Berkut ISR

The Berkut ISR, designed by Dave Ronneberg and produced by AeroVehicles, is a high-performance, composite-built tandem two-seater aircraft optimized for ISR missions. It has a 450 kg payload capacity for advanced sensors like LiDAR and SAR, with a modular design enabling quick LRU changes and interchangeable wings for high-speed or extended endurance missions. Proven reliable over 20 years, it offers durability and low maintenance.

Key features

High Payload Capacity: Supports up o 450 Kg for multiple payload types.

Modular Sensor System: Capable of multiple sensors like EO/IR camera, SAR unit, etc.

Interchangeable Wings: Wings can be exchanged in under 30 minutes, enabling additional fuel capacity for extended range of up to 4,000 km, making the aircraft ideal for long-distance and prolonged operations.

Advanced sensor configurations

Aerovehicles’s modular sensor mounting system, using wing pods and fuselage locations, adapts to ongoing advancements in ISR technology. Instruments are grouped electronically for easy integration with standard attachments and cabling. Default configurations support efficient LRU changes and maintenance but can be customized for specific client needs.

Long-wing configuration

The Berkut ISR aircraft offers quick wing configuration changes, with short wings for high speed and maneuverability, and long wings for higher altitudes. The change, which takes as little as 30 minutes, provides pilots with flexibility for different missions and scenarios.

With the long-wing configuration, the Berkut can conduct airborne missions with a range of up to 4,000 km providing exceptional endurance and range for ISR missions

Low cost maintenance

The Berkut 540’s composite airframe ensures low maintenance and operating costs, with no metal fatigue or corrosion issues. Its average cost per flight hour is about $240 USD, making it a cost-effective option for aircraft owners.

Engineoverhaul 2000 hours and up to 3000 if used over a relatively short period
Propellerrefurbishment every 5000 hours
Propelleroverhaul every 2000 hours
Tireschange approximately every 100 landings
Fuelconsumption calculated at an average of 15 gal an hour
Oil and filterchange every 30 hours
Brakesreplacement with medium-high usage calculated at 100 hours

Specifications

Crew1 or 2 tandem
PropulsionLycoming IO-540-C4B5
Length4.7m
Height1.9 m
Wingspan8.7m – standard wing configuration
11.8m – long wing configuration
Cruise Airspeed205.18 kts (380 Km/h)
Max Cruise Speed229.5 kts (425 Km/h)
Endurance18 Hs (36 Hs with auxiliary tank)
Range2600 Km (4000 Km with external tanks)
Takeoff run1000 feet
Payload544 Kg
Takeoff / LandingConventional tricycle gear
G Resistance+10G
The actual performance may vary depending on operational conditions.

Applications

Berkut and F16
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