The Athlon-Avia A1-CM Furia (Fury) is a Ukrainian hand-launched UAV for reconnaissance and artillery fire adjustment; 5.5 kg, 50 km range, 3-hour endurance.
The Athlon-Avia A1-CM Furia is a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for reconnaissance and artillery fire correction. Weighing 5.5 kilograms (12.1 pounds), it features a wingspan of 2 meters (6.6 feet) and a length of 0.9 meters (2.95 feet). Powered by an electric motor, the Furia achieves a cruise speed of 65 km/h (40 mph) and operates within a 50 km (31 miles) radius. Its flight endurance reaches up to 3 hours, with a maximum route length of 200 km (124 miles). Constructed from fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar, it is launched via elastic or mechanical catapult and recovers through parachute or conventional landing. The UAV supports semi-automatic, autonomous, and camera-guided flight modes, with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and SBAS navigation systems. It is equipped with daytime and nighttime optical payloads, including thermal imagers, and features AES256 encrypted command lines.
The Athlon-Avia A1-CM Furia (Fury)
The Athlon-Avia A1-CM Furia is a tactical UAV developed by Ukrainian company Athlon Avia. Designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance (ISTAR), and artillery fire adjustment, the Furia has been integral to Ukraine’s defense capabilities since its introduction in 2014. Its lightweight design, advanced navigation systems, and versatile payloads make it a valuable asset for modern military operations.
History of Development
In the early 2010s, Ukraine faced escalating tensions with Russia, culminating in the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the outbreak of conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian military recognized the need for advanced reconnaissance tools to monitor enemy movements and adjust artillery fire accurately. In response, Athlon Avia initiated the development of the A1-CM Furia in 2014, aiming to provide a domestically produced UAV tailored to the specific needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Furia made its first flight in 2014 and was commissioned by the National Guard of Ukraine in 2015. Over the next few years, Athlon Avia produced more than 100 systems of various modifications for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the Security Service of Ukraine. In 2019-2020, the Furia underwent a full spectrum of state tests and was officially adopted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in April 2020.
Since its deployment, the Furia has been widely used during the Joint Forces Operation in Eastern Ukraine to conduct aerial reconnaissance and artillery fire adjustment. Its long flight endurance and command line range enable operations at a tactical depth of up to 50 kilometers. The system’s design allows for high combat readiness and rapid recovery in battlefield conditions, with three UAVs and a comprehensive set of spare parts included in each system.
Athlon Avia has continually worked to improve the Furia system, providing technical maintenance, repair services, and operator training to ensure optimal performance in various operational scenarios.
Design
The A1-CM Furia features a flying wing design constructed from fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar, resulting in a lightweight and durable airframe. The UAV has a wingspan of 2,000 mm (6.6 feet) and a length of 900 mm (2.95 feet), with a takeoff weight of 5.5 kg (12.1 pounds).
Powered by an electric motor, the Furia achieves a cruise speed of 65 km/h (40 mph) and can operate in wind speeds up to 15 m/s (33.5 mph). The UAV is launched using an elastic or mechanical catapult and can land via parachute or conventional landing as a plane. Its flight modes include semi-automatic guided, autonomous, and camera-guided modes, providing flexibility in various mission profiles.
The Furia is equipped with a range of optical payloads for day and night operations. The daytime optical payload is based on the Sony FCB-H11 system, featuring 2-axis gyrostabilization and a 10x optical zoom, with a horizontal angle of view ranging from 50° to 5.4°. The nighttime optical payload includes a thermal imaging camera with a 35 mm athermal lens, 2-axis gyrostabilization, and a 2.4x digital zoom, providing an angle of view of 18° x 14°. Both payloads support onboard video data recording.
The UAV’s navigation systems support GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and SBAS, ensuring accurate positioning and route planning. It also features autonomous optical flow navigation and can operate in radio silence mode. The command line is encrypted with AES256, and a reserved digital command line is available for redundancy. Additional features include automatic target acquisition, tracking of static and moving targets, and integration with artillery fire control systems.
