Our Product

AeroVehicles produces the cutting-edge Berkut ISR tandem two-seater aircraft designed by Dave Ronneberg. The Berkut ISR (Intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance) is built primarily of composite materials, making it lightweight and sturdy. With over 20 years of experience in the skies, the Berkut ISR has proven itself as a reliable and trustworthy aircraft.

We offer the Berkut ISR in three different versions to suit our customers’ needs: the Berkut ISR, the Berkut OPA, and the Berkut UAV. Each version is equipped with different technologies and features, but all offer high levels of performance and safety.

Berkut ISR

Tandem two-seater

Manned


Specifications

With a payload capacity of more than 500Kg and a range of 2600Km (manned version), it can carry a variety of equipment, including LiDAR, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and foliage penetration (FOPEN).

Crew1 or 2 tandem
PropulsionLycoming IO-540-C4B5
Maximum speed425 km / h
Cruising Speed380 km / h
Autonomy18Hs (36Hs with auxiliary tank)
Resistance G+ 10G
Payload544 Kg – 1200 Lb (LiDAR / SAR / M-Spectral)
Range2600Km (4000 km with comb aux)
Take-off run1000 feet
DimensionsLength 4.7m – Height 1.9m
Spanning8.7m – 11.8m (2 wings configuration available)
The actual performance may vary depending on operational conditions.

Applications

ISR Aircraft

Advanced training (pre-jet)

Advanced sensor configurations

Remote sensing technology for ISR applications is constantly being advanced and upgraded.  AVI accommodates these ongoing changes by using a modular system of sensor mounting that is focused on the use of wing pods and fuselage mounting locations. Select assemblies of instruments are grouped together electronically and fitted for pod or fuselage mounting and integrated into the aircraft using standard attachment and standard cabling systems.  Default AVI configurations provide effective LRU (Line Replaceable Unit) changes and maintenance procedures or can be customized for specific client applications.

Long-wing configuration

One of the unique features of the Berkut ISR aircraft is its ability to change wing configurations in a short amount of time. The aircraft is capable of two different wing configurations: short wings for high speed and maneuverability, and long wings for extended endurance. This allows pilots to adapt to different missions and scenarios quickly and easily. The wing change can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. The short wings are ideal for advanced training or intercepts, while the long wings offer up to 36+ hours of endurance for long-range missions. Overall, the ability to change wing configurations on the Berkut ISR aircraft provides pilots with added flexibility and versatility.

Maintenance

The Berkut 540 is known for its low maintenance requirements, which makes it a cost-effective option for aircraft owners. This is due to the fact that the airframe is constructed primarily of composite materials, which do not fatigue or corrode like metal airframes. As a result, maintenance for the Berkut 540 requires minimal time and cost. In fact, the average operating and maintenance cost per flight hour for the Berkut 540 is approximately $180 USD, according to its documented history. This makes it an attractive option for pilots and aircraft owners who are looking to minimize their operating costs.

Engine: overhaul 2000 hours and up to 3000 if used over a relatively short period
Propeller:  refurbishment every 5000 hours
Propeller: overhaul every 2000 hours
Tires: change approximately every 100 landings
Fuel: consumption calculated at an average of 15 gal an hour
Oil and filter: change every 30 hours
Brakes: replacement with medium-high usage calculated at 100 hours

ISR Operations

ISR stands for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, and refers to the use of technology and other assets to gather information and intelligence. This can include a wide range of activities, such as:

Tracking the movements of targets.

Monitoring potential threats.

Airborne surveys, such as SAR, LiDAR, EO IR, etc.

Maritime exclusive zone (EMZ) monitoring.

Providing real-time situational awareness.

Supporting search and rescue operations.

Providing support to ground forces, such as targeting information or air support.

Monitoring border security and enforcing no-fly zones.

Providing intelligence for humanitarian operations, such as disaster relief or peacekeeping missions.

Conducting surveillance to support diplomatic or political objectives.

Monitoring environmental conditions, such as natural disasters or pollution.

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