The Zala reconnaissance drones from the company of the same name have become indispensable assistants to the Russian military at the front. They direct artillery and open a reliable path for assault groups during advancement.
The launch crew consists of two people, one equips the pneumatic catapult, and the second equips the aircraft. Two UAV operators work at the computers. Training is designed for interchangeability, but the pilots themselves have an established specialization.
Maintaining the pace is very important, it's safety. We are in the fields, no one knows who might be flying above us. You can't take, assemble the plane in advance, and arrive at the place already ready. This is our life, the lives of our people.
A drone operator with the callsign Cherep added that, in addition to working with kamikaze drones, tasks are performed to adjust artillery and reconnaissance.
Without eyes in the air, it is difficult to find the same machine gunner or automatic grenade launcher, assault groups will not pass like that. They can, of course, but it is better to secure them.
Zala UAV characteristics:
- Maximum take-off weight — 17 kg
- Maximum payload weight — 2.5 kg
- Wingspan — 4000 mm
- Engine type — electric
- Flight duration — 6+ hours
- Communication range (video) — 100+ km
- Effective application height — 100-5000 m
- Maximum flight altitude — 5000 m
- Speed range — 65-110 km/h
Zala UAVs are resistant to radio interference, have a low acoustic signature, a jam-resistant communication channel, and resistance to electronic warfare and air defense signals.
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