The PD-1 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is just one of several drone aircraft to have emerged from Ukraine - particularly since the invasion of the country by neighboring Russia. The type is of fixed-wing design (though convertible to Vertical Take-Off and Landing = VTOL) and intended for the over-battlefield Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) role utilizing a mix of cameras and sensors fitted to a traversing turret "blister" under the nose. It is conventionally-powered, driven by way of a two-bladed pusher propeller at the rear of the fuselage, and has an in-air endurance of eight hours. Beyond its military value, the series is also suitable for civilian and industry sector work, accomplishing border enforcement, structural engineering reviews, aerial photography, Search and rescue (SAR), and agricultural surveillance.
As with other modern drone solutions, the PD-1 has a modular approach to its design which broadens the tactical usefulness of the unit to potential buyers. While this is generally centered on payload options, it also applies to key components and applicable operating equipment directly related to the function of the aircraft. This is furthermore enhanced by a quick setup / take-down capability (by way of "fastlink locks") in which no tools are needed in the assembly and disassembly of the unit, allowing the aircraft to be made airborne in under fifteen minutes even after repairs / modifications.
Full autonomous flight is a staple of most modern UASs and the PD-1 follows suit. Pre-programmed routes are supported for hands-off operation and take-offs and landing can be left to the automatic pilot system. Launching is by way of pneumatic rail designated GLS-1A. Over 60kmh is reached in the action, giving the drone's engine time to take-over the next phase of the flight. Landing is through us of an integrated wheeled tricycle arrangement.
The aircraft receives operating power from a 61cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke conventionally-fueled engine mated to a 100w generator unit. Enhanced endurance can be had with the optional electric fuel injection. The powerplant comes complete with a remote-start function as seen in modern automobiles and access makes the complete unit easily replaceable in-the-field.
The basic payload centers on a combination Electro-Optical / InfraRed (EO/IR) USG-212 series unit sporting expected qualities such as all-digital real-time video, moving target tracking, zoom, and stabilization. Beyond this, a secondary payload option allows for a second camera fit, communications equipment and even radar to be carried. The available USG-211 camera fit offers full-HD video on its gimballed mount.
The general arrangement of the aircraft is traditional as modern UASs go: the optics set is held under the nose for unfettered views of the terrain below. The mainplanes are straight and capped by winglets for additional control and fuel economy. The tailplanes are arranged as inward-cranked panels joined at their tips. The planes are held out by slim booms emanating from the mainplane trailing edges.
Specifications include a wingspan of 4 meters, a payload capacity rated to 10 kilograms, and an MTOW of 40 kilograms. The encrypted datalink allows for a 100 kilometer range with satellite support being optional and GPS navigation fully supported. Its service ceiling reaches 3,000 meters.
The PD-2 is the direct successor to the PD-1 and features full VTOL support out-of-the-box. It further sports a 10-hour mission endurance window, can carry loads of up to 19 kilograms, and flies up to a ceiling of 5,000 meters.
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(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓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.
PUSHER-PROP
Design incorporates rear-facing pusher-prop arrangement, a contrast to the more conventional puller-prop layout.
WINGLETS
Mainplanes capped with winglets, providing improved fuel efficiency and enhanced handling.
RUGGED AIRFRAME
Inherent ability of airframe to take considerable damage.
HIGH-ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE
Can reach and operate at higher altitudes than average aircraft of its time.
EXTENDED RANGE PERFORMANCE
Capability to travel considerable distances through onboard fuel stores.
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
13.1 ft (4.00 m)
Empty Wgt
77 lb (35 kg)
MTOW
88 lb (40 kg)
Wgt Diff
+11 lb (+5 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the base UKRSPEC Systems PD-1 production variant)
monoplane / shoulder-mounted / straight
Monoplane
Design utilizes a single primary wing mainplane; this represent the most popular mainplane arrangement.
Shoulder-Mounted
Mainplanes are mounted at the upper section of the fuselage, generally at the imaginary line intersecting the pilot's shoulders.
Straight
The planform involves use of basic, straight mainplane members.
(Structural descriptors pertain to the base UKRSPEC Systems PD-1 production variant)
Installed:
1 x 61cc 2-cylinder, 4-stroke conventionally-fueled engine driving two-bladed propeller unit at rear of fuselage in pusher configuration.
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base UKRSPEC Systems PD-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)
None. Mission equipment centered on ISR role.
Supported Types
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
Images Gallery
1 / 1
Image from official UKRSPEC Systems marketing materials.
Similar Aircraft
Aviation developments of similar form and function, or related to, the UKRSPEC Systems PD-1...
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