Šimanovci, Serbia — March 31, 2026 : Serbian aerospace firm Pink Research & Development Center (PR-DC) has announced the introduction of the IKA-ROCKET (designation: IKA-M-R57), a military-certified multicopter designed to launch three 57 mm aircraft rockets. The system follows a series of internal tests validating its structural integrity, flight stability, and operational capability during live rocket firing.
The development represents an advancement in armed unmanned aerial systems, particularly in integrating rocket-based armament onto multicopter platforms while maintaining controlled flight performance.
Testing Validation and Flight Stability
According to PR-DC, the IKA-ROCKET successfully completed internal evaluation trials that included rocket launches from all three launch positions. The drone maintained stability during both stationary hover and forward flight conditions.
Engineers attributed this performance to a specific structural configuration in which the rocket launcher tubes are aligned alongside the fuselage. This design ensures that the rockets remain close to the aircraft’s center of gravity, reducing destabilizing forces generated during launch. High-speed footage recorded at 2000 frames per second was used to verify stability and structural response during firing sequences.
Platform Design and Base Architecture
The IKA-ROCKET is built on the IKA-20-M platform, a certified military-grade hexacopter developed by PR-DC for autonomous operations in both day and night conditions. The platform supports a modular payload system, allowing configuration based on mission requirements.
The IKA-20-M has previously been configured for multiple payload roles, including aerial bomb deployment and rocket-based systems. The rocket-launching configuration demonstrated with the IKA-ROCKET highlights the adaptability of this modular concept.
The airframe is constructed using carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy, combining structural strength with reduced weight. The platform features folding arms for transport and is designed for rapid deployment.
Armament Configuration
The IKA-ROCKET carries three 57 mm aircraft rockets, including compatible variants such as S-5, BR-1-57, BR-2-57, and BR-20-57, without requiring modifications. Each rocket has an approximate mass of 4 kg and a length of around 900 mm.
The system is designed to fire rockets sequentially, enabling engagement of multiple targets within a single mission. Armament configurations can be adjusted based on user requirements.
Payload integration includes the P-R-57-3 launcher system specifically developed for triple rocket deployment. Additional payload modules compatible with the IKA-20-M platform include aerial bomb carriers (P-AB-60-6), payload release systems (P-RM-15), and winch mechanisms (P-W-10 with 25-meter capacity). Further configurations remain under development.
Technical Specifications
The IKA-20-M platform has a maximum takeoff weight of 70 kg and an optimal payload capacity of 20 kg. It is powered by BLDC electric motors, each delivering up to 5.7 kW, supported by a 4.3 kWh replaceable lithium-based battery.
The drone uses propellers measuring 812.8 mm in diameter with a pitch of 279.4 mm. Its dimensions are 2490 mm in length, 2400 mm in width, and 670 mm in height. Transport dimensions are reduced to 1200 mm × 1100 mm × 850 mm.
Flight performance parameters include:
- Maximum range: up to 30 km
- Mission radius: 5–15 km
- Operating altitude: 150–500 meters
- Flight endurance: 20–40 minutes
- Maximum speed: 90 km/h
- Cruise speed: 60 km/h
- Climb rate: 10 m/s
- Wind resistance: up to 8 m/s
Performance characteristics can be adjusted according to operational requirements.
Operational Capabilities
The IKA-ROCKET is designed for both autonomous missions and remote-controlled operations. The system supports simultaneous reconnaissance and combat functions through an integrated 3-axis electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal camera with 10x optical zoom.
Control is managed through the IKA-CTRL system, which allows multiple operators to simultaneously monitor and control different aspects of the drone, including flight and armament systems.
The platform is designed for use in environments requiring close-range engagement, obstacle navigation, and rapid response. Additional operational features include fast battery replacement, quick armament reload, and compatibility with modular mission payloads.
The system carries a NATO Stock Number (NSN) 1550-73-000-0672.
Development Background
The IKA-ROCKET is part of PR-DC’s broader development program focused on unmanned combat aerial systems. Earlier efforts included integrating anti-tank rocket launchers such as the 64 mm Zolja onto the IKA-20 platform.
Based on those trials, PR-DC determined that a redesigned airframe was required to optimize performance for rocket-launching roles. This led to the development of a dedicated variant capable of supporting tube-based rocket systems more effectively.
Manufacturer Profile
PR-DC is a privately owned aerospace company based in Šimanovci, Republic of Serbia. The company operates under licenses issued by the Serbian Ministry of Defense for the research, development, and production of military unmanned aerial systems.
It maintains in-house capabilities covering design, testing, verification, and manufacturing, using materials such as carbon composites, metals, plastics, and fiberglass. The company holds AS9100 certification for quality management in aviation, space, and defense production.
The IKA series of drones, including the IKA-ROCKET and IKA-BOMBER (configured for twelve 60 mm aerial bombs), share common electronics and software architecture, enabling unified training and operational integration across the product line.
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