NSTU is preparing to conduct flight tests of the Sarma unmanned aerial vehicle, a craft designed for agricultural work and cargo delivery. The project sits at the intersection of research and real world application, aiming to prove reliable field performance as much as technical prowess. Plans call for a thorough flight test program that includes precision checks of stability, control response, endurance, and the ability to operate with a payload in varied weather and terrain. Ground demonstrations, system integration checks, and safety evaluations will run in parallel with preparation for regulatory certification. The team emphasizes that Sarma must prove itself in routine agricultural surveys, crop health assessments, and lightweight logistics, delivering timely data and small scale deliveries as proof of concept. The design focuses on a compact, efficient airframe and a flexible payload bay that can accommodate sensors or freight. In addition to performance, the program explores maintenance practicality, ease of inspection, and the potential for rapid field repairs that would keep mission timelines intact even in remote settings.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of the program. The Sarma project is undertaken with SibNIA, the Federal Center for Development named Chaplygin, and other partners as part of a joint certification pathway. Engineers are assessing flight characteristics, propulsion integration, redundancy of avionics, and fail safe modes. Certification steps include structural approval, system verification, and operational clearance for both agricultural and cargo tasks. The effort covers flight envelopes, emergency procedures, and the interaction of the hybrid power system with control laws. A key focus is ensuring that the electric propulsion unit, together with the gasoline engine, delivers predictable take-off power, steady climb, and smooth transition to autonomous cruise while meeting constraints on noise and emissions. Recent tests indicated that the electric motor built for the Sarma performed well under a range of load conditions, with consistent torque delivery and thermal stability. These results bolster confidence that flight trials will proceed on schedule and that the project can demonstrate reliable autonomy with a range of mission profiles, including precision agriculture sweeps and mid length cargo sorties.
The Sarma uses a 155-kilogram airframe with a wingspan of about 12.2 meters and a fuselage length of roughly 5.2 meters. The craft is designed for long-range operations, boasting a stated endurance of up to 1,200 kilometers and a cruising speed near 100 kilometers per hour. With a payload capacity of around 120 kilograms, the platform can carry a mix of sensing gear for crop monitoring, weather sensors, or light freight. The overall dimensions balance load capacity with the need for stable flight in a straightforward, low-drag form. The choice of materials and aerodynamics supports energy efficiency, enabling the system to spend longer in the air on a given fuel load. For field use, such capabilities translate into the ability to monitor large agricultural tracts, deliver supplies to remote sites, and return with actionable data in a single mission window. The Sarma’s profile aligns with evolving needs in rural logistics, where robust, economical, and autonomous solutions can expand the reach of farming operations.
A standout feature is the energy strategy. The drone relies on a hybrid power plant that emphasizes efficiency by eliminating pilot-induced drag and by applying aerodynamic refinements. The gasoline engine, working in concert with the electric motor, facilitates easy take-off and efficient climb. Once airborne, the system can operate with the internal combustion engine, while a powerful generator continues to supply the aircraft’s electronic systems and payloads. This arrangement supports extended flight times, reduces the need for frequent ground refueling, and enables more predictable mission planning. The hybrid design also helps minimize maintenance demands by reducing peak electrical load and by distributing power to critical components as needed. Operators can expect smoother transitions between ascent, cruise, and descent, with energy management tools helping to optimize endurance under different payloads and weather conditions.
On a separate note from the broader drone landscape, reports from the region mention a Russian designed drone nicknamed Cube that was linked to an attack on a U.S. armored personnel carrier. The reference underscores the ongoing discussion about drone capabilities and their impact on military logistics and security. The Sarma program, by contrast, focuses on civil and commercial uses such as crop health monitoring, precision spraying, and cargo delivery to remote sites, with safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in clear view as it advances toward field deployment. The work illustrates a broader trajectory in unmanned technology, where modular power systems, modular payloads, and robust autonomy are becoming standard features in mid-sized aviation platforms.