Zala Kub-10E

The Zala Kub‑10E is a lightweight, electric‑powered unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Russian company ZALA Aero, a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov Group. Its development began in 2017 as part of a research program aimed at creating a compact, low‑cost platform for short‑range surveillance and data‑link testing. First flight tests were conducted in early 2019, and the aircraft entered limited serial production later that year, quickly gaining attention from both commercial operators and the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Key features of the Kub‑10E include a 1.2 meter wingspan, a carbon‑fiber airframe, and a 100‑watt brushless motor that delivers up to 30 minutes of endurance at a maximum speed of 80 km/h. The vehicle is equipped with a modular payload bay that can house a high‑resolution optical camera, infrared sensor, or a lightweight LiDAR unit. Its fully autonomous flight controller supports GPS waypoint navigation, obstacle‑avoidance algorithms, and real‑time telemetry over encrypted links.

The significance of the Kub‑10E lies in demonstrating the viability of electric propulsion for tactical UAVs, reducing acoustic signature and operating costs while providing a versatile tool for reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and training missions in constrained airspace.