Skyeton has successfully integrated Satellite Communications (SATCOM) into its Raybird small tactical Unmanned Aviation System (UAS), significantly extending operational range while maintaining continuous real-time data transmission during extended missions.
The SATCOM integration builds on Raybird’s 28+ hour endurance capability by eliminating previous data link range constraints. With satellite connectivity enabled, operators can sustain a stable, real-time data link across the full mission profile, including deep reconnaissance operations conducted well beyond the reach of conventional ground-based communications coverage.
Raybird is designed for extended Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Powered by an internal combustion engine, the mass-produced version of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) offers more than 28 hours of continuous flight, making it one of the longest-endurance tactical UAVs in its class. The addition of satellite communications elevates the platform’s effectiveness in large-scale and distributed operations, where reliable long-range connectivity is critical.
Combat-proven in Ukraine, Raybird has accumulated over 350,000 flight hours, demonstrating high resilience to electronic warfare, operational reliability, and cost efficiency. Its compact design and low detectability allow it to operate effectively in contested airspace while delivering real-time intelligence to decision-makers.
Key characteristics of Raybird (ICE version):
- Flight endurance: 28+ hours
- Maximum flight range: 2,500+ km
- Operating ceiling: 5,500 m
- Real-time data link: Unlimited with SATCOM integration
- Payload capacity: 5–10 kg
- Propulsion: EFI four-stroke gasoline engine
- Operating temperatures: -35°C to +55°C
- Wingspan: 3 – 4,2 m
- MTOW: 23 kg
- System Deployment Time: up to 25 minutes
- Cruise Speed: 110 km/h
- Speed Range: 80-140 km/h
- Fuel: 95 Octane
Raybird supports a wide range of interchangeable payloads, including gyro-stabilized multisensor gimbals, aerial cameras, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and radio frequency locators.
Raybird is compatible with several SATCOM solutions, allowing customers to select the system that best fits their operational requirements and existing command-and-control infrastructure.
Roman Knyazhenko, CEO of Skyeton, commented, “We deliberately tested satellite communications not in laboratory conditions, but in the most hostile operational environment possible. Over the past year, we gathered detailed feedback directly from military operators. This experience allowed us to refine the integration and ensure stable performance under electronic warfare pressure and during extended missions. Before scaling deliveries, we had to ensure that the SATCOM-equipped Raybird is fully ready to conduct deep ISR missions in enemy territory exactly when it matters most.”
In 2025, Skyeton delivered its first Raybird UAS with satellite communications to a unit of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Since then, the company has continued deploying SATCOM-enabled UAVs to the combat zone to validate system readiness in real operational conditions.
