| type = [[Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle]] (reconnaissance variant) and [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] (armed variant)
| national origin = Russia
| manufacturer = [[Kronstadt Group]]
| Design group = Kronstadt Group
| Designer = Kronshtadt Group
| Built by =
| first flight = 2016
| introduced = 2020<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/10312083 |title = Шойгу заявил, что боевые возможности российской армии за 2020 год возросли на 13% |trans-title =Shoigu said that the combat capabilities of the Russian army for 2020 increased by 13% |work=tass.ru |date= |access-date=}}</ref>
| introduction =
| retired from Air Force =
| status = In service
| primary user = [[Russian Ground Forces]]
| more users =
| produced =
| number built = 48+<ref name=tsargrad.tv>{{cite web|url=https://tsargrad.tv/articles/voshod-oriona-russkie-ptichki-gotovy-dratsja-v-nebe-donbassa_579368|title=Rise of Orion: Russian Birds Are Ready For Fight In The Sky of Donbass|date=5 July 2022|work=tsargrad|first=Vlad|last=Shlepchenko|quote=The Kronstadt plant, built last year, is switching to a three-shift mode of operation...According to unofficial data, the Kronstadt plant has been mass-producing Orions for four months now and managed to deliver eight complexes to the army, each of which includes a command post, a communication module and six UAVs. It was also reported that 12 more complexes are planned for dispatch in the coming month.}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=August 2022}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/16224523|title=Совфед направил на фронт 48 беспилотников и 12 наземных станций управления|trans-title=Federation Council has sent 48 UAVs and 12 control stations to the frontline|website=[[TASS]]|accessdate=November 24, 2022}}</ref>
| program cost =
| unit cost =
| developed from =
| variants with their own articles =
| developed into =
}}
|}
The '''Kronshtadt Orion''' is a family of Russian [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAV) developed by [[Kronstadt Group]].<ref name="urlRussian Kronstadt Group details Orion-E UAV | weapons defence industry military technology UK | analysis focus army defence military industry army">{{cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russian_kronstadt_group_details_orion-e_uav.html |title=Russian Kronstadt Group details Orion-E UAV|work=www.armyrecognition.com |date= |access-date=}}</ref><ref name="urlOrion UAV">{{cite web |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/orion.htm |title=Orion UAV |work=www.globalsecurity.org |date= |access-date=}}</ref><ref name="urlORION Certificate of Acceptance signed - European Security & Defence">{{cite web |url=https://euro-sd.com/2020/04/articles/exclusive/17026/certificate-of-acceptance-for-orion-uav/ |title=ORION Certificate of Acceptance signed - European Security & Defence |format= |work=euro-sd.com |date=22 April 2020 |access-date= |archive-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802155236/https://euro-sd.com/2020/04/articles/exclusive/17026/certificate-of-acceptance-for-orion-uav/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> There are several variants of the drone, both for Russia's domestic and export market.
==Development==
Kronstadt began the development of Orion in 2011 as part of the Russian MoD-funded Inokhodets programme.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/premium-russia-still-has-sights-set-orion/|title=Russia still has sights set on Orion - Shephard Media |work=www.shephardmedia.com |date= |access-date=}}</ref> In 2013–2015, the company revealed the first layout of the Orion. In May 2016, RIA Novosti reported that test flights of the drone had begun.<ref name="urlOrion UAV"/>
On 24 August 2021, it was reported that the Russian MoD and Kronshtadt signed a deal for the procurement of 5 combat groups of an upgraded version of Orion, Inokhodets-RU (also known as Sirius). Each group will have several drones; delivery is scheduled for 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=555911&lang=RU|title = Минобороны РФ подписало контракты на поставку ударных беспилотников "Иноходец" и "Форпост-Р" -|trans-title = The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation signed contracts for the supply of attack drones "Pacer" and "Forpost-R" - |work=www.militarynews.ru |date= |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2021/0824/155064173/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / / Компания "Кронштадт" поставит Минобороны РФ БЛА самолетного и вертолетного типов |trans-title =TsAMTO / / The Kronstadt company will supply the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation with UAVs of aircraft and helicopter types |work=armstrade.org |date= |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1330349|title = Russia to begin deliveries of latest strike drones to troops from 2023 |work=tass.com |date= |access-date=}}</ref>
The large-scale Russian-Belarusian exercise Zapad in September 2021 included Orion drones.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1337289|title = Strike drones, Terminator tank support vehicles assist in offensive at Zapad-2021 drill |work=tass.com |date= |access-date=}}</ref>
==Operational history==
According to Russian Defense Minister [[Sergei Shoigu]], the Orion was tested for strike missions in 2019 in Syria. In 2020, the [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Russian Defence Ministry]] received the first batch of Orion drones for trial operation.
By 9 April during the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], there was video confirmation of Orion performing six successful strikes on Ukrainian vehicles, however the first combat loss of a drone was reported on 7 April.<ref name="forbesorion">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2022/04/09/russia-just-lost-a-killer-drone-over-ukraine-it-cant-afford-to-lose-many-more/?sh=63de35050543|title=Russia Just Lost A Killer Drone Over Ukraine. It Can't Afford To Lose Many More|date=9 April 2022|work=Forbes|first=David|last=Axe|quote=The proof is in the videos and photos of Russian drones and their victims that have circulated on social media in recent weeks. The Kremlin has released several drone video feeds depicting successful strikes on Ukrainian vehicles.}}</ref>
As of 17 August 2023, 6 Orion drones have reportedly been lost in combat according to [[Oryx (website)|Oryx]]. Oryx only counts losses confirmed through open sources.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html |access-date=2023-08-17 |website=Oryx}}</ref>
Russian journalist Alexander Rogatkin in April 2024 commented on the relative lack of use of Orion drones by Russian military. He said that the Orions were "Eclipsed by the [[ZALA Lancet|Lancets]] and primitive [[FPV drone]]s, which thrashed such a heap of enemy equipment that several tanks and trucks destroyed by the Orion in Mariupol did not make a difference." He also said that "This war is not for [[Medium-altitude long-endurance UAV|medium-altitude UAVs]]" and with layered air defense, they are useless as combat drones.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Куда подевались «Орионы»? |url=https://t.me/Rogatkinlive/299 |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=Telegram}}</ref>
==Variants==
;Orion (Inokhodets)
:Original version, also known as {{Lang-ru|иноходец|lit=amble|translit=Inokhodets}}. Can carry four guided bombs or four missiles and has a maximum payload of 200 kg.<ref name="urlRussia Tests Combat Drone in Syria">{{cite web |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/25763/Russia_Tests_Combat_Drone_in_Syria#.XmPQMEnsY5t |title=Russia Tests Combat Drone in Syria |format= |work=www.defenseworld.net |date= |access-date=}}</ref>
;Orion-E
:Export version of the Orion.<ref name=ainonline>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-09-10/enlarged-derivative-orion-uav-under-development|title = Enlarged Derivative of Orion UAV Under Development |work=www.ainonline.com |date= |access-date=}}</ref> Export contracts for the reconnaissance version of the drone have been signed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2021/0720/114063657/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / / "Рособоронэкспорт": экспортные контракты на поставку разведывательных БЛА "Орион" уже реализуются |trans-title = TsAMTO / / Rosoboronexport: export contracts for the supply of Orion reconnaissance UAVs are already being implemented |work=armstrade.org |date= |access-date=}}</ref>
;Helios-RLD
[[File:"Gelios-RLD" drone on MAKS-2021 airshow.jpg|thumb|Orion-2 Helios (export version) at MAKS-2021 airshow, Moscow.]]
{{Main|Kronshtadt Helios-RLD}}
:Helios-RLD is a larger version of the original Orion, with a bigger payload, classified as a [[high-altitude long-endurance]] (HALE) UAV, It weighs 5 tonnes (11,000 pounds) with a wingspan of 30 meters (98.42 feet).<ref name=ainonline/> It is intended for autonomous operations of up to 30 hours, at altitudes above 10,000 meters. A full-scale mock-up was unveiled on August 27, 2020, at the Kronshtadt pilot plant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2020/august/6515-russian-minister-of-industry-and-trade-discovers-new-domestically-built-helios-uav.html|title = Russian Minister of Industry and Trade discovers new domestically-built Helios UAV |work=www.airrecognition.com |date= |access-date=}}</ref> The first flight is planned for 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-27 |title=Беспилотник "Гелиос-РЛД" выполнит первый полет в 2024 году |url=https://ria.ru/20220127/bespilotnik-1769869437.html |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=РИА Новости |language=ru}}</ref>
;Inokhodets-RU (Sirius)
{{Main|Kronshtadt Sirius}}
:[[File:Sirius drone.jpg|thumb]]Also known as ''Sirius'', the Inokhodets-RU is an upgraded variant of the Orion with a bigger and different design, the key difference being twin engines. Sirius is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) attack UAV, with a wingspan of 30m, length of 9m and height of 3.3m, a maximum combat load of 450kg, cruise speed of 295km/h, maximum altitude 12,000m, and an endurance of 40 hours. A full-size mock-up of the 5 tonne drone was presented at the MAKS-2019 International Aviation and Space Exposition held at Zhukovsky International Airport near Moscow, Russia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/russias-top-long-range-attack-drones/|title = Russia's long-range attack drones |work=www.airforce-technology.com |access-date=|date = 27 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/27712#.YTD-Nd869lc|title = Russia's New Stealth Drone, Su-57 Jet Team to Destroy Adversary's Air Defenses |work=www.defenseworld.net |date= 3 March 2023|access-date=}}</ref> Inokhodets-RU has been tested jointly with piloted aircraft as of August 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1495671|title=Russia tests latest Sirius drone in joint reconnaissance/strike operations with aircraft|website=TASS}}</ref> First flight occurred in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-15 |title=В России состоялся первый полет новейшего беспилотника «Сириус» |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/6160829 |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=Коммерсантъ |language=ru}}</ref>
==Specifications (Orion-E)==
[[File:Combat drone "Orion-E" during the "Armiya 2021" exhibition.jpg|thumb|400px|Orion on the left, export version of "Orion-2" on the right]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Kronstadt Company <ref>{{YouTube |id=wEHXdogxgwM |t=145 |title=ORION-E |date= |access-date=}} Kronstadt Company</ref>
|prime units?=met
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* '''Payload:''' {{convert|250|kg|lbs|abbr=on}}
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|max speed kmh=200
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|cruise speed kmh=120
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|range km=1440
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|endurance note=with 60 kg payload
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|missiles= [[9K121 Vikhr|Vikhr-1V]] laser-guided [[antitank missile]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2021-11-13/armed-orion-e-male-ucav-debuts-dubai | title=Armed Orion-E MALE UCAV Debuts in Dubai | access-date=2022-09-02 | archive-date=2021-11-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114035440/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2021-11-13/armed-orion-e-male-ucav-debuts-dubai | url-status=dead }}</ref>
The Kronshtadt Orion is a family of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) developed by Kronstadt Group.[4][5][6] There are several variants of the drone, both for Russia's domestic and export market.
