The drone manufacturing company Ukrspecsystems, best known for its SHARK and MINI SHARK UAVs, has introduced its latest innovation: the SHARK-M. This drone is hailed as the next step in the evolution of one of the most effective UAVs on the battlefield.
The electric SHARK-M system is designed for fully autonomous reconnaissance, operating effectively at any time of day or night.
"SHARK-M is one of the few electric drones in our defense arsenal that consistently delivers exceptional reconnaissance results," emphasized Dmitry Khasapov, CEO of Ukrspecsystems.
The drone conducts reconnaissance and serves as a relay for strike UAVs, enabling the detection and destruction of multiple enemy targets in a single mission. Among its advantages, the manufacturers highlight its excellent resistance to electronic warfare (EW). For this, the UAV is equipped with a powerful radio modem that is 250% stronger than its predecessor, as well as reliable software and hardware countermeasures. This ensures stable communication throughout the mission. Furthermore, the ground control station has been upgraded to enhance the system’s overall effectiveness.
The system includes an additional “extension” kit that allows the antenna equipment to be positioned further from the crew, as well as a remote control terminal for safe drone launch and landing at a distance. This improves operator safety and protects the crew in high-risk zones. Additionally, the manufacturers have upgraded the batteries, which are 170% larger than previous models. This extends the drone's flight time and allows operators to perform a broader range of tasks over longer distances with increased duration.
The SHARK-M can be equipped with one of three upgraded gyro-stabilized optoelectronic systems (GOES), which the operator can swap out independently. The payloads can be selected according to the mission, from both current and newly tested systems. The mounting connectors are universal.
The capabilities of the GOES allow the detection of targets up to 35 km away during the day and 14 km at night. The camera can rotate 360° without any blind spots.
Technical specifications include:
- Flight mode: Automatic/manual
- Takeoff and landing: Catapult takeoff and a parachute landing
- Encrypted real-time Full HD video & telemetry: Up to 180 km
- GNSS: GPS and 3 other modes
- Auto-return: In case of loss of communication
- Encrypted real-time Full HD video & telemetry: Up to 180 km
- Flight time: Up to 7 hr (with EO payload)
- Max. flight ceiling: 3000 m
- Max. flight speed: 130 km/h
- Cruising speed: 75 km/h
- Full length: 165 cm
- Height: 30 cm
- Wingspan: 340 cm
- Engine: An electric motor
- MTOW: Up to 14.5 kg
