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UAV · Reconnaissance drone

Tu-243 Reys-D (Ту-243 Рейс-Д)

Tupolev · Russia

Modernized Soviet/Russian tactical reconnaissance drone by Tupolev, successor to the Tu-143 within the VR-3D 'Reys-D' system. First flown 1987, in service from the 1990s; stretched fuselage for extra fuel (~double range), uprated TR3-117 turbojet and improved low-altitude guidance. Carries film, real-time TV or IR reconnaissance.

CountryRussia
SubtypeReconnaissance drone
RoleReconnaissance
Russian-madetrue
ClassTactical
ClassificationTactical reconnaissance UAV
MissionReconnaissance, ISR, Surveillance
DatalinkTrassa-M data downlink
VariantsVR-3D Reys-D system
MTOW (kg)1400
OperatorsRussia, Ukraine, Belarus, Syria, North Korea
Frame typeFixed-wing
Length (m)8.29
PropulsionTurbojet
Range (km)360
Wingspan (m)2.25
Export statusExported
Launch methodRocket-assisted
Autonomy levelAutonomous waypoint
Endurance (min)13
Recovery methodParachute
Year introduced1987
Max speed (km/h)950
Standard sensorsPanoramic film camera, TV reconnaissance, IR reconnaissance
Production statusIn service
Service ceiling (m)5000
Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions.