UMEX 2020: Ukrspecsytems presents their PD-1 VTOL UAV.

Ukrspecsystems showcased their PD-1 UAV in a VTOL version at UMEX 2020. Designed for a wide range of missions, the PD-1, commonly known as "People's Drone", has been developed since 2015 to offer a new highly customizable fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle.

(Picture source Army Recognition)

The PD-1 unmanned aerial system is specially designed for ISTAR operations. A PD-1 system consists of two PD-1 unmanned aerial vehicles with 50cc gas engine, planar high resolution 35 MP or 50 MP digital camera, rugged case ground control station, communication link, video transmission link, video transmission link, antennas, spart parts and accessories.The PD-1 is equipped with the USG-212 multi-sensor gyro-stabilized gimbal comes equipped with a Sony Full HD 30x optical zoom block camera and a 40mm IR camera that allows effective detection and tracking of targets even in low-visibility conditions. The integrated anti-vibration damping system ensures high image quality even at maximum optical zoom.

PD-1 UAV has a modular design, all airframe parts are secured with "fastlink locks", so you dont need any tools to assemble or disassemble the drone. PD-1 drone can be assembled from the box within 15 minutes. Modular design allows to easily and quickly replace all airframe parts, payload, and other equipments on board. The greatest advantage is that PD-1 drone can be converted from fixed-wing configuration to VTOL within 15 minutes.

It can carry up to 8 kg payload and has a maximum take-off weight of 33 kg. PD-1 UAV features a service ceiling of 3,000 m and an endurance of 10+ hours, while an EFI upgrade gives the platform a flight time of up to 15 hours. Its 4-stroke engine allows a cruise speed of 95 km/h and a maximum speed of 140 km/h.

The PD-1 UAV can be operated at temperatures -20°c to +45°c and wind up to 20 m/s. The system has telemetry link up to 100 km and real-time wireless video link up to 50 km. Total flight range of the PD-1 is over 400 km. Telemetry and video links are encrypted with AES256 and AES128 respectively.

PD-1 UAS comes equipped with an autopilot. Autopilot and GCS software allows to program flight route, do specific actions (e.g. take photos at certain point), do automatic runway take-off and landing, automatic launch from pneumatic catapult and parachute recovery and much more. All information from the PD-1 UAV (e.g. fuel level, engine temp, engine RPM, etc.) comes to GCS in real-time. PD-1 can also perform fully autonomous flights.

PD-1 Unmanned Aerial Systems are currently on service in Ukrainian Armed Forces. Their solution has received positive feedback from Ukrainian Army officers, drone operators and intelligence agents. PD-1 comes equipped with anti-jam capabilities, allowing it to be operated without GNSS signal or even when it faces GPS spoofing or control signals interception attempts.