Luch Korsar

Korsar
Role	Reconnaissance Unmanned aerial vehicle; Unmanned combat aerial vehicle; Electronic warfare
National origin	Russia
Manufacturer
Design group	, Ruselectronics
First flight	2015
Introduction	2018
Status	In limited service
Primary users	Russian Ground Forces;
Number built	3

The Luch Korsar (Russian: Корсар, English: 'Corsair') is a medium-weight Russian unmanned aerial vehicle developed by , member of Ruselectronics owned by Rostec, to perform reconnaissance, strike and electronic attack missions on behalf of the Russian Ground Forces and Navy.^[4] The program started in 2009 and at least 3 prototypes have been built as of 2019.^[1] It is considered as an improved analogue of the US-made RQ-7 Shadow UAV.^[5]

Development[]

OKB Luch began working on the Korsar project in 2009 and commenced flight testing in 2015. It was unveiled for the first time at the 2018 Moscow Victory Day Parade on May 9.^{[citation needed]}

At first, the Korsar was considered to be a medium-weight UAV for tactical applications with no mention of its ability to perform kinetic strikes. According to Rostec in May 2018, Korsar serial production is being set up. In the future, this system may come with improved air vehicles whose operational range would be increased from 120 to 160 km (65 to 86 nautical miles) currently to 250 km (135 nm). They will carry mission equipment with enhanced functionality in air reconnaissance and electronic warfare and reconnaissance.^[6]

In May 2020, Rostec said the Korsar would be upgraded to increase its radius of operation and outfit it with electronic warfare systems. As of December 2020, Korsar was undergoing test flights and operational evaluation.^[7]

According to Russian Deputy Minister Gen. Yuri Borisov, responsible for weapons procurement, the Russian Minister of Defence will be procuring a large quantities of Korsar.

Design[]

The Korsar and Luch features a twin-boom design with V-tail empennage and a single 50-to-70 hp piston engine driving a twin-blade pushing propeller, similar in design to the US RQ-7 Shadow and the Turkish Bayraktar TB2.

Operational history[]

Russian sources argue that the Korsar has already been tested in Syria, targeting rebels, various types of armored vehicles and infrastructural objects. It is said that its excellent performance has “persuaded the military to integrate it in the Russian armed forces”.^[5]

Variants[]

Korsar: Serial variant.
Korsar-M: Seaborn variant for the Russian Navy.^[8]

Specifications[]

Data from ^[6]^[5]

General characteristics

Crew: 0
Length: 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in)
Wingspan: 6.5 m (21 ft 4 in)
Empty weight: 200 kg (441 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 400 kg (882 lb)
Payload:

Performance

Maximum speed: 150 km/h (93 mph, 81 kn)
Range: 250 km (160 mi, 130 nmi)
Endurance: 12 hours
Service ceiling: 2,000 m (6,600 ft)

Armament

Bombs: Guided and unguided bombs

References[]

^ Jump up to: ^a ^b Karnozov, Vladimir. "Russia Unveils New Missile-armed UCAVs". Aviation International News.
^ "Korsar drones to be procured by Russian Ministry of Defence : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation".
^ "Russian Altius-U Unmanned Aerial Vehicle flies for the first time". August 24, 2019.
^ "Russia to furnish advanced Korsar drones with electronic warfare systems". TASS.
^ Jump up to: ^a ^b ^c "Syrian Experience Provides New Impetus for Russia's UAV Strategy (Part One)". Jamestown.
^ Jump up to: ^a ^b "Russia's New Korsar Surveillance UAV To Get An Upgrade Of EW Systems". www.defenseworld.net.
^ https://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/214716/russian-korsar-combat-drone-undergoing-operational-evaluation.html
^ "Russian Korsar drone may get a seaborne option".

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[auto3-1] Jump up to: ^a ^b Karnozov, Vladimir. "Russia Unveils New Missile-armed UCAVs". Aviation International News.

[2] "Korsar drones to be procured by Russian Ministry of Defence : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation".

[auto-3] "Russian Altius-U Unmanned Aerial Vehicle flies for the first time". August 24, 2019.

[4] "Russia to furnish advanced Korsar drones with electronic warfare systems". TASS.

[auto1-5] Jump up to: ^a ^b ^c "Syrian Experience Provides New Impetus for Russia's UAV Strategy (Part One)". Jamestown.

[auto2-6] Jump up to: ^a ^b "Russia's New Korsar Surveillance UAV To Get An Upgrade Of EW Systems". www.defenseworld.net.

[7] ttps://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/214716/russian-korsar-combat-drone-undergoing-operational-evaluation.html

[8] "Russian Korsar drone may get a seaborne option".

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