SHARK (Ukrainian: ШАРК) is a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle created by the Ukrspecsystems company for monitoring and adjusting fire on the battlefield. The UAV is equipped with a communication module using AES256 encryption, which allows it to penetrate into the enemy's rear up to 80 km under EW conditions. The Full HD optical-electronic surveillance complex with 30× optical magnification and an additional 3× digital zoom enables surveillance at a distance of up to 5 km from the drone to the target.
Approximate cost - US$325,000 (Three UAVs and a vehicle with a command post).
Description Shark combines the war-tested technologies and experience of using larger operational-tactical UAVs of the PD-1 and PD-2 series in combat conditions. The UAV is launched from a catapult and has an operational range of up to 80 km, rising to a height of up to 3,000 meters. Its maximum speed is 130 km/h, cruising speed is 75 km/h, stall speed is 60 km/h. Landing is carried out using a parachute.
UAVs are able to adjust large-caliber artillery for a long time, resistant to EW countermeasures and difficult weather conditions. It is possible to operate multiple units from a single station.
The complex of BpAS "Shark" includes:
3 UAVs Ground launcher Additional equipment
History of creation The Ukrspecsystems company began work on the Shark UAV in the face of a full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, and flight tests began less than six months later.
Specifications +CharacteristicSHARK UASCommunication range80 kmCruise speed75 km/hMaximum flight speed130 km/hMaximum flight range~300 kmStall speed60 km/hCeiling3000 mThe weight of the device12.5 kgWingspan3.4 mOperating temperaturefrom −15 °C to +50 °C
Camera system Different video recording modules can be installed on the aircraft: USG-231 and USG-231-T. +CharacteristicUSG-231USG-231-TAppointmentDay vision camera Full HD with 30× optical zoomNight vision camera with an uncooled thermal imaging moduleDigital approximation3×4 pDigital stabilizationYesYesProtection against foggingYesNoVideo recording and storage aboardYesYesRotation along the axisNo360°Size, mm105×107×120105×107×120Weight, g590635
Operators
Combat use In 2022, Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation announced the purchase of a SHARK UAV for Ukraine's Armed Forces. By 2023, they had acquired three SHARK systems. On November 1, 2022, OKKO and the "Come Back Alive" Foundation initiated a fundraiser to buy 25 SHARK systems, totaling 325,000,000 UAH or 13 million UAH per system. These systems include 75 UAVs, 25 Torsus vehicles from Pulsar Expo with control points, and 25 launch setups. A notable project involved retrofitting the Torsus Terrastorm vehicle for remote piloting. This upgraded vehicle is optimized for wartime, offering efficient operations in any weather and rapid deployment.
See also
RAM-2X
References