The history of the ACS-3 (also known internationally as Raybird) began almost simultaneously with the russian invasion of Donbas, Ukraine. Drone developer Skyeton, founded in 2006, spent eight years gaining aviation expertise before creating the ACS-3.
So this project was not a sudden breakthrough but rather the product of a skilled research team and a generation of talented engineers. Before shifting to UAVs, Skyeton developed its own aircraft, the K-10 Swift.
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A decade ago, UAVs and similar systems were used almost exclusively for civilian purposes, mostly for entertainment, not even for business. Specialized courses on drone development were rare in Ukrainian universities. Skyeton didn’t emerge out of thin air but was undoubtedly one of the pioneers in an industry that was pushed to evolve by the war.
The first design drawings for Raybird appeared in 2014, leading to the creation of a prototype in 2016. The drone's core idea was a fixed-wing structure and gasoline engine that enabled high autonomy, showcased in a Ukrainian record in 2019 when the ACS-3 remained airborne for 24 hours, an achievement later extended to 28 hours. Subsequent improvements in cameras, optical systems, and communication equipment increased the flight altitude to 2–3 km.

Later in 2019, the ACS-3 passed all tests and was adopted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. But the world around was changing: UAVs were no longer passive observers, they started carrying weapons, made an impact on the battlefield, and became indispensable in various combat scenarios. Concurrently, technologies to counter drones, such as electronic warfare and radar systems, advanced at a previously unseen pace.
In response, the Raybird was upgraded with protected frequencies, broader operational ranges, and a sturdier design capable of withstanding multiple attacks simultaneously. New antennas and a frame with reduced radio visibility enhanced its survivability.
By 2022, the ACS-3 had established itself as a significant player in the UAV market, gaining demand internationally. Thus, Skyeton in general transformed from a civilian aviation company to a developer of military-grade drones, all while working amidst a ruthless war in its homeland.
Evolution at Gunpoint
The russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 pushed technological development even further, effectively creating a new military branch: the Unmanned Systems Forces. Small and fast FPV drones entered mass production, capable of tasks ranging from reconnaissance to direct engagement — a versatility that'd be unimaginable just five or seven years ago.

The ACS-3 had to become all-weather and adaptive to strike at any time and in any operational conditions. A crucial upgrade was the addition of a laser target designator, allowing Ukrainian forces troops to launch the drone even in denied environments without losing control, a very useful feature considering that the war frontline stretched as far as 1,400 km.
The next update was an FPV camera for monitoring the situation beneath the drone and the weather. This ensured constant communication with the battlefield, an element that many other manufacturers overlooked. A new four-meter wing lifted the drone higher, enabling it to bypass russian air defense zones, fly into places they considered reliably covered, spy deeper behind enemy lines, and send the information back at distances up to 220 km.
Innovative injection engines enabled long flights, making it possible to engage smaller targets before getting to a really big one. A night camera and secure communication system helped guide allied troops to safety.

The on-ground element of operations using the ACS-3 also met modern trends: the system no longer required deployment near the frontlines. Operators could choose a place that offers maximum safety and work from there.
Essentially, a portable system performed the tasks of higher-class aircraft, having evolved from a reconnaissance platform into an aerial attack drone.
With strike capabilities, Raybird became capable of turnkey missions, from task planning to detecting enemy targets at a distance, combat engagement, and confirming the results of the attack.
Future Wars Will Be Waged Remotely
The ACS-3's reliable design has borne fruit, accumulating over 300,000 combat hours. Throughout these missions, operators, stationed far from the drone itself, sitting in front of the screen. Inside a mobile van, they have all the necessary systems to assist during sorties, such as in situations when it detects an electronic warfare or an air defense system, be it an allied or enemy one. All information is received and processed in real-time mode.
The ACS-3 has already undergone significant technological evolution. In 2025 and beyond, the era of multiplatform systems and remote headquarters is approaching. The rise of artificial intelligence will present new challenges and opportunities, too.

Training for UAV operators will also reach a breakthrough, thanks to advanced simulators replicating fast-paced combat scenarios that can change any second. These will teach them to quickly make important decisions and maintain spatial and situational awareness. Commanders being flexible in their instructions and allowing soldiers in the field to sometimes act at their own discretion can save many missions and lives.
The ultimate goal is to master fully autonomous systems, where based on defined mission conditions and parameters multiple UAVs execute coordinated missions, followed by an analysis of the work done.
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