Raybird-5

The Raybird-5 is a larger-class fixed-wing unmanned aerial system developed by the Ukrainian manufacturer Skyeton, introduced in 2022 to extend the endurance and payload capacity of the earlier Raybird-3 platform. Designed for deep reconnaissance and precision fire control, the system addresses the need for longer-endurance ISR capabilities in the conflict against Russia. Skyeton, a company with a two-decade legacy in unmanned systems, fields the Raybird series as a universal platform built to survive and operate effectively behind enemy lines. The manufacturer reports that its Raybird systems have accumulated over 350,000 hours of combat missions since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with the Raybird-5 serving as the heavier, more capable variant within this lineage.

Technically, the Raybird-5 is distinguished by its extended flight duration, which can reach up to 24 hours, and a maximum flight range of 2,500 km. The aircraft features a wingspan ranging from 2.96 to 4.2 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 23 kg. It is launched via a mechanical catapult and recovered using a parachute onto a pneumatic airbag, a system that autonomously determines the optimal deployment moment and flips the aircraft to land upside-down, protecting the payload. The drone operates at altitudes up to 5,500 meters and can carry payloads up to 6 kg. Its sensor suite includes gyro-stabilized multisensor gimbals equipped with electro-optical and medium-wave infrared imaging, as well as synthetic aperture radar and radio frequency locators. The EO/IR cameras offer high-resolution imaging up to 11,664 × 8,750 pixels and can track moving targets from altitudes above 2,000 meters. The system also integrates with artillery platforms such as HIMARS, Krab, and Caesar, transmitting target coordinates in real time.

Ukraine is the primary operator of the Raybird-5, deploying it extensively in the ongoing war against Russia. The system is used for deep reconnaissance, targeting, and precision fire control, as well as for radio frequency intelligence and border surveillance. Skyeton has highlighted the Raybird’s role in extending data links by 50–80 km, ensuring stable communication in areas with terrain obstacles or electronic warfare interference. The manufacturer claims the system’s compact form and low detectability make it effective against air defense systems. While specific deployment numbers for the Raybird-5 variant are not publicly itemized separately from the broader Raybird fleet, the platform is integral to Ukraine’s current ISR and strike coordination efforts.

The Raybird-5 represents an evolution in Skyeton’s tactical UAV portfolio, building on the combat-proven design of the Raybird-3. Variants of the Raybird series include hydrogen-hybrid, satellite communications, and radiation-sensor configurations, indicating a modular approach to payload integration. The system’s ability to operate in temperatures ranging from -25°C to +45°C and its automatic takeoff and landing capabilities enhance its operational flexibility. As Ukraine continues to refine its unmanned warfare capabilities, the Raybird-5 serves as a key asset for long-range intelligence gathering and target designation, filling a critical niche in the country’s defense industrial base.