Russian companies are placing a significant bet on the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of sustained flight in the stratosphere. These platforms, known as pseudo-satellites, represent a promising avenue in aviation and telecommunications. Their functionality is akin to that of satellites, yet they are considerably less expensive to launch and operate. They are intended to address a wide array of requirements, ranging from providing connectivity to remote areas to environmental monitoring, security, and scientific research.
For the development and implementation of High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) based on aircraft technologies within the “Argus” project, two Russian start-ups – JSC “Stratolink” and LLC “Aeroplatforms” (“Stratolink,” “Vector”) – have formed a group of companies with the aim of establishing a “Smart Skies” concept. Bespoke solutions are offered to clients, tailored to their specific needs. In some scenarios, a loitering stratostat with prolonged airborne endurance is the preferred option, while in others, the rapid deployment of a group of “Argus” pseudo-satellites (“Stratolink”) for swift area coverage and data transmission is more suitable. This technological synergy is expected to accelerate stratospheric trials, compressing the time from development to deployment.
At the end of March 2025, “Stratolink” announced the creation of two “Argus” stratospheric UAVs as part of the “Smart Skies” project. These UAVs will provide communication and internet services in remote regions. Power is supplied by renewable energy sources, namely solar panels positioned on the upper surface of the wing. Four electric motors facilitate flight durations of a month or more. Solar power is used during daylight hours, with stored energy being drawn upon at night.
The “Argus” UAV’s ability to fly at altitudes between 18 and 25 km for up to 40 days without landing renders its use considerably cheaper than operating orbital satellites. The pseudo-satellite can carry a payload of up to 40 kg. An optical module with a swivelling platform in the nose section of the aircraft is designed to accommodate observation and remote sensing equipment, such as cameras, spectrometers, and rangefinders. The internal bay can house telecommunications equipment. The aircraft has a wingspan of 40 metres, a speed of up to 140 km/h, and a mass of 315 kg.
The “Argus” development is not the first project of its kind in Russia. In 2017, the Lavochkin Research and Production Association (NPO Lavochkina) prepared the La-252 “Aist” high-altitude solar-powered UAV for trials. This aircraft-type UAV was capable of year-round, non-stop flight using energy from solar panels covering the entire upper wing surface. The engines were powered by batteries at night. The estimated flight altitude was between 15 and 22 km. The aircraft was constructed from composite materials, had a wingspan of 23 metres and a take-off weight of 125 kg. The “Aist” could carry up to 25 kg of payload, such as surveillance or communications equipment.
The 2017 trials confirmed the calculated performance figures, with the exception of flight altitude. This was due to the necessity for special registration and the obtaining of flight permits for operation in the stratosphere. The “Aist” was manufactured from composite materials. The aircraft’s specific weight is less than 3 kg/sq.m, including batteries and solar panels.
Furthermore, NPO Lavochkina has developed a project outline (TTZ) for an aerospace system based on atmospheric satellites, the prototype of which is the LA-252. Positive conclusions have been received from the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUGSH), the Naval Research Institute of the Russian Navy (NIU VMF) and the Aerospace Forces (VKS). Work on the project, including aerodynamic calculations, creation of the airframe, the power supply system, the flight control and navigation suite, the ground control complex and ground infrastructure, is being carried out by the “Heat Pipe Centre” team with the support of the design complex, the Kaluga branch and the pilot plant of NPO Lavochkina.
Earlier, in 2016, the Foundation for Advanced Research Projects and the company “Taiber” tested a prototype atmospheric satellite with a distributed automatic control system called “Sova” (Owl). The aim of the project was to experimentally verify the possibility of ensuring ultra-long-duration flight at all latitudes in Russia, including latitudes above 66.5 degrees.
The first prototype had a 9-metre wingspan and a lightweight construction – 12 kg. Flight tests of the unmanned vehicle, equipped with solar panels and batteries, confirmed the viability of the technical solutions. Flight duration was 50 hours at an altitude of up to 9,000 metres. The flight duration was limited by the decision of the head of testing that the cycle was sufficient to confirm the stated characteristics.
In the test flights, the aircraft showed stability and resistance to turbulence in difficult weather conditions. It was planned to begin flight testing of the second prototype of the “Sova” complex with a wingspan of 28 metres in September 2016. However, no further details were released.
In the field of pseudo-satellite development, Russian companies face a number of technological challenges. The most important of these are: ensuring high energy efficiency, reliable operation in stratospheric conditions, where low temperatures and rarefied atmosphere are observed, along with high winds; and the development of effective control and navigation systems.
Globally, there are several analogues to the pseudo-satellites being developed in Russia. Among these, several projects stand out.
• Airbus Zephyr (USA/Europe): This aircraft flies at an altitude of 18–23 km and can remain airborne for up to 64 days. The wingspan is 25–33 metres, payload – up to 5 kg. The Zephyr has been in development since 2003 and is used in military intelligence. The disadvantages are limited payload capacity and high development costs.
• Loon (Google/Alphabet): This project was discontinued in 2021. It used stratospheric balloons to provide internet access at an altitude of 18–25 km. Balloons could remain airborne for up to 300 days. The project was shut down due to unprofitability, as well as the complexity of control, as the movement of balloons is highly dependent on winds.
• Boeing Odysseus (USA): This aircraft is designed to operate at an altitude of up to 20 km and can remain airborne for up to 90 days. The wingspan is 74 metres, payload – up to 25 kg. The advantage is the large area of solar panels and the ability to operate in the Arctic. The disadvantage is the large size and limited manoeuvrability.
Russian developers are striving to create competitive solutions that combine high payload capacity, long flight endurance, and the ability to operate in challenging climatic conditions, including the Arctic.
However, “Argus” pseudo-satellites may also find application in the defence sector for high-altitude infrared reconnaissance. According to the TG channel “Russian Weapons”, medium- and long-wave MWIR-/LWIR sensors operating in the stratosphere are capable of detecting the plumes of ballistic and cruise missile engines at distances of over 1,000 km. The low attenuation of infrared radiation in the stratosphere contributes to increasing the detection range. Opto-electronic systems on the “Argus” could be equipped with similar ultraviolet sensors.
Furthermore, these high-altitude drones can carry signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) stations. Thanks to the high flight altitude, the detection range of radio-emitting targets can reach 650 km, which corresponds to the radio horizon. Another function is a tactical relay. The “Argus” is capable of providing voice communication and tactical information exchange at distances of up to 650 km.
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