Soviet/Russian operational-tactical reconnaissance UAV complex (VR-2 'Strizh') built around the Tu-141, a reusable jet-powered drone for deep reconnaissance at transonic speed with photo and IR equipment. ~152 built 1976-1989.
| Country | Russia |
|---|---|
| Subtype | Operational-tactical jet reconnaissance UAV |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Russian-made | true |
| Classification | Operational-tactical reconnaissance UAV |
| Mission | reconnaissance, deep reconnaissance |
| Variants | Tu-141 / VR-2 Strizh |
| MTOW (kg) | 5730 |
| Operators | USSR, Russia, Ukraine (legacy) |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Propulsion | Turbojet engine |
| Range (km) | 1000 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Launch method | solid-rocket booster (zero-length) |
| Autonomy level | Pre-programmed autonomous flight |
| Recovery method | parachute |
| Year introduced | 1979 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 1100 |
| Standard sensors | photo reconnaissance equipment, infrared reconnaissance equipment |
| Production status | Out of production; legacy stocks |
| Notable engagements | Ukraine reportedly used legacy Tu-141 against airfields (Engels) ~2022 |
| Service ceiling (m) | 6000 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Russo-Ukrainian War (legacy Tu-141 reused for strikes) |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Waypoint / GPS-guided |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Range / endurance | Long range (>650 km) |
| Signature / detectability | 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) |