Ukrainian-born aviation production holding Skyeton has successfully integrated satellite communications (SATCOM) systems into its Raybird, significantly expanding the platform’s operational reach and enabling uninterrupted real-time data transmission during long-duration missions.
The SATCOM integration complements Raybird’s 28+ hours of endurance capability, removing limitations on data link range. With satellite connectivity, Raybird operators can now maintain a stable, real-time data link throughout the entire mission profile, including deep reconnaissance tasks conducted far beyond the traditional coverage of ground-based communications.
Raybird, a small tactical unmanned aviation system (UAS), is compatible with several SATCOM solutions, allowing customers to select the system that best fits their operational requirements and existing command-and-control infrastructure.
In 2025, Skyeton delivered its first Raybird UAS with satellite communications to a unit of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Since then, the company has continued deploying SATCOM-enabled unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the combat zone to validate system readiness in real operational conditions.
Roman Knyazhenko, CEO of Skyeton: “We deliberately tested satellite communications not in laboratory conditions, but in the most hostile operational environment possible. Over the past year, we gathered detailed feedback directly from military operators. This experience allowed us to refine the integration and ensure stable performance under electronic warfare pressure and during extended missions. Before scaling deliveries, we had to ensure that the SATCOM-equipped Raybird is fully ready to conduct deep ISR missions in enemy territory exactly when it matters most.”
Raybird is designed for extended intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Powered by an internal combustion engine, the mass-produced version of the UAV offers more than 28 hours of continuous flight, making it one of the longest-endurance tactical UAVs in its class. The addition of satellite communications elevates the platform’s effectiveness in large-scale and distributed operations, where reliable long-range connectivity is critical.
Combat-proven in Ukraine, Raybird has accumulated over 350,000 flight hours, demonstrating high resilience to electronic warfare, operational reliability, and cost efficiency. Its compact design and low detectability allow it to operate effectively in contested airspace while delivering real-time intelligence to decision-makers.
About Raybird UAS:
Raybird is a small tactical unmanned aviation system optimized for long-duration ISR and ISTAR missions.
Key characteristics (ICE version):
- Flight endurance: 28+ hours
- Maximum flight range: 2,500+ km
- Operating ceiling: 5,500 m
- Real-time data link: Unlimited with SATCOM integration
- Payload capacity: 5–10 kg
- Propulsion: EFI four-stroke gasoline engine
- Operating temperatures: -35°C to +55°C
Raybird supports a wide range of interchangeable payloads, including gyro-stabilized multisensor gimbals, aerial cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and radio frequency locators.