Russia Develops a Multi-Role Drone Capable of Operating in the Stratosphere

JAKARTA - Russia is developing a multifunctional unmanned platform capable of operating in the stratosphere that can reach a height of 15 thousand kilometers called Predator, said the CEO of Geron, the developer of the system, Vladimir Tabunov.

"Predator is a sophisticated UAV for long-term missions at high altitudes, capable of replacing some of the functions of satellite and ground-based systems. This platform is designed for commercial, scientific, and defense use," he told TASS as quoted (21/2).

"The main characteristics of 'Predator': maximum speed up to 550 km/h; maximum range of the drone up to 12,000 kilometers, operating altitude up to 15,000 meters, and payload up to 500 kilograms. This UAV has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, as well as hovering mode," Tabunov said.

Furthermore, it is said that the design of this drone uses a single wing (monowing) technology, which increases the flight speed, load capacity and stealth capabilities of the aircraft.

In addition, 'Predator' also integrates artificial intelligence and 3D scanning mode.

Tabunov noted that the drone being developed will be able to complete near-space exploration tasks.

"The development of 'Predator' combines solutions that, in our opinion, will be able to produce significant technological results for scientific and technical progress as well as solve tasks related to near-space exploration," he said.

Quoted from Airspace Review, regarding the term stratospheric drone, this drone is often also referred to as HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite) which operates at an altitude of 15 to 20 kilometers. At this altitude, the main function needed is ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance).