ZALA 421-08
ZALA Aero Group · Russia · first flew 2007 · reconnaissance aircraft
The ZALA 421-08 is a small Russian electric mini-UAV designed for reconnaissance and surveillance, hand-launched and recovered by parachute or belly landing.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × electric, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | High straight wing mounted above a slim rectangular-section fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Small hand-launched electric UAV with a pusher or tractor propeller
- High straight wing mounted above a slim rectangular-section fuselage
- Fixed undercarriage or belly-land recovery with no wheeled gear
Very small, simple hand-launched UAV silhouette. High straight wing with minimal taper. The fuselage is a slim rectangular box. Electric motor drives a small propeller at the nose or in pusher configuration depending on variant. Parachute recovery means no conventional landing gear on most versions.
Specifications
- The ZALA 421-08 has a length of 0.8 m (3 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 1 m (3 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
Developed by ZALA Aero, a subsidiary of Kalashnikov Concern, the 421-08 is part of a family of small tactical UAVs produced for Russian military and border-security applications. The type saw operational use by Russian forces in Ukraine from 2014 onwards, where it performed battlefield reconnaissance missions. Its simplicity and low cost allowed rapid fielding in significant numbers.
Variants
Multiple ZALA 421 sub-variants exist with differing payloads and endurance; the broader ZALA product line includes larger fixed-wing and rotary types.
Where you'll see it
Used by Russian armed forces and border service; combat-deployed in eastern Ukraine from 2014 and in the broader 2022 conflict.
Related aircraft
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