Russia is preparing Helios-RLD radar patrol drones, review
At the international forum "Army-2023", the Kronstadt company presented the Helios-RLD radar patrol UAV, the production of this type of UAV will be launched at the plant in Dubna. The Helios-RLD drone is a further development of the Orion UAV platform. The UAV will interact with A-50 and A-100 early warning aircraft. In addition, the drone is adapted to provide radio communications, perform patrol tasks and monitor ice conditions.
The main purpose of the Helios is to conduct a radar patrol. This is necessary to create a continuous radar field in the direction of the most probable flight of enemy air forces. According to experts, Helios-RLD can become part of the Russian air defense system and be actively used in the Arctic. To maintain a radar patrol of the Helios-RLD UAV, it will be possible to use the Premier radar, this radar is used on A-100 aircraft. The maximum takeoff weight of the Helios-RLD is 4 tons, the maximum payload weight is 800 kg, the wingspan is 30 meters, the length is 12.6 meters, and the cruising speed is up to 450 km/h. The drone is able to rise to a height of up to 11,000 meters and stay in the air for up to 30 hours. The combat radius of the drone is 3000 kilometers.