Mini-drones have become indispensable on the modern battlefield, as witnessed in the operational theatre of Ukraine. 

Deployed in less than 20 minutes, mini-drones play a catalytic role in mission support. In fact, the Spy’Ranger mini-UAVs (SMDR – reconnaissance mini-UAV system) are combat-proven systems having carried out almost 6.000 flights and 5.000 flight hours, having been in service with the French forces since late 2020. 

According to Thales, the Spy’Ranger mini-drone systems (330 and 550 variants) unlock a new era in the collection of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions by advanced units, as large tactical drones cannot provide the agility that combatants need on the frontline to act without any delay in rapidly-changing military scenarios. 

On the contrary, the systems in question can provide units deployed on the frontline with autonomous intelligence gathering and offensive reconnaissance capabilities, allowing them greater versatility, improved protection, and seamless connection.

Spy’Ranger 330 / Spy’Ranger 550 technical characteristics:

• Endurance: 3 hours / 5 hours
• Speed: 65 to 90 km/h
• Operational range: 30 km / 50 km
• Engine: Electric
• Weight: 15 kg / 25 kg
• Wingspan: 4 meters / 5,2 meters

Specifically, the Spy’Ranger 330 and Spy’Ranger 550 now offer contact units the capability to collect image-based intelligence (IMINT) and electromagnetic signal intelligence (SIGINT) for mission preparation and conduct as well as for fire support in the field.

Particularly, regarding image-based intelligence (IMINT) for positive threat identification, the Spy’Ranger systems can feature variants of the Spy’Ball family of optronic payloads such as Spy’Ball, Spy’Ball XR, and Spy’Ball IRZ, and a new SIGINT mission system for detection and wide-field geolocation. In addition, the systems integrate µTMA secure datalink, while both Thales’ systems are operated by two users from the Spy’C multi-drone command and control station.

Apart from these, Thales has developed interfaces enabling Spy’Ranger systems to be interoperable with command information systems such as ATAK – Delta Suite or fire control systems like the ATLAS system, also being capable of ‘surviving’ radio frequency jamming as well as GPS-type satellite signal jamming.

When both mini-drones, 330 and 550, are deployed for the same mission, a first drone can film the area of interest for several hours, until it reaches the limits of its endurance. A second drone is then launched to take over without any interruption in surveillance. The first drone lands, the operator replaces its batteries and carries out routine checks to prepare for a new take-off and maintain permanent surveillance. 

The additional possibility of using SIGINT and IMINT payloads simultaneously provides even greater area surveillance. A first SIGINT drone provides 360° observation over several kilometers and detects any electromagnetic activity. 

Then, a second drone equipped with IMINT payload can make a positive identification of the target, a decisive asset for the outcome of modern military operations as they speed up the application of the OODA (Observe-Orient-Decide-Act) model, as the four phases of the loop are implemented faster.

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