Russian drones testing to end in Venezuela in 2013
MOSCOW. Oct 7 (Interfax-AVN) - Certification tests of Russian air reconnaissance, surveillance and monitoring drones, developed by the Kazan-based Aerokon company, will end in Venezuela next year.
"Three drones are undergoing tests in Venezuela and the testing is expected to end at the start of 2013," Aerokon's chief designer, Igor Petukhov, told Interfax-AVN.
The testing is being run at order from civilian firms, he said.
"The testing of the lightest Rubezh-2 drone is particularly intensive. We hope the testing will be capped by a purchase agreement. Venezuela needs dozens of such systems," Petukhov said.
Rubezh-2 is a high-wing drone weighing just 2 kilograms. It is capable of carrying a payload of about 400 grams. Flight duration is up to 90 minutes and the range is about 45 kilometers. The drone can carry a photo or a video camera.
