The drone industry is experiencing enormous development in recent years, driven by conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. News of new models from different manufacturers and countries, with increasingly better features, is common. What is not so good are the well-known, very long-range drones, above 10,000 kilometers. China has two with this capacity – Wing Loong-3 and CASC CH-5 Rainbow – and USA one – RQ 4 Global Hawkalmost 25,000 km, according to the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance’s count. A new member joins this exclusive club from Hungaryhe Phantom.
The Phantom, ‘Ghost’ in Spanish, is a drone developed by the Hungarian startup Uaviatorlocated at the airport of Tököl15 kilometers from Budapest. According to Uaviator, this new player in the field of heavy drones – those that stand out for their load capacity, robust structure, weight, range and autonomy – are designed to expand the limits of drone capabilities, particularly with their 10,000 km range.
The Uaviator UAV combines advanced technology with adaptability to carry out various types of missions, from surveillance to logistics. Its impressive reach would allow it, for example, take off in Budapest and fly to Los Angeles.
With a structural weight of 600kgthe Phantom is built to carry a payload of up to 500 kga capacity that allows operations such as transporting specialized equipment or delivering supplies. The drone reaches a total takeoff weight of 1,100kgreflecting its robust design and construction focused on long-range missions. Its wingspan of 14 meters gives it remarkable stability in flight and provides reliable maneuverability even in adverse weather conditions.
The Phantom also stands out for reaching a maximum flight height of 6,000 meters. This altitude and its range of 10,000 km make it suitable for large scale international operations. The 52:1 glide ratio ensures a optimal aerodynamic efficiencyreducing power consumption while maximizing planing performance.
The incorporation of stealth technology improves your performance in enemy environments where avoiding detection is crucial. Whether in surveillance, reconnaissance or logistical support missions, the Phantom can carry them out while maintaining a low profile.
Additionally, the drone is designed to be modularallowing configuration adjustments to be made easily and thus satisfying the specific requirements of each mission. The option to equip or remove non-essential components makes it a highly versatile drone. The integration of LEDs and modular components also allows night missions and operations in low visibility conditions.