Flight tests have begun in Russia for the new heavy multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) "Motylek," developed by the company "Sovelmash." The apparatus is capable of carrying up to 300 kg of payload, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h, and covering up to 60 km with a full load.
The drone's uniqueness lies in its asynchronous electric motors, developed by Russian engineers. According to chief designer Dmitry Duyunov, this is the world's first unmanned aerial vehicle with this type of engine. Each of the four motors develops 60 kW of power with a mass of 24 kg, ensuring high thrust-to-weight ratio and efficiency. The engines are based on the patented "Slavyanka" combined winding technology, which allows for energy savings of up to 40% compared to analogues.
The developers envision a wide range of applications for "Motylek." For the Ministry of Emergency Situations, it is useful for delivering cargo and evacuating victims from disaster zones. Industrialists can use it as an aerial winch. In agriculture, the apparatus can spray fields using a built-in tank. The military also shows interest in the platform – including for dropping ammunition and aerial bombs. Tests will last several weeks, after which a decision will be made on serial production.