircraft, but they were able to put this idea into practice only at the end of the 70s of the last century. But after that, a real “unmanned boom” began.

Nowadays, UAVs with a long flight duration are being developed, as well as capable of solving various tasks in the most difficult conditions. UAVs are being tested, designed to destroy ballistic missiles, unmanned fighters, microdrones, capable of operating in large groups (swarms).

Work on UAVs is underway in dozens of countries around the world, thousands of private companies are working on this task, and their most “delicious” developments fall into the hands of the military.

Some of the modern UAVs already have a high degree of autonomy, and it is likely that in the near future drones will have the ability to select a target and decide on its destruction autonomously. As a result, there is a difficult ethical problem: how humane it is to trust the fate of living people to an indifferent and ruthless combat robot.

Advantages and disadvantages of UAV

What are the advantages of unmanned aerial vehicles over manned aircraft and helicopters? There are many of them:

• A significant reduction in overall characteristics compared to traditional aircraft, which reduces the cost, increases the survivability of drones
• The ability to create low-cost specialized UAVs capable of performing specific tasks on the battlefield
• Unmanned vehicles are capable of conducting reconnaissance and transmitting information in real time
• The UAV has no restrictions for use in severe combat conditions associated with a high risk of destroying the device. To solve especially important tasks, it is quite possible to sacrifice several drones
• High combat readiness and mobility
• The possibility of creating small, simple and mobile unmanned systems for non-aviation formations.

In addition to the undoubted advantages, modern UAVs also have a number of disadvantages:

• Lack of application flexibility compared to conventional aviation
• So far, many issues of communication, landing, and rescue of the apparatus have not been fully resolved.
• The level of reliability of drones is still inferior to traditional aircraft
• Drone flights during peacetime are limited in many areas for various reasons.

The history of the development of military UAVs

Projects of aircraft that would be controlled remotely or automatically appeared at the dawn of the last century, but the existing level of technology did not allow them to be implemented.

The first UAV is considered to be a remote-controlled Fairy Queen aircraft built in England in 1933. It was used as a target aircraft for training fighters and anti-aircraft gunners.

The first unmanned aerial vehicle that was mass-produced and took part in hostilities was the German V-1 cruise missile. The Germans called this UAV a "wonder weapon", about 25 thousand pieces were made in total, the V-1 was actively used for shelling England.

The V-1 rocket had a pulse jet engine and an autopilot into which route data was entered. During the war years, V-1 killed more than 6 thousand British.

Since the middle of the 20th century, unmanned reconnaissance systems have been developed both in the USSR and in the USA. Soviet designers created a number of unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, the Americans actively used UAVs in Vietnam. Drones carried out aerial photography, provided electronic intelligence, and were used as repeaters.

Israel has made a huge contribution to the development of unmanned aerial vehicles. In 1978, the Israelis demonstrated their first IAI Scout combat drone at an air show in Paris.

During the Lebanese war of 1982, the Israeli army, with the help of drones, completely defeated the Syrian air defense system, which was created by Soviet specialists. As a result of those battles, the Syrians lost 18 air defense batteries and 86 aircraft. These events forced the military of many countries of the world to take a fresh look at unmanned aerial vehicles.

Drones were actively used by the Americans during Operation Desert Storm. Reconnaissance UAVs were also used during several military campaigns in the former Yugoslavia. Since about the 90s, the leadership in the development of unmanned combat systems has passed to the United States, and in 2012, almost 7.5 thousand UAVs of various modifications were already in service with the US Armed Forces. For the most part, these were small reconnaissance drones for ground units.

The first strike drone was the American MQ-1 Predator UAV. In 2002, he launched a rocket attack on a car carrying an al-Qaeda leader. Since then, the use of drones to destroy enemy targets or manpower has become commonplace for combat operations.

With the help of drones, the Americans staged a real "safari" to the top of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and other countries of the Middle East. Often they achieved their goals, but there were also tragic misses when a wedding cortege or a funeral procession died instead of militants. In recent years in the West, some public organizations call for abandoning the use of drones for military purposes, as they lead to casualties among the civilian population.

Russia is still noticeably behind in the field of creating unmanned combat systems, and this fact has been repeatedly recognized by employees of the RF Ministry of Defense. This became especially obvious after the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict in 2008.

In 2010, the Russian military department signed a contract with Israeli company IAI, which provides for the creation on the territory of the Russian Federation of a plant for the licensed assembly of Israeli Searcher drones (we call them Outpost). This UAV can hardly be called modern; it was created back in 1992.

There are several other projects that are in various stages of implementation. However, in general, the Russian military-industrial complex is not yet able to offer the armed forces unmanned systems comparable in performance to modern foreign UAVs.

What are drones

Nowadays, there are many unmanned aerial vehicles that differ in size, appearance, flight range and functionality. In addition, UAVs can be divided according to the method of control and the degree of their autonomy. They are:

• unmanaged;
• remotely controlled;
• automatic.

According to their size, which determines most of the other characteristics, drones are conventionally divided into classes:

• micro (up to 10 kg);
• mini (up to 50 kg);
• midi (up to 1 ton);
• heavy (weighing more than a ton).

Devices that are included in the mini group are able to stay in the air for no more than one hour, midi - from three to five hours, and medium - up to fifteen hours. If we talk about heavy UAVs, then the most advanced of them can stay in the sky for more than a day and make intercontinental flights.

Foreign unmanned aerial vehicles

One of the main trends in the development of modern UAVs is their further reduction. A striking example of this is the PD-100 Black Hornet drone, developed by the Norwegian company Prox Dynamics.

This helicopter type drone is 100mm long and weighs 120g. The range of its flight does not exceed 1 km, and the duration is 25 minutes. Each PD-100 Black Hornet is equipped with three video cameras.

The serial production of these drones began in 2012, the British military purchased 160 sets of PD-100 Black Hornet for $31 million. Drones of this type have been used in Afghanistan.

Work on the creation of microdrones in the United States. The Americans have a special Soldier Borne Sensors program aimed at developing and implementing reconnaissance UAVs that could provide information to each platoon or company. There was news about the desire of the US army leadership in the near future to provide each fighter with an individual drone.

