Soviet supersonic high-altitude reconnaissance drone by Tupolev, in service 1964-1979 as the DBR-1 system. Ground-launched with rocket boosters and powered by a KR-15 afterburning turbojet; flew Mach 2+ recon profiles up to ~22,800 m with film cameras and SIGINT payloads. Nose section recovered by parachute. ~52 built.
| Country | Russia |
|---|---|
| Subtype | Reconnaissance drone |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Russian-made | true |
| Class | Strategic |
| Classification | Strategic reconnaissance UAV |
| Mission | Reconnaissance, SIGINT |
| Variants | DBR-1 system |
| MTOW (kg) | 35610 |
| Operators | Soviet Air Force |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 27.8 |
| Propulsion | Turbojet |
| Range (km) | 3560 |
| Wingspan (m) | 8.4 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Launch method | Rocket-assisted, Ground launcher |
| Autonomy level | Autonomous waypoint |
| Recovery method | Parachute |
| Year introduced | 1964 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 2700 |
| Standard sensors | Film cameras, SIGINT/ELINT payload |
| Production status | Retired |
| Service ceiling (m) | 22800 |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Waypoint / GPS-guided |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | EW / decoy, ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Range / endurance | Long range (>650 km) |
| Signature / detectability | GNSS-dependent, RCS – large |
| Speed regime | High-speed / jet (>400 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class III – MALE (>600 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |