Molniya on Windows 11: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Publishes List of Components of Molniya-2R Reconnaissance Drone

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, in the ‘Components in Weapons’ section of the War&Sanctions portal, has published an interactive diagram and a list of electronic components used in the Russian Molniya-2R UAV.

This is a new version of the Molniya fixed-wing FPV drone that has been adapted for aerial reconnaissance.

For this purpose, Russian developers integrated a Raspberry Pi 5 microcomputer into the aircraft, as well as a Chinese Mini PC F8 branded as Raskat (New IT Project LLC).

The drone is equipped with a licensed Windows 11 operating system, indicating the use of civilian technologies for military purposes.

In addition to a standard FPV camera, the UAV is fitted with an extra Chinese SIYI ZR10 camera featuring 10× optical zoom.

The Russian Molniya-2R reconnaissance drone is equipped with a camera featuring three-axis stabilization, which significantly enhances real-time surveillance and targeting correction capabilities.

To transmit video feeds from both cameras, as well as telemetry and control commands, a Starlink satellite terminal is installed onboard the Molniya-2R.

The drone uses components manufactured in the People’s Republic of China, the United States, Switzerland, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the United Kingdom.

Among Russian-made components, it employs the Raskat Start 107 personal electronic computing machine.

The UAV’s wingspan and length can be estimated at approximately 1.3–1.5 meters. The takeoff weight of the aircraft is currently unknown; however, it is noted that it can carry a payload of about 3–5 kg in its nose section.

The UAV’s total weight can be estimated at no more than 10 kg. Its flight range is approximately 40 km.

The drone is so inexpensive to manufacture that its fuselage consists of only two longitudinal metal tubes and cross elements made of plywood.