Today, the most massive drone in the US military is the RQ-11 Raven, which weighs 1.7 kg, has a wingspan of 1.5 m and can fly up to 5 km. The electric motor provides it with a speed of up to 95 km / h, the RQ-11 Raven can be in the air from 45 minutes to one hour.

The drone is equipped with a digital video camera with day or night vision, the device is launched from the hand, it does not need a special landing site. The device can fly along a given route automatically, focusing on GPS signals, or under control.

This drone is in service with more than ten countries around the world.

The heavier UAV in service with the US Army is the RQ-7 Shadow. It is intended for reconnaissance at the brigade level. Serial production of the complex began in 2004. The drone has a twin tail and a pusher propeller. This UAV is equipped with a conventional or infrared video camera, radar, target illumination equipment, a laser rangefinder and a multispectral camera. A guided bomb weighing 5.4 kg can be hung on the device. There are several versions of this drone.

Another American medium-sized UAV is the RQ-5 Hunter. The weight of the empty apparatus is 540 kg. This is a joint American-Israeli development. The UAV is equipped with a television camera, a third-generation thermal imager, a laser rangefinder and other equipment. The drone is launched from a special platform using a rocket booster, its range is 267 km, and it can stay in the air for up to 12 hours. Several modifications of Hunter have been created, some of them can be hung with small bombs.

The most famous American UAV is the MQ-1 Predator. This drone started its career as a reconnaissance drone, but then was "retrained" as a strike apparatus. There are several modifications of this UAV.

The MQ-1 Predator is designed for reconnaissance and precision ground strikes. The maximum takeoff weight of the MQ-1 Predator exceeds a ton. A radar station, several video cameras (including an IR system) and other equipment are installed on the device. There are several modifications of this drone.

In 2001, the Hellfire-C precision laser-guided missile was created for this drone, in next year it was used in Afghanistan.

The standard complex consists of four drones, a control station and a satellite communication terminal.

In 2011, one MQ-1 Predator UAV cost $4.03 million. The most advanced version of this drone is the MQ-1C Gray Eagle. This device has a larger wingspan and a more advanced engine.

A further development of the American strike UAVs was the MQ-9 Reaper, which began operation in 2007. This UAV had a longer flight time compared to the MQ-1 Predator, could carry guided bombs, and had more advanced electronic equipment. These drones performed well in Iraq and Afghanistan. The main advantages of the drone over the F-16 multi-purpose aircraft are lower purchase and operation costs, longer flight duration, and the ability not to put the lives of pilots at risk.

Several modifications of the MQ-9 Reaper have been created.

In 1998, the American RQ-4 Global Hawk strategic unmanned reconnaissance aircraft made its first flight, which is by far the largest UAV. This aircraft has a takeoff weight of 14.5 tons, carries a payload of 1.3 tons and can stay in the air for 36 hours, covering up to 22,000 km during this time.

According to the plan of the US military, this drone should replace the U-2S reconnaissance aircraft.

Russian UAVs

In the field of creating drones, Russia lags behind the current leaders - the United States and Israel. What does the Russian army have at its disposal today, and what kind of devices may appear in the coming years?

"Bee-1T". This is a Soviet and Russian drone, the first flight of which took place back in 1990. It is designed to correct the fire of the Smerch and Uragan multiple launch rocket systems. UAV weight - 138 kg, range - 60 km. The launch of the device takes place from a special installation with the help of rocket boosters, landing - with the help of a parachute.

This UAV was used in Chechnya to correct artillery fire (10 sorties), while Chechen fighters managed to shoot down two devices. The drone is obsolete and does not meet the requirements of the time.

"Dozor-85". This reconnaissance drone was tested in 2007, a year later the first batch of 12 vehicles was ordered. The UAV is designed specifically for the border service. It has a mass of 85 kg, can stay in the air for 8 hours.

The Russian army is armed with the Forpost UAV. This is a licensed copy of the Israeli Searcher 2. These devices were developed in the mid-90s, so they can hardly be called modern. "Forpost" has a takeoff weight of about 400 kg, a flight range of 250 km, is equipped with a satellite navigation system and television cameras.

Reconnaissance and strike UAV "Skat". This is a promising machine, work on which is being carried out at the Sukhoi JSCB and RAC MiG. The current situation with this complex is not entirely clear: there was information that funding for the work was suspended.

"Skat" has the shape of a "tailless" fuselage, made using stealth technologies, its take-off weight is about 20 tons. The combat load is 6 tons, four suspension points.

"Dozor-600". This is a multi-purpose device developed by the Transas company, shown to the general public at the MAKS-2009 exhibition. The UAV is considered an analogue of the American MQ-1B Predator, although its exact characteristics are unknown. The Dozor is planned to be equipped with a forward and side-view radar, a video camera and a thermal imager, and a target designation system. This UAV is designed for reconnaissance and surveillance in the frontline zone. There is no information about the impact capabilities of the drone. In 2013, Shoigu demanded that work on the Dozor-600 be accelerated.

"Orlan-3M" and "Orlan-10". These UAVs are designed for reconnaissance, conducting prospecting work, target designation. The devices are very similar in their appearance, their take-off weight and flight range slightly differ. The launch takes place due to the catapult, and the device lands on a parachute.

What's next for the UAV?

There are several most promising areas for the development of unmanned aerial vehicles.

One of them is the creation of combined vehicles (Optionally Piloted Vehicles), which can be used both in a manned modification and in an unmanned one.

Another trend is to reduce the size of attack UAVs and create smaller types of guided weapons for them. Such devices are cheaper both to manufacture and to operate. Separately, mention should be made of kamikaze drones capable of loitering over the battlefield, and after detecting a target at the command of the operator, dive on it. Similar systems are being developed for non-lethal weapons, which are supposed to disable enemy electronics with a powerful electromagnetic pulse.

An interesting idea is to create a large group (swarm) of combat drones that would jointly carry out a mission. Drones included in such a group must be able to exchange information and distribute tasks among themselves. Functions can be completely different: from collecting information, to attacking an object or suppressing enemy radars.

