A Tu-143 complex
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Tupolev Updates Its Drones
OAO Tupolev plans to make improvements to its Reis and Reis-D unpiloted reconnaissance aircraft complexes, which include the Tu-143 and Tu-243. Changes to the navigational system and the workload will be made and their range will be extended. The Tu-243 will be reequipped, so that it will be able to fly reconnaissance missions and deliver strikes against the enemy as well.
The Reis complex has been in use since the 1970s. It has been widely used in combat units. About 1000 complexes consisting of a Tu-143, a launcher, transporter and maintenance equipment have been produced. Some of them have been exported and used successfully in battle.
The Reis-D complex came into use in the late 1980s and represents the further development of the Reis. The Tu-243 is equipped with improved reconnaissance equipment and has a range of 360 km., almost twice that of the Tu-143.
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