Ukrainian Mariupol Design Bureau unveils unique Mara UAV system. VIDEO
Drone Industry
The Ukrainian Mariupol Design Bureau has launched serial production of a fixed-wing UAV called Mara.
The system’s main feature is its use in conjunction with the Balun logistics system (APK), which is also being developed by the design bureau.
The Mara complex and Balun system are the first serially produced solution capable of delivering a strike weapon over long distances without being neutralized by enemy electronic warfare, electronic reconnaissance or air defense systems.
The strike weapon is attached to a dedicated release mechanism beneath the aerostat system.
Using the Balun aerostat, the Mara strike weapon can travel up to 1,000 km at altitudes exceeding 10 km, making it difficult and expensive for the enemy to destroy.
The aerostat is equipped with ballast, navigation, data transmission and release systems.
Once the Mara UAV has been delivered to the target engagement area, it is released from the aerostat and switches to manual pilot control. In this mode, Mara can travel another 60 km and effectively strike its target.
Mara can also cover additional distance in gliding mode. The UAV’s communications and control system is another in-house development by the Ukrainian Mariupol Design Bureau; details are not being disclosed at this time.
The system’s estimated cost is up to $6,000, making Mara and Balun the cheapest of all known middle- and deep-strike systems.
"The key features of our product are its price and effectiveness. We have already tested it repeatedly in combat conditions. We have confirmation of both successful strikes and enemy attempts to counter the aerostats. The main feature is the flight altitude. This prevents the enemy from using inexpensive means such as interceptor drones or anti-aircraft guns. To destroy Balun, they have to use expensive air defense missiles. Thus, our system can not only effectively strike targets at medium and long ranges but is also a highly effective means of saturating enemy airspace and depleting their air defense ammunition," the designers at the Ukrainian Mariupol Design Bureau said in a joint statement.
Mara and Balun have already successfully undergone testing in actual combat conditions. Targets have been struck in temporarily occupied Crimea and Berdiansk. The system is entering serial production and is available to order.
The design bureau is currently focused on two key products: the Everest reusable jet-powered interceptor drone and Mara.
Preparations are underway to launch serial production of Mara as early as mid-October. The company expects to launch serial production of the interceptor in November.
About the design bureau
Ukrainian Mariupol is a design bureau that develops and supplies various types of drones and components to more than 200 brigades of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
The bureau has developed such well-known systems as the ARES A1 and the Magura bomber drone. More than 200 engineers at the Ukrainian Mariupol Design Bureau work daily on new means of fighting the enemy.