The prospect of fully autonomous unmanned vehicles that will independently find targets, identify them and decide on their destruction looks rather frightening. Similar developments are underway in several countries and are in their final stages. In addition, studies are underway on the possibility of refueling UAVs in the air.

Drone video

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Conducting work on the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is considered one of the most promising courses in the development of current combat aviation. The use of UAVs or drones has already led to important changes in the tactics and strategy of military conflicts. Moreover, it is believed that in the very near future their significance will increase significantly. Some military experts believe that the positive shift in the development of drones is the most important achievement in the aviation industry of the last decade.

However, drones are used not only for military purposes. Today they are actively involved in national economy". With their help, aerial photography, patrols, geodetic surveys, monitoring of a wide variety of objects are carried out, and some even deliver purchases home. However, the most promising developments of new drones today are carried out for military purposes.

With the help of UAVs, many tasks are solved. Mainly, it is reconnaissance. Most of the modern drones were created for this purpose. In recent years, more and more strike unmanned vehicles have appeared. separate category kamikaze drones can be distinguished. Drones can conduct electronic warfare, they can be radio repeaters, spotters for artillery, air targets.

For the first time, attempts to create aircraft that were not controlled by man were made immediately with the advent of the first airplanes. However, their practical implementation took place only in the 70s of the last century. After that, a genuine “drone boom” began. Remotely controlled aircraft technology has not been realized for quite a long time, but today it is produced in abundance.

As often happens, American companies are in the lead in the creation of drones. And this is not surprising, because the funding from the American budget for the creation of drones was simply astronomical by our standards. So during the 90s, three billion dollars were spent on similar projects, while in 2003 alone, more than one billion was spent on them.

Nowadays, work is underway to create the latest drones with a longer flight duration. The devices themselves should be heavier and solve problems in a difficult environment. Drones are being developed designed to combat ballistic missiles, unmanned fighters, microdrones capable of operating in large groups (swarms).

Work on the development of drones is underway in many countries around the world. More than one thousand companies are involved in this industry, but the most promising developments go straight to the military.

Drones: advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of unmanned aerial vehicles are:

• A significant reduction in size in comparison with conventional aircraft (LA), leading to a reduction in cost, increasing their survivability;
• The potential to create small UAVs that could perform a wide variety of tasks in combat areas;
• Ability to conduct reconnaissance and transmit information in real time;
• The absence of restrictions on use in an extremely difficult combat situation associated with the risk of their loss. When conducting critical operations, it is easy to sacrifice several drones;
• Reduction (by more than one order of magnitude) of peacetime flight operations that would be required by traditional aircraft, preparing flight crews;
• The presence of high combat readiness and mobility;
• The potential to create small, uncomplicated mobile drone systems for non-aviation formations.

The disadvantages of UAVs include:

• Insufficient flexibility of use in comparison with traditional aircraft;
• Difficulties in resolving issues with communications, landing, rescue vehicles;
• In terms of reliability, drones are still inferior to conventional aircraft;
• Restriction of drone flights during peacetime.

A bit from the history of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

The first remote-controlled aircraft was the Fairy Queen, built in 1933 in the UK. He was a target aircraft for fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft guns.

And the first serial drone that participated in a real war was the V-1 rocket. This German "wonder weapon" bombarded Great Britain. In total, up to 25,000 units of such equipment were manufactured. The V-1 had a pulse jet engine and an autopilot with route data.

After the war, unmanned intelligence systems were developed in the USSR and the USA. Soviet drones were reconnaissance aircraft. With their help, aerial photography, electronic intelligence, as well as relaying were carried out.

Israel has done a lot for the development of drones. Since 1978, they have had the first IAI Scout drone. In the 1982 Lebanese war, the Israeli army completely defeated the Syrian air defense system with the help of drones. As a result, Syria lost almost 20 air defense batteries and almost 90 aircraft. This was reflected in the attitude of military science to UAVs.

The Americans used UAVs in Desert Storm and in the Yugoslav campaign. In the 90s, they also became leaders in the development of drones. So since 2012, they have had almost 8 thousand UAVs of various modifications. These were mainly small army reconnaissance drones, but there were also strike UAVs.

The first of them, in 2002, with a rocket attack on a car, eliminated one of the heads of Al-Qaeda. Since then, the use of UAVs to eliminate the enemy's PMD or its units has become commonplace.

Varieties of drones

Currently, there are a lot of drones that differ in their size, appearance, flight range, as well as functionality. UAVs differ in their control methods and their autonomy.

They can be:

• Unmanaged;
• remote controlled;
• Automatic.

According to their size, drones are:

• Microdrones (up to 10 kg);
• Minidrones (up to 50 kg);
• Mididrons (up to 1 ton);
• Heavy drones (weighing more than a ton).

Microdrones can stay in the airspace for up to one hour, minidrones for three to five hours, and mididrons for up to fifteen hours. Heavy drones can stay in the air for more than twenty-four hours with intercontinental flights.

Overview of foreign unmanned aerial vehicles

The main trend in the development of modern drones is to reduce their size. One of the Norwegian drones from Prox Dynamics can be such an example. The helicopter drone has a length of 100 mm and a weight of 120 grams, a range of up to one km, and a flight duration of up to 25 minutes. It has three video cameras.

These drones have been mass-produced since 2012. Thus, the British military purchased 160 sets of PD-100 Black Hornet in the amount of 31 million dollars for special operations in Afghanistan.

Microdrones are also being developed in the United States. They are working on special program Soldier Borne Sensors, aimed at the development and implementation of reconnaissance drones with the potential to extract information for platoons or companies. There is information about the planning by the American army leadership to provide all fighters with individual drones.

To date, the RQ-11 Raven is considered the heaviest drone in the US Army. It has a mass of 1.7 kg, a wingspan of 1.5 m and a flight of up to 5 km. With an electric motor, the drone can reach speeds of up to 95 km/h and stay in flight for up to one hour.

He has a digital video camera with night vision. The launch is made from the hands, and a special platform is not needed for landing. The devices can fly along predetermined routes in automatic mode, GPS signals can serve as reference points for them, or they can be controlled by operators. These drones are in service with more than a dozen states.

