Merlin-VR

Merlin-VR is a Russian reconnaissance and surveillance UAV developed by the Smolensk-based research institute NII STT and first presented in September 2021. It is used for observation and target detection, target tracking, long-duration aerial monitoring and confirming the results of artillery fire, carrying day (EO) and infrared sensors and flying in automatic or semi-automatic modes. Promoted as having hybrid propulsion, it can reach about 5 km altitude and stay airborne for about 10 hours. Russian forces have used it over Ukraine since 2022.