RuAviation

The Sukhoi Design Bureau held a mock-up board meeting to review the S-76 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for off-airfield cargo transport operations. The S-76 is being developed under Russia’s national project “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)” [Беспилотные авиационные системы]. Approval by the mock-up board officially initiates the certification process for the S-76, which is Russia’s first civilian cargo UAS with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs), the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) reported.

The S-76 combines vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities with the efficiency of fixed-wing flight. Eight electric motors enable vertical operations, while horizontal flight is provided by a fixed wing and a rear-mounted pusher propeller driven by a gasoline-powered piston engine. The aircraft is 7.2 m (23.6 ft) long, has a wingspan of 11 m (36.1 ft), and a height of 2.9 m (9.5 ft). Cruise speed reaches 180 km/h (115 mph, 100 knots), and the service ceiling is 4,000 m (13,123 ft).

The cargo compartment has a volume of 2 m³ (70.6 ft³) and can accommodate two standard pallets (800 × 1,200 × 144 mm / 31.5 × 47.2 × 5.7 in) or two temperature-controlled containers. No prepared surface is required for takeoff and landing; a 17 × 17 m (56 × 56 ft) area is sufficient. Flights are fully automated, and a single operator can monitor up to 12 S-76 units simultaneously via the GLONASS satellite navigation system, Russia’s global positioning network.

The mock-up board meeting consisted of 11 specialized sections, covering flight, structural integrity, materials, fault tolerance, equipment, electronics and software, control systems, fuel and power systems, communications and navigation, ground control systems, and operational documentation. The commission evaluated compliance with mandatory airworthiness requirements, environmental protection standards, and the certification basis – a set of criteria ensuring safe operation.

“Commission members analyzed component lists and reviewed the Certification Program developed by UAC, which defines the types and timelines for certification activities,” UAC stated.

The certification program includes laboratory, bench, ground, and flight tests, methods for confirming compliance with the certification basis, and a list of evidentiary documentation. The thoroughness and optimization of this program will directly affect the speed of obtaining operational approval.

The S-76 is designed for autonomous cargo delivery of up to 300 kg (661 lbs) over distances of up to 1,000 km (621 mi, 540 nm) without refueling, and up to 500 km (310 mi, 270 nm) with return-to-base capability. Minimum maintenance requires only one technician. Developers anticipate potential delivery cost reductions of up to 40% by minimizing the number of operators and maintenance personnel.

The S-76 project establishes a regulatory and technological foundation for adopting heavy civilian UAS in commercial logistics. It also accelerates the development of domestic solutions for autonomous cargo transport in remote regions of Russia.