Leleka-100
Ukrainian tactical reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle, developed in the mid-2010s, extensively deployed for air reconnaissance and artillery fire adjustment.
| Length | 1.1 m (3.7 ft) |
| Wingspan | 2.0 m (6.5 ft) |
| Height | 0.4 m (1.1 ft) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 5 kg (11 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × Electric motor |
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h (87 mph) |
| Operational range | 100 km (62 mi) |
| Endurance | 2 hours |
| Service ceiling | 1,500 m (4,921 ft) |
Description
The Leleka-100 is a Ukrainian tactical reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed and manufactured by DeViRo. Designed for air reconnaissance, surveillance, and artillery fire adjustment, the system was approved for use with the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the mid-2010s and officially commissioned in 2021.
Design
The airframe is constructed from Kevlar, glass fiber, and carbon fiber composite materials, utilizing a wide-wing layout with a V-tail. The UAV has a length of 1.13 meters, a height of 0.35 meters, a wingspan of 1.98 meters, and a maximum take-off weight of 5.5 kg. Powered by an all-electric propulsion system, it has a cruising speed of approximately 70 km/h, a maximum speed of about 140 km/h, and an operational service ceiling of around 1,500 meters. The system's flight endurance is up to 2.5 hours, with an operating range of approximately 100 km and a maximum radio and video data-link range of about 45 km. The UAV is launched using a bungee or catapult and is recovered via belly landing or parachute.
For guidance and communication, the aircraft utilizes an autopilot with a fully autonomous mode, an inertial navigation system for GPS-denied environments, and an encrypted digital radio channel resistant to electronic warfare. Its payload consists of dual-axis gyro-stabilized camera gimbals carrying a daylight electro-optical module and a thermal infrared night-vision module to collect day and night imagery.
Operational History
During its operational history, the Leleka-100 has been used by Ukrainian forces and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, seeing deployment during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Variants
- RAM II: A loitering munition developed using the Leleka-100 as a basis.