The development of the ZALA 421-16E2, a small reconnaissance drone, was conducted by Izhevsk designers for two years. This is a small aircraft, which was originally designed for targeting and conducting reconnaissance work. Also, the aircraft-type apparatus can be used in other conditions: for photo and video, environmental monitoring and other purposes.
The first demonstrations of the device took place in 2017 at the exhibitions "Army" and "MAKS".
The main advantage of the unmanned reconnaissance and surveillance complex is its low weight. The weight of the drone is 7 kilograms. This means that the launch of the model can be carried out directly from the hands, it does not require special equipment. For landing without damage, a parachute is provided, as well as an air shock absorber. The flight duration is up to 4 hours, the device can operate independently of GPS and GLONASS, thanks to the self-diagnostics sensors built into it.
The drone is controlled by a special controller that communicates through an encrypted communication channel. Specialists of the group claim that it is almost impossible to intercept access to the device.
It is important to note that the high battery life, as well as the ability to install a variety of loads, make this UAV universal in use. For example, it can be used to monitor forest fires, for use by the Ministry of Emergency Situations and other special services. The press service of the concern also noted that among the customers there are not only state but also private enterprises.
In the Tyumen region, unmanned aerial vehicles ZALA 421-16E are used to monitor objects and the environment of the animal world. In particular, they can search for poachers and illegal landfills, register animals in forests and record acts of illegal deforestation. Included with the device are supplied photo and video camera, heat detector and warning system. The tender was won by a division of the Kalashnikov Concern, by ZALA AERO, in July 2018.
