Eleron-3

The Eleron‑3, produced by the Russian‑Ukrainian firm ENIKS, is a compact, fixed‑wing UAV that entered service in 2011 after a development program that began in 2008. Originally conceived for civilian mapping and agricultural monitoring, the platform quickly attracted military interest because of its low cost, rapid deployment and robust telemetry. The aircraft features a 1.2‑meter wingspan of composite material, a modular payload bay capable of carrying cameras, infrared sensors or electronic‑warfare kits, and a proprietary autopilot that supports waypoint navigation, automatic take‑off and landing, and real‑time video streaming over encrypted data links up to 60 km. Its launch system uses a simple catapult, eliminating the need for a runway, while the airframe’s carbon‑fiber construction provides a cruise speed of 120 km/h and an endurance of up to 3.5 hours at a service ceiling of 4 500 m. In the aviation community the Eleron‑3 is valued for democratizing aerial reconnaissance, giving small enterprises and regional forces access to high‑resolution imagery without the expense of manned aircraft. The platform’s versatility and cost‑effectiveness have cemented its role as a benchmark in the evolution of small tactical UAVs today.

ENIKS

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Production & History

Design & Classification