Hupalo-N — Realistic Aerial Target UAV for Air Defense Training
Hupalo-N is an aircraft-type unmanned aerial system with an electric propulsion system, developed by VITRUHAN / WeTrueGun as a realistic reusable aerial target for training air defense units, mobile fire teams, FPV interceptor crews, and for testing systems designed to detect, track, and engage aerial targets.
The platform uses a flying-wing aerodynamic configuration. Its dimensions, flight profile, radar characteristics, and infrared profile allow it to simulate modern aerial threats in the class of one-way attack UAVs, including targets similar to the Shahed-131.
The Hupalo-N UAS has been codified and assigned a NATO Stock Number — NSN 1550-61-018-5740.
The system is manufactured in accordance with Technical Specification TU U 30.3-39408617-001:2025.
Electric propulsion • maximum speed up to 145 km/h • up to 40 minutes of flight time • route length up to 70 km • NSN 1550-61-018-5740
A Real Aerial Target for Real Training
Simulators and theoretical instruction are an important part of training, but they cannot fully reproduce the conditions of working with a real high-speed target in the air.
Hupalo-N enables personnel to train in an environment that is much closer to practical air defense operations.
During a training flight, the crew works with an actual airborne target: searching for it, detecting it, tracking it, and performing the assigned training mission.
This makes Hupalo-N suitable both for operator and crew training and for testing advanced counter-UAV and air defense systems.
What Hupalo-N Was Developed For
Training Mobile Fire Teams and Air Defense Units
Hupalo-N is designed for practical air defense training against a real moving aerial target.
The system makes it possible to create training scenarios with different routes, altitudes, and speed profiles.
Practical training can include:
- aerial target detection;
- identification and tracking;
- assessment of target direction and movement parameters;
- coordination between members of the crew;
- training procedures for mobile fire teams;
- practical engagement of a high-speed aerial target.
Aerial Target for FPV Interceptor Training
A separate key application of Hupalo-N is training FPV interceptor drone pilots.
Aerial interception differs significantly from flying an FPV drone against a ground target.
The pilot must simultaneously assess the speed of the interceptor, the speed and direction of the target, altitude difference, closing angle, and predicted interception point.
Hupalo-N allows these skills to be developed not only in a simulator but against a real aircraft-type target in the air.
The platform is used within WeTrueGun’s training programs for FPV interceptor operators as part of the development of practical capabilities to counter hostile one-way attack UAVs.
Air Defense System Testing
Hupalo-N can be used as a controllable unmanned aerial target during testing of advanced air defense and counter-UAV systems.
The platform can support testing of:
- radar systems;
- aerial target detection and tracking systems;
- counter-UAV systems;
- anti-aircraft systems;
- portable air defense systems;
- advanced target engagement solutions;
- FPV interceptor drones.
The radar profile of Hupalo-N makes the platform suitable for testing modern systems designed to detect unmanned aerial threats.
Key Advantages of Hupalo-N
Realistic Aerial Target Geometry
The platform has a 2.6 m wingspan and a 2.45 m length, creating a realistic visual profile for an aerial target in the class of modern one-way attack UAVs.
Realistic Flight Profile
Hupalo-N can operate at different speeds and altitudes, allowing training scenarios to be adapted for both air defense crews and FPV interception.
Maximum Speed up to 145 km/h
The available speed range makes it possible to simulate both standard and more demanding scenarios involving a high-speed aerial target.
Electric Propulsion System
The electric propulsion system provides:
- simple operation;
- fast preparation for repeat flights;
- minimal between-flight maintenance;
- lower operating costs;
- suitability for regular and high-volume training.
Reusable Platform
Hupalo-N was developed as a practical training platform that can be used repeatedly.
This is particularly important for systematic crew training, where dozens of real flights may be required rather than a single demonstration mission.
Flexible System Configuration
The number of UAVs and the overall system configuration can be adapted to the specific requirements of the customer.