The heavy American army UAV is the RQ-7 Shadow, which conducts reconnaissance at the brigade level. It has been mass-produced since 2004 and has a two-keel plumage with a pusher propeller and several modifications. These drones are equipped with conventional or infrared video cameras, radar, target illumination, laser rangefinders, and multispectral cameras. Guided five-kilogram bombs are suspended from the vehicles.

The RQ-5 Hunter is a mid-size, half-ton drone, a joint US-Israeli development. In its arsenal there is a television camera, a third-generation thermal imager, a laser rangefinder and other equipment. It is launched from a special platform with a rocket booster. Its flight zone is within a range of up to 270 km, for 12 hours. Some Hunter modifications have pendants for small bombs.

MQ-1 Predator is the most famous American UAV. This is the "transformation" of a reconnaissance drone into a strike drone, which has several modifications. The Predator conducts reconnaissance and delivers precision ground strikes. It has a maximum takeoff weight of more than a ton, a radar station, several video cameras (including an IR system), other equipment and several modifications.

In 2001, a high-precision laser-guided Hellfire-C missile was created for him, which was used in Afghanistan the following year. The complex has four drones, a control station and a satellite communications terminal, and costs more than four million dollars. The most advanced modification is the MQ-1C Gray Eagle with a larger wingspan and a more advanced engine.

The MQ-9 Reaper is the next American strike UAV with several modifications, known since 2007. It has a longer flight time, guided bombs, and more advanced radio electronics. The MQ-9 Reaper performed admirably in the Iraqi and Afghan campaigns. Its advantage over the F-16 is a lower purchase and operating price, a longer flight duration without risk to the pilot's life.

1998 - the first flight of the American strategic unmanned reconnaissance aircraft RQ-4 Global Hawk. Currently, this is the largest UAV with a takeoff weight of more than 14 tons, with a payload of 1.3 tons. It can stay in the airspace for 36 hours, while overcoming 22 thousand km. It is assumed that these drones will replace the U-2S reconnaissance aircraft.

Overview of Russian UAVs

What is currently at the disposal of the Russian army, and what are the prospects for Russian UAVs in the near future?

"Pchela-1T"- Soviet drone, first took off in 1990. He was a fire spotter for multiple launch rocket systems. It had a mass of 138 kg, a range of up to 60 km. He started from a special installation with a rocket booster, sat down by parachute. Used in Chechnya, but outdated.

"Dozor-85"- reconnaissance drone for the border service with a mass of 85 kg, flight time up to 8 hours. The Skat reconnaissance and strike UAV was a promising machine, but so far work has been suspended.

UAV "Forpost" is a licensed copy of the Israeli Searcher 2. It was developed back in the 90s. Forpost has a takeoff weight of up to 400 kg, a flight range of up to 250 km, satellite navigation and television cameras.

In 2007, a reconnaissance drone was adopted "Tipchak", with a launch weight of 50 kg and a flight duration of up to two hours. It has a regular and infrared camera. "Dozor-600" is a multi-purpose device developed by "Transas", was presented at the MAKS-2009 exhibition. He is considered an analogue of the American "Predator".

UAV "Orlan-3M" and "Orlan-10". They were developed for reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, target designation. The drones are extremely similar in their appearance. However, they differ slightly in their take-off weight and flight range. They take off with a catapult and land by parachute.

SCIENCE AND MILITARY SECURITY No. 2/2008, pp. 38-40

Yu.N. CHAKHOVSKY ,

General Director of the Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant

B.S. KOVYAZIN ,

Senior Researcher

Research Institute of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus

Rapid development in the leading countries of the world information technologies inevitably led to a rethinking of the concepts of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ways of their further development, improvement of the payload and making them multi-purpose. UAVs occupy a worthy place in the production programs of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers. Based on the tasks of ensuring national security, the Republic of Belarus should speed up its access to international level development and production of multifunctional UAVs.

The effectiveness of methods of conducting combat operations is determined by indicators of the quality of means of destruction, reconnaissance, communications and automated systems control (ACS). The absence of modern reconnaissance and control systems does not fully realize the potential capabilities of weapons. The capabilities of the currently existing ground-based means of radar and optoelectronic reconnaissance are limited by the line-of-sight range and do not provide detection of enemy targets and objects located behind natural shelters. The use of UAVs for military purposes has become one of the important directions in the development of modern aviation and makes it possible to automate command and control of troops, reduce the loss of personnel in battle due to operational intelligence information about the current situation. In this regard, the task of creating mobile, easy-to-operate and cheap means of conducting aerial reconnaissance is topical.

The main advantages of using UAVs for military purposes:

no loss of flight personnel;

no need to allocate forces and means for search and rescue;

low cost of the UAV;

low costs for UAV maintenance and calculation preparation;

the ability to perform maneuvers with high overloads;

small size and effective reflective surface;

the ability to use weapons from short distances;

the possibility of remote piloting in shifts by several operators.

The use of UAVs for military purposes.

UAVs have been used in the military for over 30 years. For example, Israel used UAVs in 1973 for reconnaissance and as false air targets.

Currently, the United States has developed, tested and put into service reconnaissance UAVs for various purposes, including: "Hunter", "Predator", "Global Hawk".

In the UK, an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft "Phoenix" is being developed, designed to detect and automatically track targets.

In the war in Iraq, unmanned vehicles began to be used in mass quantities. They were used not only for reconnaissance purposes, but periodically attacked the positions of Iraqi troops with Hellfire missiles. UAV "Predator", flying at a speed of 120 km / h at an altitude of 3 to 4.5 km above the battlefield for 24 hours, transmitted to the ground a clear "picture" of any part of the territory over which it was located. The image was transmitted in real time to computer monitors, which were equipped with field command posts.

To date, three tactical UAV complexes have been created in Russia:

the Stroy-P complex with the Pchela-1 UAV (developed in 1990, placed on an amphibious armored personnel carrier, the launch of the carrier occurs due to two powder boosters, the weight of the UAV is 140 kg);

civil aerodynamic observer television "GRANT" (developed in 2001; placed on two UAZ vehicles, the launch of the carrier occurs due to the energy of the lowering load, the weight of the UAV is 20 kg);

Fig.1. UAV classification

short-range reconnaissance aerodynamic television "BRAT" (developed in 2003; for ranges up to 10 km - portable; for ranges of 50 - 90 km - the control point is similar to the control point of the Grant complex, weight - 2.8 kg).

providing radar detection of camouflaged objects and their automatic recognition;

ensuring purposeful access of consumers to the results of aerial reconnaissance;

increase in patrol time and UAV flight range;

development of micro-aircraft;

development of combat (strike) UAVs.

Development of UAV complexes at the State Enterprise "Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant".

The effectiveness of monitoring the air and ground situation is largely determined by the flight performance of the UAV, the level of equipment with electronic equipment, the reliability of launch, communication and control systems, the autonomy and speed of maintenance of the UAV.

Taking into account these requirements, the State Enterprise "Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant" is developing a mobile aviation reconnaissance complex "FILIN", which includes the universal operational-tactical UAV "Turman". The versatility of this product is due to the modular design of the device, which allows the use of on-board equipment of various weight and size characteristics and purpose, ensures the secrecy of deployment, and ease of operation of the device.

The FILIN complex is designed to perform tasks of operational-tactical reconnaissance by technical means, has great autonomy and mobility. The number of UAVs that are part of the complex allows for constant reconnaissance or target designation in the target area.

patrolling the area at any time of the day and under any meteorological conditions;

detection and identification of objects;

destruction of detected objects that pose a threat;

suppression of air defense systems.

Monitoring of the air and ground situation of the UAV is associated with viewing a certain area of ​​the terrain and obtaining images on film, magnetic tape or disk. In the process of flying in a given area, the UAV can transmit intelligence information via a radio channel in real time (or close to real time) to the module of the communication, control and information processing system. The UAV operator evaluates the incoming information and controls the UAV itself and its target load, such as a television camera, via a command radio channel, in order to best observe stationary or moving objects, determine their type and coordinates.

The tactics of the complex "FILIN":

takeoff from the place of deployment and flight to the patrol area;

search for objects and observation of the area;

detection of objects and determination of their coordinates;

identification of objects of observation;

transfer of information to the UAV operator;

returning to the place of deployment or continuing the search for new objects.

The UAV operator works according to the following algorithm:

object search;

object detection;

object recognition;

measurement of object coordinates;

prompt delivery of information to the consumer.

The operator controls the movement of the UAV along the route where the presence of objects of interest to the operator is expected, and observes the image of the underlying surface. Having noticed a suspicious point, the operator performs control actions (pointing the UAV at the object, narrowing the field of view of the television camera, switching to a television camera with a narrower field of view, etc.) in order to better examine it. When the image of a suspicious object becomes large enough, the operator decides to detect it, that is, he makes sure that the suspicious point is not just a heterogeneity of the terrain, but is included in the set of objects of interest to him.

Further, the UAV operator continues to examine the detected object, determines its type (“command post”, “radar station”, “tank”, etc.) and measures the coordinates of the selected object, for example, by aligning the crosshairs on the screen with the image of the object and feeding into Computer commands to calculate coordinates. Based on the results of working with the object, the UAV operator generates a report on the object containing its type and coordinates, and promptly brings the information to the consumer. Having completed work with the first object, the operator controls the UAV flight according to the planned program in order to further monitor the battlefield.

The main tasks solved by the UAV operator:

development of a decision to perform actions to search for objects based on the results of the analysis of events and the level of available UAV capabilities;

ensuring stable control of the UAV movement along the route, on which the presence of objects of interest to the operator is expected;

reception, processing and analysis of the reliability of information received via the radio channel from the UAV;

detection, recognition and determination of the coordinates of the selected object;

use of the technical capabilities of on-board devices and UAV systems;

control of the use of resources of the UAV onboard power supply system;

using the principle of selecting an object according to its importance and priority;

prompt delivery of the information received to the consumer.

After completing the flight task, the UAV goes to the launch point, where the operator of the FILIN complex puts the UAV into the visual landing mode using the equipment remote control. Landing can be carried out, depending on the landing conditions, using a parachute or by plane, on a landing fuselage ski. The design feature of the landing system ensures the safety of UAV parts from damage during landing.

After checking the on-board equipment, packing the parachute and refueling, the UAV is ready for launch again. During the preparation for the launch of UAV No. 1, UAV No. 2 can be launched, which makes it possible to increase the time spent in the target area (i.e., ensure continuous tracking of the target).

Since the airframe of the UAV is made of separate modules, this makes it possible to replace parts damaged during landing or as a result of fire during the mission. In addition, having a basic module (fuselage and center section), it is possible to change the geometric dimensions and aerodynamic configuration of the UAV (normal, "tailless", "duck") in production with the least loss in time and cost.

To prepare the calculations of the "FILIN" complex, it is necessary to conduct courses on teaching calculations. These tasks at a high methodological level are ready to be performed by highly qualified specialists of the Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant. Currently, the plant is working on the development of a training system for the preparation of calculations of the FILIN complex, which makes it possible to assess the level of training of UAV control operators in various combat work conditions.

In order to further development of unmanned aerial vehicles and complexes created on their basis, the FILIN complex with the Turman UAV developed at the State Enterprise "Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant" can become the basis of unmanned aviation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus. The enterprise has the capacity to produce a whole series of UAVs and complexes of various characteristics, created on the basis of the basic model of a modular design, designed to perform various flight tasks. This will create technological flexibility in the production of new UAV modifications and reduce the final cost of products.

An important place in the development of UAVs is occupied by cooperation with research institutes and enterprises defense industry The Republic of Belarus. Only cooperation of production and scientific and technical potential in order to create unmanned aircraft of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus can give positive result. The Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant enterprise develops and creates UAVs, a launch and transportation system, and defense industry enterprises develop on-board equipment - small-sized systems for long-range remote visual control and surveillance, a navigation system, as well as warheads and special equipment. We cannot rule out cooperation with Russian enterprises with rich experience in such developments.

The need to equip the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus with a cheap tactical unmanned reconnaissance system is long overdue. In the interests of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, the Turman UAV of the FILIN complex can be used as guided targets for training crews of fighter pilots and air defense systems, conducting reconnaissance, jamming, monitoring the results of fire strikes by aviation, missile forces and artillery, monitoring the situation on the battlefield in the tactical, operational-tactical and operational defense zones. In the interests of the border department - to solve the tasks of protecting the State Border; in the interests of the Ministry of Internal Affairs - to ensure the fulfillment of tasks for the protection public order, compliance with the rules traffic and solving other problems, incl. to prevent terrorist acts; in the interests of the Ministry of Emergency Situations - to collect data on the situation, the extent and damage caused in case of emergencies, to identify sources of fires, destruction, flooding and infection.

The State Enterprise "Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant" also developed the airfield launch UAV "Sterkh" (Fig. 2).

Promising areas for the development of UAVs are:

Automatic recognition can be solved by traditional statistical recognition procedures, as well as by "intelligent" algorithms capable of learning, for example, based on neural network technologies. Currently, the tasks of creating noise-proof and fault-free radio communication with a high degree of compression of the transmitted information are also topical.

Combat missions solved by the FILIN complex:

UAV "Sterkh" is made according to the normal aerodynamic configuration with a straight wing and an influx in the root part. The wing has ailerons, flaperons and simple flaps. The tail unit is made according to a two-keel, two-beam scheme with a T-shaped stabilizer. The landing gear is made according to a three-point scheme with a nose wheel, takeoff and landing in an airplane way.

A 19 hp gasoline piston engine is installed in the rear fuselage. with a volume of 200 cm3 of the German production of the company 3W with a pusher three-blade propeller manufactured by the State Enterprise "Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant".

Flight performance characteristics of the Sterkh UAV:

wingspan -3.8 m;

fuselage length - 3 m;

takeoff weight - 53 kg;

target load weight - up to 30 kg;

maximum speed - up to 200 km / h;

cruising speed - 130 km / h;

flight duration - up to 3 hours;

flight range - 300 km.

Comparative characteristics of the flight performance parameters of the UAV "Sterkh", RQ-7 "Shadow" (USA), "Pchela" (Russia) are presented in Table 1.

Thus, an increase in the effectiveness of reconnaissance means can be achieved by using UAVs that are capable of solving a sufficient number of combat missions. The main efforts in the development of UAVs should be focused on the creation of mass-produced, cheap and multifunctional vehicles with modern navigation equipment and control systems, which is quite within the power State enterprise Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant.

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Modern technologies in the field of detection and development of fires are developing very rapidly today. The latest developments can surprise not only with their appearance, for example, in the field of extinguishing and eliminating the consequences natural Disasters currently used.

In our article, we will tell you about another fundamental new technology which is actively implemented and used in the modern world.

Unmanned aircraft can be widely used to solve special problems when the use of manned aircraft is impossible or economically unprofitable:

• inspection of hard-to-reach sections of the border,
• observation of various areas of land and water surface,
• determination of the consequences of natural disasters and catastrophes,
• detection of outbreaks, performance of search and other works.

The use of UAVs allows remotely, without human intervention and without exposing him to danger, to monitor the situation in fairly large areas in hard-to-reach areas at relative cheapness.

Types

According to the principle of flight, all UAVs can be divided into 5 groups (the first 4 groups belong to aerodynamic type devices):

• with a rigid wing (aircraft-type UAV);
• with a flexible wing;
• with a rotating wing (helicopter-type UAV);
• with a flapping wing;
• aerostatic.

In addition to the UAVs of the five groups listed, there are also various hybrid subclasses of vehicles, which, according to their flight principle, are difficult to unambiguously attribute to any of the listed groups. There are especially many such UAVs that combine the qualities of aircraft and helicopter types.

Rigid wing (aircraft type)

This type of craft is also known as a rigid wing UAV. The lift force of these vehicles is created aerodynamically due to the pressure of air flowing onto the fixed wing. As a rule, devices of this type are distinguished by a long flight duration, a large maximum flight altitude and high speed.

There is a wide variety of subtypes of aircraft-type UAVs, differing in the shape of the wing and fuselage. Almost all aircraft layouts and fuselage types that are found in manned aviation are also applicable to unmanned aircraft.

with flexible wing

These are cheap and economical aircraft of an aerodynamic type, in which not a rigid, but a flexible (soft) structure is used as a carrier wing, made of fabric, an elastic polymer material or an elastic composite material with the property of reversible deformation. In this class of UAVs, unmanned motorized paragliders, hang gliders and UAVs with an elastically deformable wing can be distinguished.

An unmanned motorized paraglider is a device based on a controlled parachute-wing, equipped with a motorized cart with a propeller for autonomous takeoff and independent flight. The wing is usually rectangular or elliptical in shape. The wing can be soft, have a rigid or inflatable frame. The disadvantage of unmanned motorized paragliders is the difficulty of controlling them, since the navigation sensors do not have a rigid connection with the wing. Restriction on their use also has an obvious dependence on weather conditions.

Rotary wing (helicopter type)

This type of aircraft is also known as a rotating wing UAV. Often they are also called vertical takeoff and landing UAVs. The latter is not entirely correct, since in the general case vertical takeoff and UAVs with a fixed one can also have a landing.

The lifting force for vehicles of this type is also created aerodynamically, but not due to the wings, but due to the rotating blades of the main rotor (propellers). Wings are either absent altogether or play a supporting role. The obvious advantages of helicopter-type UAVs are the ability to hover at a point and high maneuverability, so they are often used as aerial robots.

With a flapping wing

UAVs with a flapping wing are based on the bionic principle - copying the movements created in flight by flying living objects - birds and insects. Although there are no mass-produced devices in this class of UAVs yet and practical application they do not yet have, intensive research in this area is being carried out all over the world. In recent years, a large number of different interesting concepts of small flapping wing UAVs have appeared.

The main advantages that birds and flying insects have over existing types of aircraft are their energy efficiency and maneuverability. Devices based on imitation of the movements of birds are called ornithopters, and devices in which the movements of flying insects are copied are called entomopters.

Aerostatic

Aerostatic-type UAVs are a special class of UAVs in which the lift force is generated primarily by the Archimedean force acting on a balloon filled with a light gas (usually helium). This class is represented mainly by unmanned airships.

