{{Short description|Unmanned aircraft system}}
{{Infobox aircraft | name = Raybird / ACS-3 | logo = | logo_size = | image = File:RB production.jpg | alt = Raybird in the starting position | caption = Raybird in the starting position | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = Unmanned aircraft system | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = Ukraine | manufacturer = APC "Skyeton" | design_group = | designer = | builder = | issuer = | status = In service | owners = | primary_user = | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = | introduction = | retired = | first_flight = | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = | variants = | developed_into = | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded = }} '''Raybird''' (ACS-3) is an unmanned aircraft system designed for various long-term missions and ISTAR operations. It corresponds to the class I of NATO classification and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.{{efn|Takeoff weight up to 150 kg, small tactical UAV.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Zhdanov |first1=S.V. |year=2017 |title=Тенденції розвитку безпілотних авіаційних комплексів тактичного класу |trans-title=Trends in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles of the tactical class |url=https://mon.gov.ua/storage/app/media/innovatsii-transfer-tehnologiy/publikatsiyi/tezu5.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Kyiv |publisher=ДНУ УкрІНТЕІ |journal=V Міжнародна науково-практична конференція (11–12 жовтня 2017 року) «Проблеми координації воєнно-технічної та оборонно-промислової політики в Україні. Перспективи розвитку озброєння та військової техніки»: Тези доповідей |pages=248 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810080928/https://mon.gov.ua/storage/app/media/innovatsii-transfer-tehnologiy/publikatsiyi/tezu5.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Frew |first1=Joanna |year=2021 |title=On the edge: Security, protracted conflicts and the role of drones in Eurasia |url=https://dronewars.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DW-Eurasia-WEB.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |location=Oxford |publisher=Drone Wars UK |pages=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104121359/https://dronewars.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DW-Eurasia-WEB.pdf |archive-date=4 January 2022}}; {{cite book |last1=Gettinger |first1=Dan |year=2019 |title=The drone databook |url=https://dronecenter.bard.edu/files/2019/10/CSD-Drone-Databook-Web.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |location=New York |publisher=Bard College |pages=77 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921071654/https://dronecenter.bard.edu/files/2019/10/CSD-Drone-Databook-Web.pdf |archive-date=21 September 2021}}</ref>}} Created by APC "Skyeton". ''Raybird'' is the name of the aviation system for dual-use; ACS-3 is the name of the military version.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Virun |first1=Bohdan |year=2020 |editor1-last=Pron |editor1-first=Svitlana |title=Ефективність використання безпілотних авіаційних систем при виконанні пошуково-рятувальних операцій |trans-title=The effectiveness of the use of unmanned aerial systems in search and rescue operations |url=https://dspace.nau.edu.ua/bitstream/NAU/45677/1/ФТМЛ_2020_275.04_Тр_Тех_Вірун_Б_В.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Kyiv |pages=82 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810080927/https://dspace.nau.edu.ua/bitstream/NAU/45677/1/ФТМЛ_2020_275.04_Тр_Тех_Вірун_Б_В.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |year=2019 |title=Raybird. Рекорд у піднебессі |trans-title=Raybird. Record in skies |url=https://issuu.com/defenseexpress/docs/defense_express-10-11-2019 |access-date=11 January 2022 |language=uk |journal=Defense Express |number=10 |pages=20}}</ref>
== History of UAV creation and development == In 2014, the first prototype of fixed-wing UAV was developed, with a gasoline engine for surveillance and inspection missions.<ref name="Jackson">{{cite journal |last1=Jackson |first1=Rory |year=2021 |title=Going the distance: Dossier: Skyeton Raybird |url=https://www.ust-media.com/ust-magazine/UST038/22/ |access-date=11 January 2022 |location=Wedmore |publisher=High Power Media Ltd |journal=Unmanned Systems Technology |number=38 |pages=22, 24, 26–27, 30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810080923/https://www.ust-media.com/ust-magazine/UST038/22/ |archive-date=10 August 2021}}</ref>
