UJ-22 Airborne
Ukrjet · Ukraine · first flew 2020 · reconnaissance aircraft
The UJ-22 Airborne is a Ukrainian fixed-wing UAV developed for ISR and strike missions, gaining battlefield prominence during the Russo-Ukrainian War after 2022 as a long-endurance platform capable of carrying significant payloads. It is one of the largest indigenous Ukrainian military drones.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Boxy rectangular fuselage optimised for payload capacity |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Medium-size fixed-wing UAV with high straight wing and pusher or tractor piston engine
- Boxy rectangular fuselage optimised for payload capacity
- Conventional tail with fixed tricycle undercarriage
The UJ-22's high straight wing and boxy payload fuselage distinguish it from smaller quadrotor or delta-wing loitering munitions. Compared with the Bayraktar TB2, the UJ-22 is considerably smaller and uses a simpler conventional piston powerplant. The fixed undercarriage and clean wing without visible hardpoints on most configurations are recognition aids.
Specifications
- The UJ-22 Airborne has a length of 4.5 m (15 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.8 m (26 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 165 km/h (103 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Ukrjet developed the UJ-22 before the full-scale Russian invasion of 2022, but the platform's operational use accelerated dramatically after February of that year. The aircraft is designed to carry ISR sensors or munitions and can operate at long range with endurance measured in hours. Reports in 2023 linked the type to strikes deep into Russian territory, including near Moscow.
Variants
The baseline UJ-22 Airborne is the primary known configuration. Variants optimised for strike or cargo delivery have been reported but not officially detailed.
Where you'll see it
Operated by Ukrainian armed forces from 2022 onward. The UJ-22 gained international attention when examples appeared over Russian territory in 2023, demonstrating a range capability well beyond the front lines.
Related aircraft
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