Orlan-30

The Orlan-30 is a reconnaissance and laser-designator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Special Technology Center (STC) in Saint Petersburg for the Russian Armed Forces. Developed as a larger and heavier derivative of the Orlan-10, the aircraft shares its predecessor's general configuration but incorporates a gyro-stabilised optoelectronic payload with a laser target designator-rangefinder to direct precision-guided munitions. The Orlan-30 underwent testing in 2019 and entered service in 2020.

Design

The UAV is launched from a folding catapult platform and recovered via parachute. It is powered by an internal combustion piston engine driving a two-blade tractor propeller. The Orlan-30 has a wingspan of approximately 3.9 metres, a maximum takeoff weight of 30 to 40 kg, and a payload capacity of up to 5 kg. Performance specifications include a cruise speed of 90 to 150 km/h, a maximum endurance of approximately 8 hours, and a service ceiling of 3,500 to 4,000 metres. The aircraft has an autonomous flight range of up to 300 km and a radio control radius of 120 km from its mobile ground control station. Navigation is primarily conducted via the GLONASS satellite constellation.

For reconnaissance and targeting, the Orlan-30 carries a spherical gyro-stabilised optoelectronic station. This system integrates a visible-spectrum overview camera with optical zoom, a thermal imager, a sighting video camera, and a laser rangefinder-designator. Operating at a wavelength of 1064 nm, the laser designator has a pulse energy of 20 mJ, a beam divergence of 500 microradians, a measured-distance range of 200 to 8,000 metres, and a range-determination accuracy of 5 metres. This system provides target illumination for laser-guided artillery and aviation munitions during day and night operations.

Operational History

Russian forces have deployed the Orlan-30 in the war in Ukraine, where multiple units have been shot down or captured. According to the Oryx tracking project, at least 16 Orlan-30 UAVs were visually confirmed destroyed as of February 2025. Rosoboronexport has marketed the system internationally, showcasing the UAV at defence exhibitions including WDS 2024 and ADEX 2024.

Variants

• Export version: A variant configured for international customers, first presented in August 2023.