Later, a number of state tests confirmed that the complex carries out necessary tasks in the conditions of counteraction to electronic warfare (EW) and meets the requirements for tactical drones.<ref>{{cite journal |year=2018 |editor1-last=Buryachenko |editor1-first=Valentyn |title=Сучасні "очі" армії |trans-title=Modern "eyes" of the army |url=https://shron3.chtyvo.org.ua/Viisko_Ukrainy/2018_N08_214.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Kyiv |publisher=Ministry of Defence (Ukraine) |journal=Військо України (The Army of Ukraine) |number=8 |pages=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810080925/https://shron3.chtyvo.org.ua/Viisko_Ukrainy/2018_N08_214.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |year=2019 |title=Raybird conquering new heights |url=https://shron1.chtyvo.org.ua/Ukrainian_Defense_Review/2019_N3.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |location=Kyiv |publisher=Defense Express |journal=Ukrainian Defense Review |number=3 |pages=42 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810080925/https://shron1.chtyvo.org.ua/Ukrainian_Defense_Review/2019_N3.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2021}}</ref>
In October 2020, an upgraded modification of the ACS-3M was introduced with a new injector engine, improved software, and an ability to mount a small radar with a synthesized aperture.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukurier.gov.ua/uk/news/ukrayina-pokazala-modernizovanij-bezpilotnik-dlya-/ |title=Україна показала модернізований безпілотник для розвідки над Донбасом |author=Horyansky, Orest |date=26 October 2020 |website=Uryadovy Kuryer |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810084917/https://ukurier.gov.ua/uk/news/ukrayina-pokazala-modernizovanij-bezpilotnik-dlya-/ |archive-date=10 August 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Ukraine has shown a modernized drone for reconnaissance over Donbass}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |year=2021 |title=Иностранная военная хроника |trans-title=Foreign military chronicle |url=https://zvo.ric.mil.ru/upload/site230/VskbjBtlmS.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |language=ru |location=Moscow |publisher=Ministry of Defence (Russia) |journal=Зарубежное военное обозрение (Foreign military review) |volume=1 |number=886 |pages=98 |issn=0134-921X |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913005537/https://zvo.ric.mil.ru/upload/site230/VskbjBtlmS.pdf |archive-date=13 September 2021}}</ref>
In March 2021, the launch of a UAV from a moving object (vehicle in motion) was demonstrated.<ref>{{cite journal |year=2021 |editor1-last=Pleshko |editor1-first=E.A. |title=Інформаційна довідка No. 80 (березень 2021 року) |trans-title=Information reference No. 80 (March 2021) |url=https://ivms.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/naukovo-informaczijnyj-byuleten-1_18_2021.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Odesa |publisher=National University «Odesa Maritime Academy» |journal=Науково-інформаційний бюлетень (збірник воєнно-морської наукової інформації) за перший квартал 2021 року (Scientific information bulletin (collection of naval scientific information) for the first quarter of 2021) |volume=1 |number=18 |pages=83 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810080927/https://ivms.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/naukovo-informaczijnyj-byuleten-1_18_2021.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2021}}</ref>
