UAV · MALE reconnaissance/strike UAV
Orion (Inokhodets)
Kronshtadt Group · Russia
The Kronshtadt Orion (export name Orion-E; military designation Inokhodets) is Russia's first operational MALE reconnaissance-strike UAV. It is a fixed-wing pusher-prop design capable of carrying guided munitions and has been used in Syria and Ukraine.
| Country | Russia |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | MALE reconnaissance/strike UAV |
| Role | ISR / strike |
| Russian-made | true |
| Class | Group 4 (MALE) |
| Classification | MALE UCAV |
| Mission | Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Strike |
| Datalink | Radio / satellite data link |
| Variants | Orion; Orion-E (export); Inokhodets |
| MTOW (kg) | 1000 |
| Operators | Russian Armed Forces |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 8 |
| Propulsion | Single Rotax-class piston engine (pusher) |
| Range (km) | 250 |
| Wingspan (m) | 16 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Export status | Offered for export as Orion-E |
| Launch method | Runway (conventional takeoff) |
| Autonomy level | Semi-autonomous (automatic takeoff/landing) |
| Endurance (min) | 1440 |
| Recovery method | Runway landing |
| Year introduced | 2020 |
| Max payload (kg) | 200 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 200 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR gimbal, SAR, Laser designator |
| Production status | In service / production |
| Combat radius (km) | 250 |
| Notable engagements | Strike and ISR sorties in Ukraine |
| Service ceiling (m) | 7500 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Syria; Russo-Ukrainian War |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | RC line-of-sight – BVLOS, Semi-autonomous (human-on-the-loop) |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV, ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | ICE – petrol |
| Range / endurance | Medium range (150–650 km) |
| Signature / detectability | GNSS-dependent, RCS – large, RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High (150–400 km/h) |
| Strike depth / operational role | Recon-strike complex (ISR + strike paired, e.g. Mavic + FPV, Orlan + Lancet) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – Strike / Combat (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |
Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: kronshtadt.ru/en