An airship is a lighter-than-air aircraft, which is a combination of a balloon with a propeller (usually a propeller (propeller, impeller) with an electric motor or internal combustion engine) and an attitude control system. By design, airships are divided into three main types: soft, semi-rigid and rigid. In soft and semi-rigid airships, the shell for the carrier gas is soft, which acquires the required shape only after the carrier gas is injected into it under a certain pressure.

In soft-type airships, the invariability of the external shape is achieved by the excess pressure of the carrier gas, which is constantly maintained by ballonets - soft containers located inside the shell, into which air is injected. The ballonets, in addition, serve to regulate the lift force and control the pitch angle (differential pumping / pumping of air into the ballonets leads to a change in the center of gravity of the device).

Semi-rigid airships are distinguished by the presence of a rigid (in most cases for the entire length of the shell) truss in the lower part of the shell. In rigid airships, the invariability of the external shape is ensured by a rigid frame covered with fabric, and the gas is inside the rigid frame in gas-tight cylinders. Rigid unmanned airships are practically not used yet.

Classification

Some classes of foreign classification are absent in the Russian Federation, light UAVs in Russia have a much longer range, etc. According to the Russian classification, which is focused mainly on the military purpose of the vehicles.

UAVs can be systematized as follows:

1. Short-range micro- and mini-UAV - take-off weight up to 5 kg, range up to 25-40 km;
2. Light short-range UAVs - take-off weight 5-50 kg, range 10-70 km;
3. Light medium-range UAVs - take-off weight 50-100 kg, range 70-150 (250) km;
4. Medium UAVs - take-off weight 100-300 kg, range 150-1000 km;
5. Medium-heavy UAVs - take-off weight 300-500 kg, range 70-300 km;
6. Heavy medium-range UAVs - take-off weight over 500 kg, range 70-300 km;
7. Heavy UAVs of long flight duration - take-off weight of more than 1500 kg, range of about 1500 km;
8. Unmanned combat aircraft - takeoff weight of more than 500 kg, range of about 1500 km.

Applied UAVs

Granad VA-1000

ZALA 421-16E

For the technical equipment of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles, Russian enterprises have developed several options, consider some of them:

This is a long-range unmanned aircraft (Fig. 1.) with an automatic control system (autopilot), a navigation system with inertial correction (GPS / GLONASS), a built-in digital telemetry system, navigation lights, a built-in three-axis magnetometer, a target retention and active tracking module (“ AC Module"), a digital built-in camera, a digital broadband video transmitter of C-OFDM modulation, a radio modem with a satellite navigation system (SNS) receiver "Diagonal AIR" with the ability to work without a SNS signal (radio rangefinder) a self-diagnostic system, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a sensor current, a temperature sensor for the propulsion system, a parachute release, an air shock absorber to protect the target load during landing, and a search transmitter.

This complex designed for air surveillance at any time of the day at a distance of up to 50 km with real-time video transmission. The unmanned aircraft successfully solves the tasks of ensuring the security and control of strategically important objects, allows you to determine the coordinates of the target and quickly make decisions on adjusting the actions of ground services. Thanks to the built-in AS Module, the UAV automatically monitors static and moving objects. In the absence of a SNS signal, the UAV will autonomously continue the task.

Rice. 1. UAV ZALA 421-16E

ZALA 421-08M

Made according to the "flying wing" scheme - this is a tactical range unmanned aircraft with an autopilot, it has a similar set of functions and modules as the ZALA 421-16E. This complex is designed for operational reconnaissance of the area at a distance of up to 15 km with real-time video transmission. UAV ZALA 421-08M compares favorably with ultra-reliability, ease of use, low acoustic, visual visibility and the best target loads in its class.

This aircraft does not require specially prepared take-off and landing pad due to the fact that the takeoff is made by an elastic catapult, it carries out aerial reconnaissance under various weather conditions at any time of the day.

Transportation of the complex with UAV ZALA 421-08M to the place of operation can be carried out by one person. The lightness of the device allows (with appropriate training) to launch "by hand", without using a catapult, which makes it indispensable in solving problems. The built-in AS Module allows the unmanned aircraft to automatically monitor static and moving objects, both on land and on water.

Rice. 2. UAV ZALA 421-08M

ZALA 421-22

This is an unmanned helicopter with eight rotors, medium range, with an integrated autopilot system (Fig. 3). The design of the apparatus is foldable, made of composite materials, which ensures the convenience of delivery of the complex to the place of operation by any vehicle.

This device does not require a specially prepared runway due to vertical automatic launch and landing, which makes it indispensable for aerial reconnaissance in hard-to-reach areas.

It is successfully used to perform operations at any time of the day: to search and detect objects, to ensure the security of perimeters within a radius of up to 5 km. Thanks to the built-in “AS Module”, the device automatically monitors static and moving objects.

Rice. 3. UAV ZALA 421-22

It represents the next generation of DJI quadcopters. It is capable of recording 4K video and transmitting high definition video right out of the box. The camera is integrated into the gimbal for maximum stability and weight efficiency in a minimal footprint. In the absence of a GPS signal, the Visual Positioning technology ensures hovering accuracy.

Main functions

Camera and Gimbal: The Phantom 3 Professional shoots 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and captures 12 megapixel photos that look sharper and cleaner than ever. The improved camera sensor gives you greater clarity, lower noise, and better shots than any previous flying camera.

HD Video Link: Low latency, HD video transmission based on the DJI Lightbridge system.

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery: 4480 mAh The DJI Intelligent Flight Battery has new cells and uses an intelligent battery management system.

Flight Controller: Next generation flight controller, provides more reliable performance. The new recorder saves the data of each flight, and visual positioning allows you to accurately hover at one point in the absence of GPS.

