Mockup of the unique Meridian unmanned amphibious aircraft presented at the "Unmanned Systems: Technologies of the Future" forum in Skolkovo

A mockup of the first Russian unmanned amphibious aircraft "Meridian" was presented at the "Unmanned Systems: Technologies of the Future" forum, held from August 14 to 17 in Skolkovo.

The aircraft does not require a runway and can land on both water and land thanks to its streamlined hull, resembling a boat.

The project is at the stage of experimental design work. The drone is designed to carry cargo weighing up to 700 kg and is intended for operation in regions with limited infrastructure.

"Meridian" is the only Russian amphibious system in the class of unmanned aerial vehicles. It is being created to transport cargo weighing up to 700 kg to remote regions, including the Arctic and the Far East, where there is no developed infrastructure.

The drone provides environmental monitoring and forecasting of changes in the natural environment. The aircraft is capable of monitoring the condition of land, water bodies and glaciers all year round. It can withstand temperatures from -45°C to +35°C, performs flights lasting up to eleven hours, covers up to 1200 kilometers and rises to a height of up to 4000 meters. In addition, the device can operate without the use of satellite navigation.

"Meridian" is being developed by the Center for Autonomous Robotic Systems (CARS) in conjunction with the Center of Competencies of Unmanned Aviation Systems of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University. All aerodynamic and strength calculations have been completed, and the manufacture of the first parts has begun.

Read also on the topic:

Mockup of the heavy Meridian unmanned amphibious aircraft shown at Innoprom in Yekaterinburg

Russian cars topped the list of floating all-terrain vehicles

"Flying platform with battery": heavy drone "MiS-150" with a lifting capacity of up to 15 kg developed in Russia