Zala E-series BVS (Unmanned aircraft)

History

2022: The Russian Guard began to use drones in Ukraine

At the end of April 2022, it became known that the Federal Service of the National Guard Forces (Rosguard) began to use Ukrainian-pilot aircraft, invisible to the air defense systems of Ukrainian troops.

According to RIA Novosti, citing a source in power structures, we are talking about the ZALA 421-16E HD drone, which, due to an electric engine, together with small sizes, composite materials and light camouflage, remains almost invisible to various enemy air defense systems, as well as visual observation. In particular, they are not captured by homing heads for MANPADS. This reduces losses among drones, including from small fire from the ground, to isolated cases, the source said.

Rosguard began to use drones in Ukraine that air defense does not see

As indicated on the website of the ZALA 421-16E HD manufacturer, this drone has a communication range of more than 75 km and can be in flight for more than 4 hours. The maximum mass is 10.5 kg, the wing span is 2815 mm. The device is resistant to radio interference and has accurate positioning (RTK Ready). Various payloads can be installed on it, including high-resolution cameras. Processing of photo and video information is performed directly on UAV in flight.

According to the source of the RIA Novosti agency, ZALA 421-16E HD is characterized by poor contrast in both the visible and infrared and radar ranges. In addition, the drone has a reduced noise level.

According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, by April 2022 this drone is still intended for reconnaissance, but in the future, instead of fixing cameras, various shooting and exploding devices may be installed. The main thing is that a new principle of achieving invisibility has been created, the publication points out. ^[1]

2020

ZALA 421-16EV HD drone announcement

On May 21, 2020, the Kalashnikov concern announced the development of the ZALA 421-16EV HD unmanned aerial vehicle. It was created by ZALA Aero, a holding company.

A feature of the novelty, according to the developers, was the ability to broadcast video stream in HD format (resolution 1280  x  720 pixels), which allows the operator to consider streaming video in the smallest detail.

Kalashnikov concern introduced a drone broadcasting high-resolution video

Also, the ZALA 421-16EV HD model has an adaptive system for using the aerodynamic properties of an unmanned aircraft in all flight modes, the concern's website says. The main advantage of the ZALA 421-16EV engineers consider the absence of the need to launch a drone from a catapult and a specially equipped site. The device provides duplicate security systems, which, according to the manufacturer, makes this model very reliable.

This drone can be in the air for 2 hours at a cruising speed of up to 110 km/h.

The ZALA 421-16EV BVS model has almost unlimited capabilities and provides huge potential for monitoring and aerial photography of any inaccessible places and area objects, the Kalashnikov concern emphasizes.

Prior to mass production, the complex passed both factory tests and successfully proved itself in the field. The ZALA 421-16EV HD model is available on the market by May 21, 2020, but its cost is not indicated.

The new drone will be among the more than 2000 unmanned ZALA systems, which by May 21, 2020 are used to protect state borders, conduct reconnaissance and rescue operations, monitor more than 2.5 million kilometers of oil and gas infrastructure, survey high-risk facilities and emergency sites.^[2]

Description of BVA Zala 421-16E2

As of March 2020, according to a statement by Zala Aero, the Zala 421-16E2 tactical BVS is optimally suited for aerial reconnaissance. Extended flight time, the possibility of launching from unprepared sites, a wide range of interchangeable target loads, intelligent software, optimized power consumption make this system flexible and multifunctional.

Features of the model noted by the manufacturer:

• Quick Start
• Extended flight time
• Easy to Start
• Target load protection during landing
• Advanced interchangeable target loads.

Characteristics:

• Take-off weight - 7.5 kg
• Maximum weight of target load - 1.5 kg
• Wing span - 2 800 mm
• Motor type - electric
• Flight duration - 4 + h
• Communication range by video channel - 30/60 + km
• Effective application height - 100-5,000 m
• Maximum flight altitude - 5 000 m
• Speed range - 65-110 km/h
• Start-up - elastic catapult
• Landing - parachute, air shock absorber
• Operating temperature range:
  • Standard -40 ° С... + 50 ° С
  • Arctic -55 ° С... + 40 ° С
  • Tropical -30 ° С... + 55 ° С

• Permissible wind speed - 15 m/s
• Navigation - INS with SNS correction, two independent radio range finders.