Kronshtadt Orion
Kronshtadt Group (Sistema) · Russia · first flew 2016 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Orion (also known as Pacer) is Russia's first domestically developed medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) combat UAV, developed by the Kronshtadt Group for the Russian Armed Forces. It is capable of reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strike missions.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 0 (unmanned) — Russian MALE UAV
- Twin-boom tail configuration
- Inverted-V tail with pusher or tractor propeller configuration
The Orion has a twin-boom tail, straight high-aspect-ratio wings, a bulbous sensor nose, and a single piston engine with a pusher propeller — broadly resembling the General Atomics Predator in configuration.
Specifications
- The Kronshtadt Orion has a length of 8 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16 m (52 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 200 km/h (124 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the early 2010s under a Russian defence ministry contract, with the first flight in 2016. The Orion was officially accepted into Russian military service in 2020 and has reportedly been deployed in Syria for operational testing and combat use. It represents Russia's answer to American Predator-class UAVs.
Variants
The basic Orion-E is the export variant; a heavier Sirius derivative is under development. The Orion can carry lightweight guided bombs and missiles under its wings.
Where you'll see it
Operated by Russian Aerospace Forces; combat use has been reported in Syria from 2019 onward, and the type has been deployed in the conflict in Ukraine.
Related aircraft
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