Performance
The A1-CM Furia’s electric motor provides a cruise speed of 65 km/h (40 mph), enabling efficient coverage of operational areas. Its flight endurance of up to 3 hours and operational radius of 50 km (31 miles) allow for extended missions without the need for frequent redeployment. The UAV’s power supply consists of 42,000 mAh Li-ion batteries, supporting its extended flight time.
The Furia’s ability to operate in wind speeds of up to 15 m/s (33.5 mph) enhances its reliability in challenging weather conditions. Its maximum route length of 200 km (124 miles) ensures flexibility for various mission profiles. The altitude range spans from ground level to a ceiling of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), providing adequate operational versatility.
Compared to its competitors, such as the AeroVironment Puma 3 AE and the Elbit Systems Skylark I-LEX, the Furia offers competitive flight endurance and operational range. While it lacks some advanced features like vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), its lightweight design and ease of deployment provide significant tactical advantages. Its encrypted communications and modular payload options also make it suitable for various operational needs, ensuring secure and versatile performance.
Variants of the Athlon-Avia A1-CM Furia
The Athlon-Avia A1-CM Furia has been developed in multiple configurations to meet diverse operational requirements:
- A1-CM Furia Standard: The base model, designed for reconnaissance and artillery fire adjustment, features daytime and nighttime payloads with encrypted communications.
- A1-CM Furia Extended Range: This variant offers enhanced battery capacity, extending the operational range and endurance to over 4 hours, improving its utility for prolonged missions.
- A1-CM Furia Tactical: Modified for specific military needs, this version integrates advanced targeting systems and additional payload options, including signal intelligence and electronic warfare modules.
- A1-CM Furia Export Model: Customized for international clients, it features adaptable payloads and navigation systems to comply with different operational and regulatory environments.
Military Use and Combat
The Athlon-Avia A1-CM Furia has been a critical asset in Ukrainian military operations, particularly during the Joint Forces Operation in Eastern Ukraine. Its primary role has been to provide real-time intelligence and assist in artillery fire correction, ensuring precision in targeting.
Armament and Payloads
The Furia is not armed but plays a crucial role in reconnaissance and target acquisition. It integrates seamlessly with artillery fire control systems, enabling precise adjustments for maximum impact. Its thermal imaging capabilities allow for effective operations in both day and night conditions, crucial in urban warfare and low-visibility scenarios.
Combat Usage
The Furia was extensively deployed during the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, where its reconnaissance capabilities were pivotal. For example, in 2020, the Furia helped Ukrainian forces identify and neutralize enemy artillery positions, minimizing collateral damage. Its ability to operate at a tactical depth of 50 kilometers allowed it to survey contested territories without exposing operators to enemy fire.
International Sales and Usage
While primarily used by Ukraine, the Furia has garnered interest from other countries due to its modular design and adaptability. Discussions of potential sales have been reported with nations seeking affordable and efficient UAV systems. The export model caters to these demands with customizable configurations.
Competing Systems
The Furia competes with UAVs like the AeroVironment Puma 3 AE, the Skylark I-LEX, and the Bayraktar Mini UAV. Each system offers unique advantages, but the Furia’s cost-effectiveness, local manufacturing, and tailored capabilities make it particularly appealing for conflict zones and emerging markets.
Current Status
The Furia remains operational within the Ukrainian Armed Forces and continues to see upgrades to enhance its performance. As of the latest updates, Athlon Avia has been actively maintaining and improving the system, ensuring its relevance in modern warfare.
The Athlon-Avia A1-CM Furia exemplifies the strategic utility of UAVs in contemporary military operations. Its lightweight design, competitive performance metrics, and modular payloads make it a versatile and reliable asset. While it faces stiff competition, the Furia’s cost-effectiveness and adaptability ensure its place in both domestic and international markets. With ongoing enhancements, it is poised to remain a valuable tool for reconnaissance and artillery support in diverse operational environments.
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