Orlan-10
Russian unmanned aerial vehicle / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Orlan-10 (Russian: Орлан-10) is a reconnaissance, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Special Technology Center (STC) in Saint Petersburg for the Russian Armed Forces.[8][9] The Orlan-10 features a composite fuselage that reduces its radar signature.[10]
| Orlan-10 | |
|---|---|
| |
| An Orlan-10 on display in 2022 | |
| Role | Reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle Type of aircraft |
| National origin | Russia |
| Manufacturer | Special Technology Center (STC) |
| Introduction | 2011 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Russian Ground Forces Ministry of Emergency Situations (Russia)[1] Tatmadaw[2] Kazakhstan State Committee for National Security[3][4] Armed Forces of Kazakhstan[5] Wagner Group[6] |
| Number built | >1,500 drones[7] |
Drones are usually deployed in groups of two or three; the first is used for reconnaissance at a height of 1,000 to 1,500 metres (3,300 to 4,900 ft), the second for electronic warfare and the third as a data relay.[11] One system can include up to five vehicles.[12] The price for one system (including 2 drones, a portable launch complex, a control station and a set of spare parts) is reportedly 5 million rubles, or ~US$160,000 (FY 2013).[13]
Over 50 UAVs were delivered for export in 2021 to Russia's allies.[14] It has seen action in Ukraine, Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh.[15][16] According to media reports, an updated variant of Orlan-10 tactical UAV was to enter service with the Russia's ground forces in 2020. The updated variant is expected to have a laser designator to allow it to pinpoint targets for precision-guided artillery and aircraft munitions.[17]
More than 1,000 Orlan-10s have been produced (2018), with 11 different variations.[18] More Orlan-10s and 30s were ordered in August 2022.[19]
It was reported in May 2023 that STMicroelectronics microchips are found in the electronic circuits of Orlan drones, in spite of the semiconductor sanctions regime that the Russians imposed on themselves.[20]