Ukrainian Firm Unveils Shark-M Reconnaissance Drone

Ukrainian firm Ukrspecsystems has unveiled its Shark-M unmanned aerial vehicle, capable of deep reconnaissance and serving as a signal repeater for strike drones.

The Shark-M shares the same 3.4-meter (11 feet) wingspan as its predecessor, the Shark-D, but it features an extended communications range of up to 180 kilometers (111 miles), which improves its suitability for long-distance missions. 

With up to seven hours of flight time due to batteries with a 170 percent greater capacity than older unmanned aerial vehicle models, the Shark-M can operate day and night in various weather conditions.

Drone Specifications

The drone measures 165 centimeters (5.4 feet) long with a height of 30 centimeters (nearly one foot).

It has a maximum take-off weight of 14.5 kilograms (31 pounds), can operate at an altitude of up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), and fly at a top speed of 130 kilometers (80 miles) per hour. 

System Enhancements

The Shark-M is equipped with a camera that can rotate continuously 360 degrees, along with sensors capable of detecting targets up to 35 kilometers (21 miles) away during the day and 14 kilometers (8 miles) at night.

Additionally, it features a universal connector that allows compatibility with various gyro-stabilized electro-optical systems.

To enhance electronic warfare resistance, the unmanned aerial vehicle has a new radio modem that’s reportedly 250 percent stronger than the previous version and an upgraded ground control station.

Shark-M offers enhanced ease of use for its operator as it is described as even simpler to control and can instantly generate mission reports.

For crew safety, the domestically-produced platform comes with an extension kit that moves the antenna away from the crew and features a remote control terminal.

Finally, it uses a catapult takeoff system so it can be launched anywhere — even without a traditional runway — and uses a parachute landing system to minimize landing damage.