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UAV · Reconnaissance UAV

Shmel-1 (Шмель-1)

Russia

Soviet/Russian close-range reconnaissance UAV (Yak-061) by the Yakovlev Design Bureau, the air vehicle of the Stroy-P/Shmel complex and direct predecessor of the Pchela. Ring-tail pusher-propeller layout, rocket-assisted launch and parachute recovery; remote terrain observation, no armament.

CountryRussia
SubtypeReconnaissance UAV
RoleReconnaissance
Russian-madetrue
ClassTactical
ClassificationClose-range reconnaissance UAV
MissionReconnaissance, Surveillance, Artillery observation
VariantsPchela-1T (successor); Malachit export
MTOW (kg)138
OperatorsRussia (Soviet/Russian Army)
Frame typeFixed-wing
Length (m)2.78
PropulsionPiston/ICE
Range (km)60
Wingspan (m)3.25
Export statusOffered for export (Malachit)
Launch methodRocket-assisted
Endurance (min)120
Recovery methodParachute
Max speed (km/h)180
Standard sensorsTV camera
Production statusRetired
Service ceiling (m)2500
Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions.