UAV / UCAV
Orlan-10
The Orlan-10 is a Russian lightweight reconnaissance drone built by the Special Technology Center in Saint Petersburg, accepted by the Russian military in 2012. It is the most widely used Russian small drone and a main artillery spotting tool in Ukraine.
Russia|Special Technology Center (STC), St. PetersburgWhat Is the Orlan-10? Overview, History and Development
The Orlan-10 was first tested around 2010 and entered Russian service in 2012. It is about 2.2 m long with a 3.1 m span and weighs about 18 kg, carrying up to about 6.5 kg. Manufacturer figures give endurance of up to 16 hours, a ceiling near 5,000 m and a control radius of about 120 km. It launches by catapult and lands by parachute, using a small petrol piston engine.
Payloads include electro-optical cameras, signals intelligence and the Leer-3 electronic warfare kit that spoofs mobile networks. Thousands have been built, and Russian media suggest wartime output above 1,000 a year, which is unconfirmed. Operators include Russia and Syria, with Iran, Armenia and others reported. Ukraine has downed many, and recovered examples reportedly held Western parts. A complex costs about US$1 million, according to estimates.
Orlan-10 Specifications: Endurance, Range, Payload and Sensors
Orlan-10 Variants and Versions Compared
The base reconnaissance drone with about 16 hours of endurance and a control radius of about 120 km.
The export version of the drone, marketed to foreign customers with the same basic airframe.
A larger variant with about 25 kg takeoff weight and a laser designator for guided artillery shells such as Krasnopol.
Which Countries Use the Orlan-10? Operators and Users
Russia
Syria
IranOrlan-10 FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the Orlan-10 cost?
The Orlan-10 costs about US$100,000–120,000 per aircraft, according to estimates. A full complex of two aircraft and a ground station is often cited at about US$1 million, though Russia has not published prices.
How long can the Orlan-10 fly?
The Orlan-10 can fly for up to about 16 hours, with a ceiling of about 5,000 m and a control radius of about 120 km. These are manufacturer figures, and it cruises at roughly 90 to 150 km/h.
Which countries use the Orlan-10?
The Orlan-10 is used mainly by Russia, and also by Syria, with Iran, Armenia, Mali and others reported but unconfirmed. No Gulf sales are confirmed, and Türkiye does not use it.
What is the Orlan-10 used for in Ukraine?
The Orlan-10 is used in Ukraine as an artillery spotter and for targeting Lancet loitering munitions and Iskander missiles. Ukrainian forces have shot down many, and improvised bomb drops have also been reported.
Orlan-10 vs Bayraktar TB2: what is the difference?
The Orlan-10 is an 18 kg reconnaissance drone for spotting and electronic warfare, while the Bayraktar TB2 is a larger armed drone. They serve different roles, and the Orlan-10 is far cheaper at about US$100,000.
What is the Leer-3 system on the Orlan-10?
Leer-3 is an electronic warfare kit carried by the Orlan-10 that jams and spoofs mobile phone networks. Three Orlan-10 drones can be paired to act as a mobile base-station network.
