SHARK (Ukrainian: ШАРК) is a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle created by the Ukrspecsystems company[2] for monitoring and adjusting fire on the battlefield. The UAV is equipped with a highly reliable communication module (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 30x optical magnification and an additional 3x digital zoom enables surveillance at a distance of up to 5 km from the drone to the target.[3]
| Shark | |
|---|---|
| |
| Shark drone | |
| Role | Reconnaissance UAV |
| National origin | Ukraine |
| Manufacturer | Ukrspecsystems[1] |
| Introduction | 2022 |
| Primary user | Armed Forces of Ukraine |
Approximate cost - US$325,000 (Three UAVs, a vehicle with a command post).
Description
editShark 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, tipping 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 means and difficult weather conditions. Several UAVs capable of operating in difficult weather conditions can be controlled from one station
The complex of BpAS "Shark" includes:
- 3 UAVs
- Ground launcher
- Additional equipment
History of creation
editThe 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.[4]
| Characteristic | SHARK UAS |
|---|---|
| Communication range | 80 km |
| Cruise speed | 75 km/h |
| Maximum flight speed | 130 km/h |
| Maximum flight range | ~300 km |
| Stall speed | 60 km/h |
| Ceiling | 3000 m |
| The weight of the device | 12.5 kg |
| Wingspan | 3.4 m |
| Operating temperature | from −15 °C to 50 °C |
Camera system
editDifferent video recording modules can be installed on the aircraft: USG-231 and USG-231-T.
| Characteristic | USG-231 | USG-231-T |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment | Day vision camera
Full HD with 30x optical zoom |
Night vision camera
with an uncooled thermal imaging module |
| Digital approximation | 3x | 4 p |
| Digital stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Protection against fogging | Yes | No |
| Video recording and storage
aboard |
Yes | Yes |
| Rotation along the axis | No | 360° |
| Size, mm | 105×107×120 | 105×107×120 |
| Weight, g | 590 | 635 |
Operators
edit
Combat use
editIn 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[6] a fundraiser to buy 25 SHARK systems, totaling 325,000,000 UAH or 13 million UAH per system.[7] 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.
References
edit- ^ "Ukrspecsystems представив свій новий БПЛА SHARK UAV" (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2022-11-14. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
- ^ "Ukrspecsystems представив свій новий БПЛА SHARK UAV". Мілітарний (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2022-11-14. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
- ^ ""ШАРК" — новий український безпілотник для глибокої розвідки та коригування HIMARS". ITC.ua. Archived from the original on 2022-11-30. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
- ^ "В Україні створили новий безпілотник для глибинної розвідки й коригування вогню (відео)". www.unian.ua (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2022-12-04. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
- ^ "Ukrspecsystems представив свій новий БПЛА SHARK UAV". Мілітарний (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2022-11-14. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
- ^ ""ОКО ЗА ОКО". "Повернись живим" і ОККО запустили спільну ініціативу, щоб придбати 25 безпілотних комплексів "ШАРК" - savelife.in.ua" (in Ukrainian). 2022-11-01. Archived from the original on 2023-04-29. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
- ^ "ОКО ЗА ОКО – спільний благодійний проект ОККО і "Повернись живим"". 2022-11-18. Archived from the original on 2022-11-18. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
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