Since 2016, the UAV has been allowed to operate in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite journal |editor1-last=Hurak |editor1-first=S.P. |year=2019 |title=Сучасний безпілотник |trans-title=Modern drone |url=https://issuu.com/defensebulletin/docs/ov_07_2019_ukr |language=uk |location=Kyiv |publisher=Центр воєнної політики та політики безпеки |journal=Оборонний вісник (Defense Bulletin) |number=7 |pages=2 |issn=2306-6121 |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810080925/https://issuu.com/defensebulletin/docs/ov_07_2019_ukr |archive-date=10 August 2021}}</ref> Also, the UAV manufacturer is included in the register of executors of the state defense order of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ukrmilitary.com/2021/10/24.html |title=Мінстратегпром вніс ще 24 компанії до реєстру виконавців державного оборонного замовлення |date=25 October 2021 |website=Ukrainian Military Pages |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025232843/https://www.ukrmilitary.com/2021/10/24.html |archive-date=25 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine added 24 more companies to the register of executors of the state defense order }}; {{cite web |url=https://reestr.mspu.gov.ua/fileadmin/data/orders-organizations/nakaz-20210929-25-%D0%94%D0%A0.pdf |title=Про внесення товариства з обмеженою відповідальністю "Авіаційна виробнича компанія 'СКАЕТОН'" до електронного реєстру учасників відбору та виконавців державних контрактів (договорів) |date=29 September 2021 |website=Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine |access-date=11 January 2022 |language=uk |trans-title=Order on inclusion of LLC APC SKYETON in the electronic register of participants in the selection and executors of state contracts No. 25-DR dated 29.09.2021 |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111185445/https://reestr.mspu.gov.ua/fileadmin/data/orders-organizations/nakaz-20210929-25-%D0%94%D0%A0.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
== Design == Unmanned aerial system Raybird consists of an unmanned aerial vehicle, a portable ground control station, an antenna, and a catapult.{{efn|Andriy Berezhnyi informs about ACS-3 in an extended configuration: 4 unmanned aerial vehicles, 2 ground control stations, 2 launch catapults, 2 transport bases (car), spare parts, tools and accessories, operational documentation.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Berezhnyi |first1=Andriy |year=2020 |editor1-last=Trystan |editor1-first=A.V. |title=Методи та інформаційна технологія автоматизованого планування маршрутів польотів безпілотних літальних апаратів для підвищення ефективності пошуку об'єктів |trans-title=Methods and information technology for automated flight planning of unmanned aerial vehicles to increase the efficiency of object search |url=https://er.chdtu.edu.ua/bitstream/ChSTU/1144/5/Бережний%20А.О._дисертація%2005.13.06.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Kharkiv |publisher=Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University |pages=179 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810080923/https://er.chdtu.edu.ua/bitstream/ChSTU/1144/5/Бережний%20А.О._дисертація%2005.13.06.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2021}}</ref>}} The whole complex is transported in four containers. It takes less than 20 minutes to start.<ref name="Factory">{{cite web |url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.php?aircraft_id=2297 |title=Skyeton Raybird: Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) (2019) |date=13 June 2020 |website=Military Factory — Global Defense Reference |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820045344/https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.php?aircraft_id=2297 |archive-date=20 August 2021}}</ref>
UAV power plant is a single-cylinder four-stroke gasoline engine GF40 injector type with a capacity of 40 cm<sup>3</sup> (manufactured by OS Engines), which drives the propeller. The engine operates in temperatures from −25 to +45 °C, its power is 3.8 hp (2.8 kW). The aircraft is launched by a mechanical catapult with a starting speed of 55 km/h. It lands on a parachute.<ref name="Jackson"/>
The UAV does not require manual entry of coordinates, flies on a pre-programmed route, and returns to the operator. The operator does not need to directly control the aircraft and the whole system operators under autopilot command at all times. The maximum distance of the control link is 240 km. In offline mode Raybird flies 2.5 thousand km at a maximum radius of 1 thousand km. Any number of aircraft can be connected to the control station, any number of operators can be connected to one aircraft.<ref name="Factory"/><ref>{{cite journal |year=2020 |title=Крилатий розвідник: Компанія Skyeton розробила модернізовану версію безпілотника ACS-3 |trans-title=Winged scout: Skyeton has developed an upgraded version of the ACS-3 unmanned aerial vehicle |url=https://defence-ua.com/media/pdf/free_dc25f8ac9d333e24.