Hupalo-N Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Unmanned Aircraft System / Aerial Target |
| Aerodynamic configuration | Flying wing |
| Propulsion | Electric |
| Wingspan | 2.60 m |
| Length | 2.45 m |
| Height | 0.45 m |
| Operational take-off weight | 18–20 kg |
| Payload capacity | up to 3 kg |
| Cruise speed | approx. 85 km/h |
| Maximum speed | up to 145 km/h |
| Flight time | up to 40 min |
| Maximum route length per flight | up to 70 km |
| Operational / cruise altitude | approx. 250 m |
| Maximum operational altitude | up to 800 m |
| Maximum permitted wind speed | up to 10 m/s |
| Operating temperature range | -10 °C to +40 °C |
| Approximate system deployment time | up to 30 min |
| UAV pre-flight preparation | up to 5 min |
| Launch method | Launch catapult |
| NATO Stock Number | 1550-61-018-5740 |
| Technical specification | TU U 30.3-39408617-001:2025 |
| Developer and manufacturer | VITRUHAN / WeTrueGun |
Actual parameters of a specific configuration may vary depending on the selected equipment and the customer’s technical requirements.
Hupalo-N System Configuration
The standard system configuration is defined according to the customer’s operational and training requirements.
The system may include:
- the required number of Hupalo-N UAVs;
- ground control station;
- launch catapult;
- required ground support equipment;
- operating and technical documentation.
The number of aircraft in one system is determined according to the customer’s specific requirements.
Hupalo-N Crew Training by WeTrueGun
VITRUHAN combines unmanned system development with practical operator training.
For units and organizations receiving Hupalo-N, crew training can be provided at the WeTrueGun Training and Technical Center.
The training program may include:
- system design and operating principles;
- Hupalo-N deployment;
- UAV pre-flight preparation;
- ground control station operation;
- mission planning;
- catapult launch procedures;
- execution of training routes;
- landing procedures;
- between-flight maintenance;
- standard operating procedures;
- flight safety.
This allows the customer to receive not only the equipment but a ready-to-operate aerial target system together with a trained crew.
Hupalo-N or Hupalo-GT1?
WeTrueGun develops two versions of the Hupalo aerial target platform for different training and testing scenarios.
Hupalo-N
Electric version.
Optimized for regular training where the main priorities are:
- simple operation;
- reusable missions;
- fast preparation for the next flight;
- low operating costs;
- systematic training of air defense crews and FPV interceptor pilots.
Hupalo-GT1
High-speed version powered by a gasoline internal combustion engine.
Developed for scenarios where the following characteristics are particularly important:
- internal combustion engine acoustic signature;
- more pronounced thermal signature;
- significantly higher speed;
- highly demanding interception scenarios.
Internal link:
Hupalo-GT1 — High-Speed Gasoline-Powered Aerial Target
FAQ — Hupalo-N
What is Hupalo-N?
Hupalo-N is a reusable aircraft-type unmanned aerial system with electric propulsion developed by WeTrueGun as a realistic aerial target for training air defense units, mobile fire teams, and FPV interceptor pilots.
What is Hupalo-N used for?
The system is used for practical training against a real moving aerial target, FPV interceptor pilot training, and testing systems designed to detect, track, and counter UAVs.
What is the maximum speed of Hupalo-N?
The maximum speed of the electric version is up to 145 km/h.
How long can Hupalo-N remain airborne?
Flight endurance is up to 40 minutes, depending on the flight profile and operating conditions.
What is the flight range of Hupalo-N?
The maximum route length during one flight can reach up to 70 km.
Does Hupalo-N have a NATO Stock Number?
Yes. Hupalo-N has been assigned NSN 1550-61-018-5740.
Can the number of UAVs in the system be changed?
Yes. The number of aircraft and the final system configuration are defined according to the customer’s requirements.
Does WeTrueGun provide crew training?
Yes. Customers can receive practical training covering system operation, launch procedures, flight control, and technical maintenance.
Order Hupalo-N
For current information regarding configuration, pricing, manufacturing lead time, and delivery terms for the Hupalo-N UAS, contact VITRUHAN / WeTrueGun.
Developer and manufacturer:
VITRUHAN / WeTrueGun