The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has proven itself in warfare and humanitarian actions actively across the last two decades. An evolution of the basic approach in design has been seen during that period with ever-smaller units being able to accomplish ever-greater feats in the skies. "Drone" aircraft can carry out a plethora of over-battlefield roles these days - either under human command through autonomous action - including intelligence-gathering, reconnaissance of enemy positions/strengths, delivery of medical goods, and identification of enemy combatants or survivors.
The hand-launched ZALA "421-08" UAV serves the modern Russian Army primarily in the reconnaissance role. It features a take-off weight of just 5.5lb, a wingspan of 2.66 feet, and an operating range out to 18.65 miles. The aircraft has a mission endurance window of just over 1.5 hours and can reach operating altitudes of 6,560 feet.
Its lightweight design makes it man-portable in-the-field and the system's reliance on an electrical powerplant makes for a low acoustic signature when operating close to enemy forces. The airframe consists of single-piece construction for strength and can operate in all-weather environments, carrying its all-important optics set under the bended-wing body design (payload rating is up to 0.66lb). A two-bladed propeller unit is seated at the nose. Navigation is handled through traditional INS means with an SNS (GPS/GLONASS) correction system for accuracy. The unit can be hand- or elastic catapult-launched into action in minutes and is recovered by way of parachute or airbag for reuse.
The 421-08 model series by ZALA Aero Group includes the 421-8M. The company produces a complete line of UAV/UAS solutions (as well as anti-drone offerings) for various roles and includes the ZALA "GEO" and ZALA "Drone Delivery" (ZDD) models. A complete lineup is available at their website https://zala-aero.com/en/.
Specifications
Year: 2008
Status Active, In-Service
Crew 0
Production 350 Units
ZALA Aero Group - Russia
Russia
- Reconnaissance (RECCE)
- Unmanned
Length:
1.35 ft (0.41 m)
Width:
2.62 ft (0.8 m)
Empty Weight:
2 lb (1 kg)
MTOW:
4 lb (2 kg)
(Diff: +2lb)
(Showcased weight values pertain to the ZALA 421-08 production model)
1 x Electric engine driving a two-bladed propeller at the nose.
Max Speed:
93 mph (150 kph; 81 kts)
Service Ceiling:
11,811 feet (3,600 m; 2.24 miles)
Max Range:
9 miles (15 km; 8 nm)
(Showcased performance values pertain to the ZALA 421-08 production model; Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database)
None. Mission payload restricted to cameras and sensor equipment.
(Showcased armament details pertain to the ZALA 421-08 production model)
421-08 - Base Series Designation
* Ribbons not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns/operations.
The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com.
Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world and WDMMA.org, the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft.
Russia
