The Tipchak (BLA-08, also designated 9M62/BLA-05) is a Russian tactical reconnaissance and target-designation UAV system developed by the Luch design house under Vega Radio Engineering Corporation to replace the Stroy-P. It is catapult-launched, parachute-recovered, and carries an EO/IR payload.
| Country | Russia |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | Tactical reconnaissance UAV |
| Role | ISR / target acquisition |
| Russian-made | true |
| Class | Group 2 (tactical) |
| Classification | Tactical UAV |
| Mission | Reconnaissance, Target designation, Battlefield surveillance |
| Datalink | Real-time radio data link (up to ~40 km) |
| Variants | 9M62 (BLA-05); BLA-08 |
| MTOW (kg) | 70 |
| Operators | Russian Armed Forces |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 2.4 |
| Propulsion | Single Hirth piston engine (~12 hp) |
| Range (km) | 40 |
| Wingspan (m) | 3.4 |
| Combat-proven | Limited |
| Export status | Not exported |
| Launch method | Pneumatic catapult |
| Autonomy level | Semi-autonomous |
| Endurance (min) | 240 |
| Recovery method | Parachute |
| Year introduced | 2008 |
| Max payload (kg) | 14.5 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 200 |
| Standard sensors | EO camera, IR/thermal sensor |
| Production status | In service (legacy/largely superseded) |
| Combat radius (km) | 40 |
| Service ceiling (m) | 3000 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Reportedly used in eastern Ukraine/Donbas operations |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Semi-autonomous (human-on-the-loop) |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR, Target acquisition |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | ICE – petrol |
| Range / endurance | Close range (5–50 km, 1–6 hrs) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – small, RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High (150–400 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class I – Small (20–150 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |