Russian Orlan‑30 UAV

Manufacturer: Special Technology Center (STC)
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed 150 km/h
Endurance up to 8 hours
Operational Range ~120 km control, ~300 km autonomous
Payload Capacity ~6 kg

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	Orlan‑30
Manufacturer	Special Technology Center (STC)
Country of Origin	Russia
Type / Role	Reconnaissance / Target Designation
First Flight / Introduced	Early 2020s
Status	In Service
Unit Cost	Roughly USD 20–35k (estimated)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	~150 km/h
Cruise Speed	~90–120 km/h
Operational Range	~120 km (remote) / ~300 km (autonomous)
Endurance	~8 hours
Service Ceiling	~5,000 m
Rate of Climb	N/A

3. Dimensions

Length	~2 m
Wingspan	~3.9 m
Height	~0.5 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	~30–40 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	~6 kg
Hardpoints	N/A
Weapons	None
Sensors	EO camera, thermal imager, laser designator
Avionics	GPS / INS, secure data link

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Small combustion engine
Engine Power	N/A
Propeller Type	Two‑blade pulling propeller

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote / Autonomous
Data Link Range	~120 km line‑of‑sight
Navigation	GPS / INS
Ground Control Station	Remote with automated workstations

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	Russian Armed Forces
Combat Proven	Yes
Notable Operations	Ukraine Conflict

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.3

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 9 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Advanced laser designation improves artillery accuracy.
Long endurance for persistent surveillance.
Robust sensor suite for optical and infrared imaging.
Portable launch and recovery without runway.
Flexible use in day/night and varied weather.

CONS

Russian origin limits export to many Western militaries.
Payload capacity is modest compared to larger UAVs.
Communications can be vulnerable without satellite link.
Counter‑UAV weapons reduce survivability.
Not an armed strike platform itself.

Orlan‑30 Recon UAV

The Orlan‑30 is a Russian‑designed unmanned aerial vehicle built for battlefield reconnaissance, surveillance, and target designation. It has become a key tool for artillery spotting and intelligence gathering, especially in long‑term operations where situational awareness is vital.

Developed by the Special Technology Center in Saint Petersburg, the Orlan‑30 evolved from the earlier Orlan‑10 family to add advanced sensors and laser designator systems. It enters the category of small tactical UAVs that get airborne quickly from portable catapult launchers without the need for runways. This makes it suited for forward units and mobile forces.

Design and Capabilities

The Orlan‑30’s basic airframe weighs around 30 to 40 kilograms at maximum take‑off with a wingspan near 3.9 meters, and it carries up to about six kilograms of payload. It cruises between 90 and 150 kilometers per hour with an endurance reaching up to eight hours, allowing extended presence over an area of interest. Operational radius via radio link is around 120 kilometers, with autonomous navigation allowing flights significantly farther.

Its sensor suite includes high‑resolution electro‑optical cameras, thermal imagers, and importantly a laser rangefinder and target designator. The laser system lets ground artillery and precision munitions lock on marked targets, improving accuracy and reducing wasted fire. Orlan‑30 can operate day or night, in diverse weather conditions, and share data back to the ground control station in real time.

The drone launches from a catapult and lands by parachute, keeping ground support light. Units can integrate the UAV into wider ISR networks to support patrols, monitor routes, or spot enemy positions. Its role in recent conflicts highlights the growing reliance on unmanned systems for situational awareness and indirect fire support.

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