Kalashnikov Takhion (Tachyon)

History of Kalashnikov Takhion (Tachyon)

The Takhion, or "Tachyon," is a micro-drone manufactured by the Russian company Kalashnikov, exclusively used by the modern Russian army. It has been deployed in military operations, including in Ukraine's Donbas region and during the Russian invasion of neighboring countries. The drone's main function is providing critical reconnaissance capabilities by transmitting real-time data back to the Ground Control Station (GCS). Its compact size allows for easy transportation to the frontlines, featuring a flying wing design with a two-bladed propeller on the nose and winglets at the wingtips.

Designed to operate in various weather conditions, day or night, the Takhion can fly at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters and has an operational range of up to 40 kilometers from the GCS, depending on the skill of its two operators. Apart from reconnaissance, the drone can serve as an airborne cellular relay for low-altitude ground communication sources, enhancing its versatility in the field.

Having achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in March 2015 in the Russian Central Military District, Siberia, the Takhion drone remains exclusive to Russia, with no other known operators as of April 2022.

Specification

Base

Year of Service: 2015

Origins: Russia

Status: Active.

Production: 1,000

Crew: 0

Manufacturer: Kalashnikov - Russia

Operator: Russia

Roles

Close Air Support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR)

Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

Nautical/navy

Water mobility capability for a variety of land-based or ship-based maritime missions, supported by Allied Naval Surface Forces.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Unmanned

Aircraft designed (or later developed) have inherent unmanned capabilities and can fill a variety of battlefield roles.

Notable features

All-electric

The design uses an all-electric powerplant for propulsion.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Unmanned operation

The design features the ability to fly without a pilot, with actions controlled by onboard programming and/or ground operators.

Camera equipment

Payload supports photographic devices that provide still and/or live image/video results.

Main Aircraft Structure

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Central Install

The main aircraft is mounted below the center on the sides of the fuselage.

delta fanny pack

The delta plane lacks the traditional tail arrangement, where the entire wing area is occupied by the delta plane.

Performance

Installed: 1 x electric motor drives the twin-blade propeller unit on the nose.

Maximum: 13,123 feet (4,000 m | 2 mi)