The ASU-1 "Valkyrja" is manufactured by Avia Systems of Kyiv, Ukraine. It is an electric-powered, portable Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for tactical-level requirements looking to satisfy emerging / ongoing requirements from the military, civilian, and industry sectors. The design utilizes a "flying wing" planform with no true tail section, instead granted control and stability through its large-area blended wing-body design and wing-tip "winglets". The aircraft is driven by a two-bladed propeller unit seated at the rear of the fuselage in "pusher" configuration and a variable optics set is slung under the body in typical fashion giving the camera equipment unobstructed views of the terrain below.
The design is geared towards the Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) role, delivering High-Definition (HD) video in real-time to ground operators. Its versatility is such that it can cover the gamut of sorties types from over-battlefield surveillance and Search and Rescue (SAR) to humanitarian relief / support and in-the-field engineering reviews. Beyond this is an inherent photogrammetry function used in architecture, geology, and law enforcement which further broadens the usefulness of this UAS design.
Camera fits include a 4K optics set with 10k zoom functionality and thermal imaging mounted to a gyro-stabilized gimbal. Communication and control range is out to 35 kilometers with a mission endurance window of 120 minutes. Take-off weight reaches 3.5 kilograms with the air vehicle launched by bungee catapult or by hand. Landing is a simple belly-landing action allowing the vehicle to be recovered in open fields and other unprepared surfaces. The UAS cruises at speeds nearing 40 miles-per-hour.
With its 1.6 meter wingspan, the complete system is toted in a hinged, hard case mimicking the drone's basic shape.
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(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓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-Mission: Search & Rescue (SAR)
Ability to locate and extract personnel from areas of potential harm or peril (i.e. downed airmen in the sea).
✓Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR), Scout
Surveil ground targets / target areas to assess environmental threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.
✓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.
WINGLETS
Mainplanes capped with winglets, providing improved fuel efficiency and enhanced handling.
RUGGED AIRFRAME
Inherent ability of airframe to take considerable damage.
MARITIME OPERATION
Ability to operate over ocean in addition to surviving the special rigors of the maritime environment.
UNMANNED OPERATION
Design features ability to fly sans pilot, actions controlled onboard through programming and / or ground-based operator.
AUTONOMOUS OPERATION
Design features autonomous flight operations made possible through onboard artificial intelligence or pre-programming.
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
Payload supports photographic equipment providing still and / or real-time image / video results.
Width/Span
5.2 ft (1.60 m)
Empty Wgt
7 lb (3 kg)
MTOW
9 lb (4 kg)
Wgt Diff
+2 lb (+1 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the Avia ASU-1 production variant)
monoplane / mid-mounted / swept-back
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.
Swept-Back
The planform features wing sweep back along the leading edges of the mainplane, promoting higher operating speeds.
(Structural descriptors pertain to the Avia ASU-1 production variant)
Installed:
1 x Electric motor driving two-bladed propeller unit at the rear of the fuselage in "pusher" arrangement.
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the Avia ASU-1 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)
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
ASU-1 ("Valkyrja") - Base Series Designation.
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 Avia Systems marketing materials.
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Image from official Avia Systems marketing materials.
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