Soviet/Russian battlefield reconnaissance UAV ('Bee') by the Yakovlev Design Bureau, the air vehicle of the Stroy-P system. Provides real-time TV/IR video for surveillance and artillery observation. Rocket-assisted rail launch from a BTR-D chassis; parachute recovery. In service 1997; combat-used in Chechnya.
| Country | Russia |
|---|---|
| Subtype | Reconnaissance UAV |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Russian-made | true |
| Class | Tactical |
| Classification | Tactical battlefield reconnaissance UAV |
| Mission | Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Artillery observation |
| Variants | Pchela-1T, Pchela-1IK |
| Notable partners | Kulon Research Institute |
| MTOW (kg) | 138 |
| Operators | Russia |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 2.8 |
| Propulsion | Piston/ICE |
| Range (km) | 60 |
| Wingspan (m) | 3.3 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Launch method | Rocket-assisted |
| Autonomy level | Remotely piloted |
| Endurance (min) | 120 |
| Recovery method | Parachute |
| Year introduced | 1997 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 180 |
| Standard sensors | TV camera, IR camera |
| Production status | Retired |
| Combat radius (km) | 60 |
| Notable engagements | Reconnaissance over Chechnya (Grozny and mountainous terrain) |
| Service ceiling (m) | 2500 |
| Conflicts deployed in | First Chechen War; Second Chechen War |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | RC line-of-sight – VLOS |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR, Target acquisition |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | ICE – petrol |
| Range / endurance | Short range (50–150 km) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – small |
| 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) |