Kronstadt began the development of Orion in 2011 as part of the Russian MoD-funded Inokhodets programme.[7] In 2013–2015, the company revealed the first layout of the Orion. In May 2016, RIA Novosti reported that test flights of the drone had begun.[5]
On 24 August 2021, it was reported that the Russian MoD and Kronshtadt signed a deal for the procurement of 5 combat groups of an upgraded version of Orion, Inokhodets-RU (also known as Sirius). Each group will have several drones; delivery is scheduled for 2023.[8][9][10]
The large-scale Russian-Belarusian exercise Zapad in September 2021 included Orion drones.[11]
According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the Orion was tested for strike missions in 2019 in Syria. In 2020, the Russian Defence Ministry received the first batch of Orion drones for trial operation.
By 9 April during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, there was video confirmation of Orion performing six successful strikes on Ukrainian vehicles, however the first combat loss of a drone was reported on 7 April.[12]
As of 17 August 2023, 6 Orion drones have reportedly been lost in combat according to Oryx. Oryx only counts losses confirmed through open sources.[13]
Russian journalist Alexander Rogatkin in April 2024 commented on the relative lack of use of Orion drones by Russian military. He said that the Orions were "Eclipsed by the Lancets and primitive FPV drones, which thrashed such a heap of enemy equipment that several tanks and trucks destroyed by the Orion in Mariupol did not make a difference." He also said that "This war is not for medium-altitude UAVs" and with layered air defense, they are useless as combat drones.[14]
Original version, also known as Russian: иноходец, romanized: Inokhodets, lit. 'amble'. Can carry four guided bombs or four missiles and has a maximum payload of 200 kg.[15]
Orion-E
Export version of the Orion.[16] Export contracts for the reconnaissance version of the drone have been signed.[17]
Helios-RLD
Orion-2 Helios (export version) at MAKS-2021 airshow, Moscow.
Helios-RLD is a larger version of the original Orion, with a bigger payload, classified as a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAV, It weighs 5 tonnes (11,000 pounds) with a wingspan of 30 meters (98.42 feet).[16] It is intended for autonomous operations of up to 30 hours, at altitudes above 10,000 meters. A full-scale mock-up was unveiled on August 27, 2020, at the Kronshtadt pilot plant.[18] The first flight is planned for 2024.[19]
Also known as Sirius, the Inokhodets-RU is an upgraded variant of the Orion with a bigger and different design, the key difference being twin engines. Sirius is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) attack UAV, with a wingspan of 30m, length of 9m and height of 3.3m, a maximum combat load of 450kg, cruise speed of 295km/h, maximum altitude 12,000m, and an endurance of 40 hours. A full-size mock-up of the 5 tonne drone was presented at the MAKS-2019 International Aviation and Space Exposition held at Zhukovsky International Airport near Moscow, Russia.[20][21] Inokhodets-RU has been tested jointly with piloted aircraft as of August 2022.[22] First flight occurred in 2023.[23]
^Shlepchenko, Vlad (5 July 2022). "Rise of Orion: Russian Birds Are Ready For Fight In The Sky of Donbass". tsargrad. The Kronstadt plant, built last year, is switching to a three-shift mode of operation...According to unofficial data, the Kronstadt plant has been mass-producing Orions for four months now and managed to deliver eight complexes to the army, each of which includes a command post, a communication module and six UAVs. It was also reported that 12 more complexes are planned for dispatch in the coming month.
^Axe, David (9 April 2022). "Russia Just Lost A Killer Drone Over Ukraine. It Can't Afford To Lose Many More". Forbes. The proof is in the videos and photos of Russian drones and their victims that have circulated on social media in recent weeks. The Kremlin has released several drone video feeds depicting successful strikes on Ukrainian vehicles.