Tactical and technical characteristics

BAS Phantom-3

Aircraft
Weight (with battery and screws)	1280
Maximum rate of climb	5 m/s
Maximum sink rate	3 m/s
Max Speed	16 m/s (at ATTI mode in calm weather)
Maximum flight altitude	6000 m
Max flight time	Approximately 23 minutes
Working temperature range	From -10° to 40° С
GPS mode	GPS/GLONASS
suspension
Coverage	Tilt angle: from - 90° to + 30°
visual positioning
Speed ​​range	< 8 м/с (на высоте 2 метра над землей)
Altitude range	30 cm - 300 cm.
Working range	30 cm - 300 cm.
Working conditions	Brightly lit (> 15 lux) contoured surfaces
Camera
Optics	EXMOR 1/2.3" Effective pixels: 12.4 million (total pixels: 12.76 million)
Lens	Viewing angle 94° 20 mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8
ISO adjustment	100-3200 (video) 100-1600 (photo)
Electronic shutter speed	8 s. - 1/8000 s.
Maximum image size	4000×3000
Photo modes	Frame-by-frame Continuous shooting: 3/5/7 shots Automatic Exposure Bracketing (AEB) 3/5 frame bracketing at 0.7EV bracketing Slow motion
Supported SD card formats	Micro SD The maximum capacity is 64 GB. Required speed class: 10 or UHS-1
Movie modes	FHD: 1920×1080p 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps HD: 1280×720p 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps
Maximum video saving speed	60 Mbps
Supported file formats	FAT32/exFAT Video: MP4/MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.246)
Working temperature range	From -10° to 40° С
Remote control
Operating frequency	2.400 GHz - 2.483 GHz
transmission distance	2000 m (outdoor without obstacles)
Video output port	USB
Working temperature range	From -10° to 40° С
Battery	6000 mAh lithium polymer 2S
Mobile device holder	For tablets and smartphones
Transmitter power (EIRP)	FCC: 20 dBm; CE: 16 dBm
Working voltage	1.2 A at 7.4 V
Charger
Voltage	17.4 V
Rated power	57 W
Intelligent Flight Battery (PH3 - 4480mAh - 15.2V)
Capacity	4480mAh
Voltage	15.2 V
Battery Type	Lithium Polymer 4S
Full charge	68Wh
Net weight	365 g
Working temperature range	From -10° to 40° С
Maximum charging power	100 W

Phantom 3 Professional Schematic

Figure 4 - Phantom 3 Professional UAV

Inspire 1

Inspire 1 is a new multi-rotor capable of recording 4K video and transmitting high definition video signal (up to 2 km) to multiple devices right out of the box. Equipped with a retractable landing gear, the camera can rotate 360 ​​degrees unhindered. The camera is integrated into the gimbal for maximum stability and weight efficiency in a minimal footprint. In the absence of a GPS signal, the Visual Positioning technology ensures hovering accuracy.

Functions

Camera & Gimbal: Records up to 4K video and 12-megapixel photos. There is a place to install neutral (ND) filters for better control exposure. The new gimbal mechanism allows you to quickly remove the camera.

HD Video Link: Low latency, HD video transmission, this is an upgraded version of the DJI Lightbridge system. There is also the possibility of control from two remote controls.

Chassis: Retractable landing gear, allow the camera to take panoramas unhindered.

DJI Intelligent Flight Battery: 4500mAh uses an intelligent battery management system.

Flight Controller: Next generation flight controller, provides more reliable performance. The new recorder saves the data of each flight, and visual positioning allows, in the absence of GPS, to accurately hover at one point.

Figure 5 - UAV Inspire 1

All characteristics of the UAVs listed above are presented in Table 1 (except for Phantom 3 Professional and Inspire 1 as indicated in the text)

Training for UAV Operators

Characteristics

UAV	ZALA 421-16E	ZALA 421-16EM	ZALA 421-08M	ZALA 421-08F	ZALA 421-16	ZALA 421-04M
UAV wingspan, mm	2815	1810	810	425	1680	1615
Flight duration, h (min)	>4	2,5	(80)	(80)	4-8	1,5
UAV length, mm	1020	900	425	–	–	635
Speed, km/h	65-110	65-110	65-130	65-120	130-200	65-100
Maximum flight altitude, m	3600	3600	3600	3000	3000	–
Target load mass, kg (g)	Up to 1.5	Up to 1	(300)	(300)	–	Up to 1

Advantages

The following can be distinguished:

• fly under various weather conditions, complex interference (gust of wind, ascending or descending air flow, UAV getting into an air pocket, with medium and heavy fog, heavy rain);
• carry out aerial monitoring in hard-to-reach and remote areas;
• are a safe source of reliable information, a reliable survey of the object or suspected territory from which the threat emanates;
• allow to prevent emergencies with regular monitoring;
• detect (forest fires,) in the early stages;
• eliminate the risk to human life and health.

The unmanned aerial vehicle is designed to solve the following tasks:

• unmanned remote monitoring of forest areas in order to detect forest fires;
• monitoring and transmission of data on radioactive and chemical contamination of terrain and airspace in a given area;
• engineering reconnaissance of areas of floods and other natural disasters;
• detection and monitoring of ice jams and river floods;
• monitoring of the state of transport highways, oil and gas pipelines, power lines and other facilities;
• environmental monitoring of water areas and coastlines;
• determination of the exact coordinates of emergency areas and affected objects.

Monitoring is carried out day and night, in favorable and limited weather conditions. Along with this, the unmanned aerial vehicle provides a search for the crashed (accident) technical means and missing groups of people. The search is carried out according to a pre-set flight task or along a flight route that is quickly changed by the operator. It is equipped with guidance systems, airborne radar systems, sensors and video cameras.

During the flight, as a rule, the control of an unmanned aerial vehicle is automatically carried out by means of an onboard navigation and control complex, which includes:

• satellite navigation receiver providing navigation information reception from GLONASS and GPS systems;
• a system of inertial sensors that determines the orientation and motion parameters of the unmanned aerial vehicle;
• a sensor system that measures altitude and airspeed;
• various types of antennas.

The on-board communication system operates in the authorized radio frequency range and provides data transmission from board to ground and from ground to board.

Tasks to apply

Can be classified into four main groups:

• emergency detection;
• participation in the liquidation of emergency situations;
• search and rescue of victims;
• assessment of damage from emergencies.

In such tasks, the senior operator must optimally choose the route, speed and altitude of the RPV flight in order to cover the area of ​​observation in the minimum time or number of flights, taking into account the sectors of view of television and thermal imaging cameras.

At the same time, it is necessary to exclude double or multiple flights of the same places in order to save material and human resources.