Rostech Chirok (Teal)

Rostech Chirok (Teal) History

The Rostech Chirok (Teal) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was prototyped during Innoprom 2014 and differs from the existing UAV product line in terms of air, land and ground capabilities. Similar to a winged hovercraft, the drone can traverse land and water while soaring, greatly expanding the Chirok's tactical appeal to the world of potential customers. As such, the design is marketed broadly to include non-military services such as oil platform support, natural disaster support, border protection and humanitarian assistance. In its more military-oriented role, the aircraft will be used for general ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) and, most likely, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UCAV) role at a later date.

While development is underway, with extensive flight testing scheduled to begin in 2015, full production is not planned for 2016 or later.

The name "Chirok" comes from a species of duck that is widespread in Russia and describes the drone's inherent capabilities.

By design, the Chirok can take off and land from virtually any surface, hard or soft, immediately benefiting operations without the use of prepared or even rough runways. The hoverboard supports the vehicle during ground travel, mimicking the qualities of many hovercraft over the decades. The entire vehicle - whose structure is made of composite materials - is mounted on this buffer system.

The pads make the Chirok completely unique in the drone world. As the plane takes off, the cushion assembly retracts into the fuselage to maintain an aerodynamically refined fuselage. The fuselage features an enlarged front section, albeit well-shaped, with a refined profile leading to a monoplane wing assembly and double cantilever tail. At the ends of the outriggers there are a pair of inverted vertical fins that are joined at their ends into a single assembly. Although the exact layout of the propulsion system has not been announced, power is provided by a pair of small electric motors on short shafts.

Each engine drives a four-bladed propeller assembly in a "propeller" configuration. Its general shape, size and skin are said to have inherent stealth properties.

To date (2014), the only specifications released for the Chirok include a 32.8-foot wingspan, a 1,545-pound maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) and a 660-pound payload capacity. A service ceiling of 19,685 feet is also cited, along with a range of 1,555 miles - good range for any desired role for a small compact vehicle.

While initially unarmed, the design is said to be able to feature an internal weapons bay, allowing the Chirok to deploy compact precision weapons to perform the UCAV role. How this will work with retractable air cushions is unclear, although it will help support his approach to stealth design.

The ongoing nature of the Chirok program will undoubtedly lead to various design changes, including its powertrain layout and performance.

Specification

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