ADEX 2024 – Skat-350M reconnaissance UAV presented for the first time in the Caspian region
The “Unmanned Aviation Systems” (“Aviatsionnye Bespilotnye Systemy in Russian, part of the Kalashnikov Concern) presented the Skat-350M reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the first time in the Caspian region at the ADEX-2024 exhibition
The Skat-350M UAV is a light-class UAV, featuring a “flying wing” architecture with a pulling three-blade propeller driven by a low-noise electric motor. A spherical gyrostabilized optical-electronic system is installed under the central part of the fuselage. The Skat-350M is designed for aerial reconnaissance in the optical and infrared spectral bands, day and night. It can be used for aerial photography to create high-precision digital maps of the terrain, and conduct remote aerial video monitoring of the terrain and ground objects using dedicated payload modules operating in real time.
The serially produced Skat-350M UAV is the result of a deep modernization of the well-proven Supercam 350 UAV. Taking into account lessons learned, Kalashnikov specialists significantly improved the aerodynamic properties of the airframe and modernized the ground control system.
The SKAT-350 M uses a new payload with higher performance characteristics, and also implements technical solutions that improve the operation of the day and thermal imaging cameras. A modern module with updated algorithms facilitates the operator’s work in capturing and stably tracking targets.
Company representatives told EDR On-Line that the system has a takeoff weight of 14 kg, a payload weight of 2.5 kg, a wingspan of 3.5 metres, a maximum endurance of 4 hours, a maximum flight altitude of 6,000 metres, a range of 70 km, a video communication range of over 70 km, and a flight speed between 65-120 km/h. The SKAT-350M is launched using a catapult, and lands using a parachute in automatic or semi-automatic modes.
As noted by the Kalashnikov Concern, the Skat-350M UAV is currently used in a special military operation (SVO – spetsialnaya voennaya operatsia in Russian) and is one of the leading aerial reconnaissance aircraft used by military units on the front line. According to the company it has discovered, various types of military equipment including RM-70 Vampire MLRS, ammunition and fuel depots, military facilities, and other targets of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which were subsequently destroyed by high-precision strikes of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
The modernized system was first presented at the World Defence Show (WDS) 2024 in Riyadh.
In the Caspian region, the Skat-350M UAV can be used for patrolling state borders, maintaining law and order and ensuring security, environmental monitoring, search and rescue missions, monitoring oil infrastructures such as pipelines and offshore platforms, and carry out aerial photography for geodetic and cartographic work.
The Skat-350M has a wide range of operating frequencies and 32 communication channels on the ground-based receiving and transmitting device (NPPU – nazemnoye priemo-peredayushee ustroistvo in Russian), which ensures uninterrupted communication between the UAV and the NPPU with embedded countermeasures against enemy electronic warfare (EW).
Photo by N. Novichkov
