Zala 421-04M
ZALA Aero Group · Russia · first flew 2008 · reconnaissance aircraft
The ZALA 421-04M is a small, man-portable Russian military reconnaissance UAV designed for infantry-level surveillance and target acquisition.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × electric, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | conventional cruciform tail on slender fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- small electric pusher-prop fixed-wing UAV
- hand-launchable with folding wings
- conventional cruciform tail on slender fuselage
The ZALA 421-04M's conventional high-wing layout with a pusher propeller at the rear and a slim pod fuselage is typical of small tactical UAVs. Distinguishable from Western equivalents by its relatively simple construction and the characteristic ZALA body shape with under-nose EO pod.
Specifications
- The Zala 421-04M has a length of 0.8 m (3 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 1.6 m (5 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 130 km/h (81 mph).
- Typical crew: 0.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
ZALA Aero, a subsidiary of Kalashnikov Concern, developed the 421-04M as a lightweight tactical UAV small enough to be carried and launched by a single soldier. The electric motor and folding wings allow rapid deployment from a backpack. It has been widely used by Russian ground forces for artillery observation and reconnaissance.
Variants
The 421 series encompasses multiple variants differing in endurance and payload. Later variants include the 421-08 with longer endurance and the 421-16E with a larger wingspan.
Where you'll see it
In service with Russian ground forces since the late 2000s. Extensively used in the conflict in eastern Ukraine and Syria for frontline reconnaissance.
Related aircraft
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