ZALA Lancet-1 Russian Loitering Munition Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Lancet-1
Loitering Munition UAV
Other
Basic Information
Name
ZALA Lancet-1 Russian Loitering Munition Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Designation
Lancet-1
Alternate Designation
Lancet-1
Equipment Type
Loitering Munition UAV
Manufacturer
Kalashnikov Concern
Date of Introduction
2016
Description
The Zala Lancet is a kamikaze drone developed by Zala Aero to take out targets on land, in the air, and/or in water following the requirements of the Russian Army. The new weapon system has a maximum range of 40 kilometers and can carry out a precision strike autonomously. Besides, the drone has been designed to provide real-time video and imagery to the control station. The air vehicle includes intelligence, navigation, and communications modules.
Air & Air Defense Specifications
Max Speed
80.0 km/h
Range
40.0 km
Endurance
40.00 hrs
Variants
LANCET-3
Loitering munition ZALA LANCET-3 is equipped with several aiming systems: coordinate, electro-optical and combined systems.
Also the unmanned vehicle has a video communication channel that broadcasts target image to confirm the target engagement.
System
Alternate Designation
Lancet-1
Type
Loitering Munition Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Manufacturer
Kalashnikov concern and ZALA AERO GROUP
Mission
The Zala Lancet is a kamikaze drone developed by Zala Aero to take out targets on land, in the air and/or in water following the requirements of the Russian Army.
Maximum Payload Weight
The “Lancet-1” is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead with a mass of 1 kg. In this configuration, it has a take-off weight of the entire 5 kg.
TV Guidance
The Lancet has been fitted with a TV guidance unit that allows an operator to control the munition even on the terminal stage of flight.
Guidance System
The new munition features an optical-electronic guidance unit and can be pre-programmed before the flight.
Aerodynamic Configuration
The most important feature of the two "Lancets" is the aerodynamic configuration with two X-shaped sets of planes. It was used to reduce the dimensions of the bearing planes while maintaining the required lifting force. At the same time, we managed to increase the rigidity of the structure and increase the possible flight speed. Two sets of planes also improved the maneuverability of the device.
Maneuverability
The developers claim that due to their high maneuverability, new UAVs in flight can even imitate the behavior of birds, confusing the enemy. This seriously complicates the search and identification of loitering munitions, as well as their subsequent destruction.
Note
The Zala KPU-51 launcher station allows for the fast launch of larger variants of the Lancet drone series, particularly the Izdeliye-51 model, which features a more powerful warhead and an extended operational range. The KPU-51’s design focuses on simplicity and speed, reducing the complexity and time required to deploy these drones. Its compactness makes it highly portable and adaptable to various field conditions, whether in urban combat zones or rugged landscapes. This flexibility is particularly valuable in fast-moving, high-intensity operations, where rapid response times can be the difference between success and failure. The launcher’s portability enables military units to quickly reposition and adapt to dynamic combat environments, ensuring that loitering munitions are ready to engage targets as needed.
Dimensions
Length
INA
Width
INA
Height
INA
Takeoff Weight
12 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
INA
Engine Type
INA
Engine Power
INA
Maximum Speed
80-110 km/h
Maximum Distance
40 km
Maximum Altitude
INA
Endurance
40 min
Armament
Note
The Lancets in combat configuration could be fitted with high-explosive (HE) or HE-fragmentation warheads. The weapon seems to be the first known Russian-designed loitering munition.
Image Sources
Details
Country of Origin
Russia
Category
UAVs
Air > UAVs
Filter Label
Z
Classification
Domain
Air & Air Defense
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
—
Width
—
Height
—
Weight
12 kg
Operators (3)
Russia
Armenia
Azerbaijan
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