Tactical Fixed-Wing UAV
Fixed-Wing UAVThreat: MediumOpen-Source Referenced
Small to medium fixed-wing UAV used at brigade/division level for ISR and artillery correction. Hand-launched or catapult-launched, with longer endurance than multirotors. Provides persistent overhead surveillance over a wider area.
Technical Specifications
range
30–150 km
speed
80–150 km/h
payload
2–20 kg (sensors, sometimes light munitions)
endurance
2–12 hours
frequency
Encrypted military datalink
cost Estimate
$50,000–$500,000
altitude
Up to 5,000 m
weight
5–50 kg
Tactical Roles
ReconnaissanceISR
Advantages
- + Long endurance for persistent surveillance
- + Greater range than multirotor platforms
- + Can cover large areas for ISR
- + Hand/catapult launch: no runway needed
- + Encrypted military communications
Disadvantages
- − Limited or no strike capability on smaller variants
- − Larger radar cross-section than quadcopters
- − Cannot hover: must maintain forward flight
- − Vulnerable to medium-range air defense
- − Recovery may require net or belly landing
Real-World Usage
- ▸ Orlan-10: Russia's workhorse tactical ISR platform
- ▸ RQ-20 Puma: US hand-launched ISR drone
- ▸ Leleka-100: Ukrainian tactical reconnaissance UAV
- ▸ Orbiter 3: Israeli tactical UAV exported worldwide
- ▸ Mirsad-1 / Ababil-class: Hezbollah-operated cruise-style UAVs (INSS, JINSA)
Counters This Drone
Countermeasures ranked by effectiveness: tap any system for detailsi
Interceptor Drone (Drone-on-Drone)HighHigh-Power Microwave (HPM)HighLocalized EMP DeviceHighProgrammable Airburst Cannon (30/35/40mm)HighPassive Bistatic / Multistatic RadarHighIntegrated C-UAS Battle Management (Sensor Fusion)HighRF Jamming SystemMediumGPS Spoofing / Navigation WarfareMediumLaser Directed Energy WeaponMediumCounter-UAS Radar SystemMediumCyber Takeover / Protocol ExploitationMediumDirectional EW Rifle / Jammer GunMediumC-UAS Autocannon / Dedicated AA GunMediumRF Detection / Spectrum AnalyzerMediumAnti-Drone Laser DazzlerMediumDecoys / Signature ManagementMediumAI Vision Detection (EO/IR)MediumMan-Portable EW BackpackMediumPassive RF GeolocationMediumHardened PNT / CRPA AntennaMediumAutomated Light C-UAS Turret / Remote Weapon StationMediumShotgun / Small Arms InterceptLowAcoustic Detection SystemLowNet Gun / Net LauncherLowMANPADS (Stinger/Igla class)LowSmoke / Obscurant ScreenLowMedium/Long-Range SAM SystemLowNet-Carrying Interceptor DroneLowSmart Fire-Control OpticLowFiber-Optic Specific CountermeasuresNonePhysical Overhead ProtectionNoneAnti-FPV Net Tunnels & CurtainsNoneAcoustic Resonance Disruption (LRAD-class)None