ZALA 421-24

The ZALA 421‑24 is a compact vertical‑take‑off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system developed by ZALA Aero, a Russian company founded in 2011 as part of the Kalashnikov Group. The project began in 2015 to meet growing demand for short‑range, portable surveillance drones capable of operating from confined urban or battlefield environments. The aircraft combines a lightweight carbon‑fiber frame with four folding propellers that transition from a multirotor mode for take‑off and landing to a fixed‑wing configuration for efficient forward flight, achieving a cruise speed of up to 120 km/h and an endurance of 45 minutes. Its 24‑inch wingspan houses a modular payload bay that can accommodate electro‑optical, infrared or low‑light cameras, as well as communication‑relay modules. Built‑in GNSS and inertial navigation provide precise positioning, while autonomous flight plans and obstacle‑avoidance algorithms enable one‑button operation. The ZALA 421‑24 has been adopted by Russian security forces, oil‑and‑gas operators, and disaster‑response teams, demonstrating the versatility of hybrid VTOL UAVs in both military reconnaissance and civilian monitoring. Its success has helped cement ZALA Aero’s reputation as a leading innovator in compact, rapid‑deployment aerial platforms.