Skyeton’s Raybird sUAS has a flight endurance of up to 28 hours and a range of 2,500 km, which makes it an essential tool for modern reconnaissance and surveillance operations. 

Skyeton is a Ukrainian manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with 19 years of experience in the aviation industry. The company develops and supplies unmanned aerial systems for reconnaissance and surveillance, which are used worldwide. Skyeton employs more than 300 professionals.

The company’s UAVs play a crucial role in the operations of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, providing critical intelligence from deep within enemy territory. The Raybird sUAS holds the Ukrainian record for UAV flight endurance, achieving 24 hours of continuous flight in 2019. Since 2018, Armed Forces of Ukraine has officially adopted the UAV under the designation ACS-3.

The company’s history began with the production of ultralight aircraft, the K-10 Swift, laying the foundation for a high standard of aviation manufacturing. Skyeton's innovative solutions are used in deep reconnaissance, gathering strategically important information in war, as well as in border monitoring systems, natural disasters and fires, engineering systems, and 3D mapping. Today, Skyeton has produced more than 1,000 aviation systems. The Raybird sUAS has accumulated over 350,000 hours of combat missions. The company has an in-house R&D center, which employs over 100 engineers.

Technical characteristics of the sUAS Raybird

The Raybird has a wingspan of 3 – 4,2 m and a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 23 kg. The maximum flight range is 2,500+ m, whereas the maximum flight altitude is 5500 m. The data link range is up to 225+ km. The drone’s payload capacity is 5-10 kg, which includes a gyro-stabilized multi-sensor gimbal camera, radars, and specialized sensors, as well as aerial cameras.

The drone’s cruise speed is 110 km/h, while the speed range is 80-140 km/h. An EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) propulsion system electronically controls the fuel amount delivered to the four-stroke gasoline engine. A 95 Octane fuel rating is a high-quality fuel that resists premature ignition, ensuring smooth engine performance.

The Raybird’s operating temperature range lies between -35 and +55°C. The system deployment time is up to 25 minutes. Automated takeoff and recovery happen with a mechanical catapult and a parachute landing on an airbag. 

Performing deep remissions with minimal intervention

Creating a system with a flight endurance of up to 28 hours and a range of 2,500 km requires a combination of efficient design, fuel optimization, and advanced technology. Raybird achieves this through several key factors.

First, it uses a fixed-wing design with a gasoline-powered, fuel-injection engine, which is significantly more efficient than electric or battery-powered alternatives. This allows for extended flight without the need for frequent refueling. The four-meter wingspan and streamlined aerodynamics reduce drag, maximizing fuel efficiency and enabling high-altitude operation.

The Raybird sUAS also features advanced communication and navigation systems, maintaining stable control over long distances while transmitting real-time data up to 225 km away. Additionally, it operates at altitudes of 4-5 km, allowing it to avoid many air defense threats while maintaining optimal flight conditions.

Another critical factor is its autonomous flight capabilities. Raybird can follow pre-programmed flight paths and adjust to changing conditions in real time, reducing unnecessary energy use and enhancing mission efficiency.

By combining these features - fuel efficiency, aerodynamic design, long-range communication, and autonomous flight—the Raybird sUAS can perform deep remissions with minimal intervention, making it an essential tool for modern reconnaissance and surveillance operations.