Forposts Russian Reconnaissance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
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Basic Information
Name
Forposts Russian Reconnaissance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Designation
—
Alternate Designation
Forpost, Outposts (with updated Russian electronics)
Equipment Type
—
Manufacturer
State Factory Russia
Date of Introduction
2014
Description
This is the Russian designation for Searcher Mk II UAVs being produced domestically. According to the Urals Civil Aircraft Plant, which builds the systems, the Forpost has a flight endurance of 17.5 hours, maximum takeoff weight of 1,000 lb (454 kg) and a max payload of 130 lb (60 kg). The air vehicle has a top speed of 130 mi (210 kmh) and a ceiling of 11,800 ft (3,600 m). The Searcher looks almost identical to the Scout and Pioneer, but is in fact scaled up and is well over twice the size of the Scout.
Air & Air Defense Specifications
Crew
4
Engine
Gasoline (47 hp)
Max Speed
210.0 km/h
Cruise Speed
111.0 km/h
Range
400.0 km
Endurance
17.50 hrs
Payload Capacity
60 kg
Variants
Searcher Mk II
The Mk II is the fourth in a line of UAVs that began development as the Scout (the Searcher was the third generation). The Searcher Mk II is slightly larger, measuring 19 ft 2 in (5.85 m) in height and 28 ft 1 in (8.55 m) in diameter; it has higher maximum takeoff weight and payload at 939 lb (426 kg) and 220 lb (100 kg), respectively. The main benefit of these updates is greater flight endurance at higher altitudes.
Searcher Mk III
The most recent variant, the Mk III was launched in 2010 and has over twice the range of the Mk II with two more hours of endurance and a higher ceiling. It is equipped with a four-stroke silent engine, along with a maximum takeoff weight of 961 lb (436 kg) and higher maximum payload weights of 264 lb (120 kg).
The Searcher Mk III has an aerial data relay capability for beyond line-of-sight operations. Two simultaneous automatic takeoff and landing systems improve safety.
Forpost
This is the Russian designation for Searcher Mk II UAVs being produced domestically. According to the Urals Civil Aircraft Plant, which builds the systems, the Forpost has a flight endurance of 17.5 hours, maximum takeoff weight of 1,000 lb (454 kg) and a max payload of 130 lb (60 kg). The air vehicle has a top speed of 130 mi (210 kmh) and a ceiling of 11,800 ft (3,600 m).
System
Alternative Designation
Forpost, Outposts (with updated Russian electronics)
Type of UAV
Unmanned Reconnaissance Drone
Manufacturer
State Factory Russia
Primary Function
Long Endurance Reconnaissance Drone
Day/Night Capable
Yes
All Weather Capable
Yes
Ground Crew
4 (external pilot, internal pilot, observer and commander)
Number of Hard Points
INA
Payload Capacity
60 kg
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) Capable
No
Automatic Landing and Takeoff Capability
Yes, Automatic Takeoff and Landing (ATOL) systems
Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensors (EO/IR)
Yes
Real-Time Imagery
Yes
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
Available and would replace the Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensors (EO/IR)
SAR/GMTI Capable
Yes
SIG/INT Capable
Yes
EO/IR Capable
Yes
Launch System
Runway (Fully Automatic)
Recovery System
Runway (Fully Automatic)
Dimensions
Length
5.85 m
Width (Wing Span)
8.55 m
Height
1.25 m
Weight, Empty
350 kg
Weight. Maximum Takeoff
554 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
APD-85 engine
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Power
47 hp
Endurance
17.5 hours
Propeller
driving 2-blade pusher propeller
Fuel
130 liters
Maximum Speed
210 km/h
Maximum Range
400 km
Dash Speed
185 km/h
Cruise Speed
111 km/h
Ceiling
3,600 m
Endurance
17.5 hours
Communications
Line of Sight Radio (UAV & Ground Crew)
Direct Line-of-Sight (LOS) data link
Beyond Line of Sight Radio (UAV & Ground Crew)
UAV airborne data relay for beyond LOS missions & Ground-based data relay for beyond LOS missions
Note #1
The Russians have outfitted the Forposts with all new electronics such as the Outpost-R Intergerence-free radio line, which has increased the radious of the drone by 100 km.
Note #2
In the event of communications via datalink are lost the air vehicle will return automatically to its base.
Protection
Stealth Properties
No
Heat Signature Reduction
INA
Add on Armor
INA
EW
No
EW Counter Measures / CCM
No
Counter Measures (Chaffs/Flares)
No
Details
Country of Origin
Russia
Category
UAVs
Air > UAVs
Filter Label
F
Classification
Domain
Air & Air Defense
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
5.85 m
Width
8.55 m
Height
1.25 m
Weight
554 kg
Operators (3)
Russia
India
Syria
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