Russo-Ukrainian War: The RC Direction Chaklun-K Drone

Source: Oksana Parafeniuk (for The Washington Post)

     A soldier of Special Purpose UAV Unit “Typhoon” with what looks to be a early Chaklun-K drone (or possibly a prototype). The unit, formed in May 2024, falls under the National Guard of Ukraine and is garrisoned in Kyiv. The current commander is Mykhailo “Michael” Kmityuk. Several types of drones are operated allowing the unit to undertake short and long range missions against Russian targets and elements of “Typhoon” have seen combat in some of the hotter sections of the front to include the Pokrovske and Kupyansk battle zones. Chaklun, which means sorcerer or magician, is a series of long-range reconnaissance and strike drones designed and produced by the Ukrainian company RC Direction. The Chaklun was approved for service on October 16, 2024.

     It should be mentioned that the assumption this is a early Chaklun-K drone is because it lacks refinements seen in the current Chaklun-K design. This might not be surprising as the “Typhoon” unit often field trials drones and provides evaluation data and feedback to the drone designers for improvements. That said, the Chaklun-K is used for strike missions against ground and aerial targets. RC Direction designates the drone configured for ground attack as the Chaklun-K(A) while the drone set up for air-to-air combat is the Chaklun-K(M).

     The Chaklun-K is primarily constructed of phenoplast-polystyrene. This is a composite synthetic resin which is inexpensive and easy to use via injection molding manufacturing processes. As a consequence, production is rapid. In addition, the material offers a very low radar cross-section that helps the Chaklun-K avoid detection. The electric engine is mounted in the rear driving a 3-bladed pusher propeller and the cruise speed is 50 miles per hour with a stall speed of 37 miles per hour. The Chaklun-K(A) has a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour with an operational altitude (not the maximum altitude) of 300 meters as it is designed for ground attack. The Chaklun-K(M), on the other hand, utilizes a high performance engine that pushes the drone to a top speed of 109 miles per hour with an operational altitude of 4,000 meters. This allows it to better engage enemy drones. The Chaklun-K uses a secure linkage to the operator's controller out to a range of 17 miles even if the airspace is being actively jammed.

     The current Chaklun-K has a single hardpoint on each wing which provides for a total warload of 4.4 pounds. Publicity photographs show each hardpoint carrying two 3D printed bombs. Although not stated, it is possible that the Chaklun-K can be fitted with an internal explosive payload in place of external ordnance. As the Chaklun-K is heavier (9.5 pounds) compared to the reconnaissance Chaklun (6.2 pounds), the Chaklun-K only has an endurance of 1 hour when flying at cruise speed. The Chaklun-K(A), when being sent against static targets, can be preprogrammed with telemetry which allows the drone to fly the mission fully autonomously. If required, an operator can assume control.

     The Chaklun-K can be hand launched in some circumstances but the usual method is via a launch rail and the green cord ending in a metal ring seen on the underside of the drone in the photograph is connected to a rear-facing hook. This cord is in turn connected to the launcher.

     So far, Chaklun-K drones have flown over 2,000 missions against Russian targets and the Chaklun-K(M) plays a large role as part of Ukraine's air defense arsenal.