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |language=uk |journal=Defense Express |number=10–11 |pages=46 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118133400/https://defence-ua.com/media/pdf/free_dc25f8ac9d333e24.pdf |archive-date=18 November 2020}}; Full web version of the journal: {{cite web |url=https://defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/na_scho_zdatna_modernizovana_versija_bezpilotnika_acs_3-1919.html |title=Крилатий розвідник: На що здатна модернізована версія безпілотника ACS-3 |author=Levkov, Oleksiy |date=24 October 2020 |website=Defense Express |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810152736/https://defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/na_scho_zdatna_modernizovana_versija_bezpilotnika_acs_3-1919.html |archive-date=10 August 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Winged Scout: What is the upgraded version of the ACS-3 drone capable of}}</ref>
=== Specifications of Raybird (modification of ACS-3M) === Source:<ref name="Misyura">{{cite web |url=https://armyinform.com.ua/2021/06/doba-v-povitri-dlya-postijnoyi-rozvidky-kompaniya-skaeton-shho-postachatyme-dlya-armiyi/ |title=Доба в повітрі для постійної розвідки. Компанія "Скаетон": що постачатиме для армії |author=Misyura, Serhiy |date=9 June 2021 |website=ArmyInform — News Agency of the Ministry of Defense |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810083536/https://armyinform.com.ua/2021/06/doba-v-povitri-dlya-postijnoyi-rozvidky-kompaniya-skaeton-shho-postachatyme-dlya-armiyi/ |archive-date=10 August 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Day in the air for constant reconnaissance. Skaeton: what it will supply for the army}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- align="center" style="font-size: small; font-weight:bold; background-color:#dddddd; padding:5px;" | | Name characteristics || Indicator |- | Wingspan ||2960 mm |- | Flight altitude ||up to 5.5 km |- | Flight duration ||28+ hours |- | Speed (min / cruising / max) ||80/110/140 km/h |- | Maximum takeoff weight ||23 kg |- | Payload ||up to 10 kg |}
== Areas of application == {{External media|float=right|video1={{YouTube|Rg7MS_G_u0I|Ukrainian Army UAV (9 series of TV show "Polygon" on UATV Channel)}} |video2={{YouTube|PMrQCxG25-M|ACS-3 from Skyeton: what a unique Ukrainian UAV is capable of (on Defense Express Channel)}} |video3={{YouTube|5OTQH0Cr8rY|time=506|Dünyanin en i̇yi̇ askeri s i̇haları (The world's best military drones) (on Tekno Trend Channel)}} }} The UAV can be used in a number of commercial and military tasks: * Aerial photography * Fire prevention * Mapping * Search and rescue operations * ISTAR mission etc.<ref name="Misyura"/><ref>{{cite book |last1=Ricardo Alexandre Vaz Alves |year=2018 |title=Emprego de meios tecnológicos na vigilância florestal em Portugal |trans-title=Use of technological means in forest surveillance in Portugal |url=http://comum.rcaap.pt/bitstream/10400.26/23217/1/MAJ%20Ricardo%20Alves.pdf |access-date=11 January 2022 |language=pt |location=Pedrouços |publisher=Instituto Universitário Militar |pages=42 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810085156/http://comum.rcaap.pt/bitstream/10400.26/23217/1/MAJ%20Ricardo%20Alves.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2021}}</ref>
== Note == {{notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * {{cite news |url=https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/donbas-realii-turetski-bezpilotnyky-v-ukraini/29594490.html |title=Турецькі безпілотники в Україні. Чи необхідні вони на Донбасі? |author=Кречко, Ярослав |date=18 November 2018 |website=Radio Liberty |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807161512/https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/donbas-realii-turetski-bezpilotnyky-v-ukraini/29594490.html |archive-date=7 August 2020 |language=uk |trans-title=Turkish drones in Ukraine. Are they needed in Donbass?}}
Category:Twin-boom aircraft Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft Category:Synthetic aperture radar Category:Unmanned aerial vehicles of Ukraine Category:Reconnaissance aircraft Category:Military equipment of the Russian invasion of Ukraine