Warplanes: The Russian Armed UAV

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September 2, 2011: Russia has introduced its first armed UAV; the Lutch. The 800 kg (1,760 pound) aircraft can carry up to 160 kg (352 pounds) of weapons. Based on the two-seat Sigma 5 sports aircraft, Lutch is designed to stay airborne for 18 hours, or up to 30 if fewer sensors and weapons are carried. Max speed is 270 kilometers an hour and the Lutch can operate up to 350 kilometers from the base station. Weapons would be current anti-tank missiles, which tend to weigh 50 kg (110 pounds) and have a range of 6,000 meters.