The ZALA KYB-UAV is a "loitering munition" Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) originating from Russia by ZALA AERO Group. As a loitering munition, the aircraft is - by design - an expendable "smart missile" that can be launched against ground targets at distance. Loitering munitions are the next evolution of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) / drones - cost-effective solutions that support front-line personnel in contested spaces. ZALA markets the product under the qualities of ease-of-operation, high precision, and silent operation.
The aircraft relies on a blended wing-body design bookending a streamlined tubular fuselage. While the nosecone is rounded to preserve aerodynamic efficiency, the tail-end of the aircraft seats a two-bladed propeller unit in "pusher" arrangement for propulsion. The mainplanes are double-cranked and are capped by winglets for additional control.
Dimensions include a length of 8.26 inches, a wingspan of 37.4 inches, and a height of 6.49 inches. The system can reach speeds of 80 miles-per-hour and holds a mission endurance window of 30 minutes. Its explosive payload is restricted to 6.6lb.
Once airborne, the aircraft seeks out its target / target area, diving onto it once reached. The aircraft is fully expended as a result.
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(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Ground Attack (Bombing, Strafing)
Ability to conduct aerial bombing of ground targets by way of (but not limited to) guns, bombs, missiles, rockets, and the like.
✓Close-Air Support (CAS)
Developed to operate in close proximity to active ground elements by way of a broad array of air-to-ground ordnance and munitions options.
✓Special Forces
Serving Special Forces / Special Operations elements and missions.
✓Unmanned Capability
Aircraft inherently designed (or later developed) with an unmanned capability to cover a variety of over-battlefield roles.
ALL-ELECTRIC
Design utilizes an all-electric powerplant for drive power.
RUGGED AIRFRAME
Inherent ability of airframe to take considerable damage.
UNMANNED OPERATION
Design features ability to fly sans pilot, actions controlled onboard through programming and / or ground-based operator.
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
Payload supports photographic equipment providing still and / or real-time image / video results.
Width/Span
3.1 ft (0.95 m)
Empty Wgt
13 lb (6 kg)
MTOW
13 lb (6 kg)
Wgt Diff
+0 lb (+0 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the base ZALA KYB-UAV production variant)
monoplane / mid-mounted / delta, cranked
Monoplane
Design utilizes a single primary wing mainplane; this represent the most popular mainplane arrangement.
Mid-Mounted
Mainplanes are mounted along the midway point of the sides of the fuselage.
Delta, Cranked
The delta planform is largely of conventional shape, save for the leading edge showcasing a variance in angles with the trailing edge left straight.
(Structural descriptors pertain to the base ZALA KYB-UAV production variant)
Installed:
1 x Electric motor driving twin-bladed propeller unit at rear of fuselage in pusher arrangement.
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base ZALA KYB-UAV production variant. Performance specifications showcased above are subject to environmental factors as well as aircraft configuration. Estimates are made when Real Data not available. Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database or View aircraft by powerplant type)
1 x 3kg expendable payload.
Supported Types
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
Hardpoint Mountings: 0
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
Images Gallery
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Image from official ZALA Aero Group marketing materials.
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