A subsidiary of Russia’s state technology corporation Rostec has unveiled the first photo of the Chirok, an amphibious reconnaissance and strike UAV outfitted with an air cushion, ahead of the MAKS-2015 international air show slated to be held near Moscow in late August.
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The Chirok (Teal), manufactured by the United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation (UIMC), has a maxim range of 1550 miles and could reach an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet. It has a maximum effective payload of 300 kilograms.
The drone is made out of composite materials which make it hard to detect the aircraft. “In addition, the UAV equipped with a reciprocating engine with controllable-pitch propellers is almost noiseless,” the UIMC explained.
Developed by the Moscow Radio Engineering Research Institute, the air cushion design allows the Chirok to take off and land in virtually any conditions – from uneven surfaces, to sand or snow-covered and wetland territories, to water surfaces. The air cushion is retractable during flight.
Full article: Meet Chirok: Russia’s Unique Hybrid Amphibious Drone (Spacewar)
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