Denis Fedutinov was graduated from the Moscow Stankin National Technological University in 2000 and then worked for the National Scientific Research Institute for Aviation Systems. Since 2003, he is editor of the specialized webportal uav.ru on unmanned aviation and is the author of several articles on the development of modern technologies. He is here interviewed by Bertrand Slaski, senior consultant, CEIS
Bertrand Slaski (BS) : Is Russian defense industry truly behind the West regarding unmanned aerial systems (UAS)?
Denis Fedutinov (DF) : Russian experts repeatedly claim that the Russian UAV systems developers are fundamentally lagging behind with the development capabilities of the industry leaders such as Israel and USA. To some extent, it is true. However, the comparison is to be contrasted with the late departure of the Russian industry in the UAV systems and the industrial hardship they are coming out right now.
The Russian companies offer categories of mini-UAV and tactical UAV systems. Russian mini-UAVs are quite competitive in the global market. One of the best examples is the Eleron, made by Enics Kazan based company. This system received excellent marks from the Russian Army during trials in 2010. Another very interesting system is the Inspector-402, made by Aerocon company from Zhukovsky, Moscow region. This UAV uses hydrogen fuel cell as power source, which allows it to conduct flights up to 10 hours.
On the contrary, tactical UAVs are behind the leading providers (such as Shadow for instance) of unmanned technologies in the category. But this shortcoming is not that critical and, with the attention from the Russian Federation (RF) Ministry of Defense, it should be overcome in the nearest future. One of the most interesting and promising system in this class is the Dozor-100 from Transas Company.
As for MALE, HALE and UCAV UAVs, there is just nothing similar in the country. The Russian companies have not achieved any projects in these categories and MiG and Sukhoi seem to be not seriously involved in such projects at this time.
BS : How do you explain these delays?
DF : Since the beginning of 1990-s and for more than 15 years, unmanned aerial systems have not been included into RF Ministry of Defense priorities as military budget could not afford them. Another factor which has caused this delay was that the Russian aviation industry failed to create an essential reserve of UAV projects before the USSR collapsed, like it was done for prospective piloted aircraft (Sukhoi Su-27’s family for example).
BS : When did they realize the plight in that field?
DF : The awareness that such a situation has no right to exist any longer came after the military operations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Georgian military demonstrated then the effectiveness of ISR missions with drones (Hermes-450). Moreover, the loss of unmanned vehicle is “just” a financial loss. But any loss of piloted aircraft presents not only material losses but also has political consequences, and, which is most important, it is connected with pilot’s injury, death or imprisonment (hostage).
BS : What are the actions under way to change this situation?
DF : Speaking about mini-UAV systems, the RF Ministry of Defense conducted large scale comparative tests last year. As a result, three manufacturers – Enics, STC and ZALA – have been selected to supply their systems (respectively Eleron, Orlan and Lastochka to military units for trial operations. Similar trials are likely to follow for tactical UAVs soon. Some progress was achieved for MALE systems as well. This year, the RF Ministry of Defense conducted a tender that resulted in the order given to Transas and Sokol companies to develop systems similar to UAV Predator and UAV Reaper classes.
BS : Could Europe be a partner for Russia in this specific area and also in ISR technologies?
DF : There are strong shortcomings existing in a number of key technologies, including the production of new composite materials, engines, reconnaissance and monitoring systems (TV-, IR- and photo-cameras). Considering the lack of “combat-proven” offers of UAV systems inside Russia, the Russian companies are forced to buy corresponding systems abroad at the present time (navigation and control systems, cameras and so on).
If European companies are in a position to offer competitive solutions (considering export restrictions, as well), required by Russian customers, then, in my opinion, they have every prospect for cooperation with the Russian developers of UAV systems. I think besides the high technical features these are the following: the possibility to sale hi-tech equipment to Russian customers and the ability to make after-sale support in Russia.
BS : How do you evaluate the size of the UAS market in Russia and the CIS?
DF : It is just reasonable to consider the geographical size of Russia and CIS countries, the extent of borders and coastal line to understand that potentially the market is very wide and, at least, exceeds the European market in volume. The process of providing customers with unmanned aerial systems proceeds slower than it would be desirable. However, people say in Russia: “The Russians are slow starters but they drive fast”.
Date : 9 décembre 2011
Source : http://www.dsi-presse.com/?p=3952