The Chagala UAV, developed at the National Defense University, was essentially a breakthrough project in Kazakhstan.

In turn, R&D Center LLP applied to the National Defense University with a request for permission to use the utility model of this UAV.

In accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 14-1 of the Patent Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Research & Development Center Kazakhstan Engineering LLP was granted a non-exclusive license under a license agreement for the use of a utility model patent by the National Defense University named after the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy.

In May 2022, as part of R&D, the Partnership modernized the Chagala UAV and created a prototype of the Chagala-M UAV.

The Chagala-M tank differs from its predecessor in a completely new body in the form of a high-wing aircraft with a wing divided into left, middle and right parts. The left and right parts of the wing have ailerons and are easily docked to the middle part of the wing using guides. The middle part of the wing is rigidly attached to the upper part of the fuselage. An electric motor with a pulling propeller is installed on a vertical stabilizer at the rear of the fuselage. A horizontal stabilizer is installed on top of the vertical stabilizer. The body itself is made of composite materials. The control system, autopilot and battery are located inside the fuselage in a special compartment. The payload, at the operator's command, extends from a compartment in the lower part of the fuselage to increase the viewing angle of the video camera during flight. When landing, the payload, at the operator’s command, is retracted inside the fuselage, thereby protecting it.

The following can be used as a payload: a video camera, a radio receiving and radio transmitting device for relaying radio signals, a magnetometer, a gas analyzer, a thermal imager, and a laser range finder.

Thus, the modernization of the Chagala UAV allowed:

• increase in-flight lift, time in the air and flight range;
• improve the protection of expensive payloads from mechanical failures during takeoff and landing;
• eliminate mechanical damage to the propeller and electric motor during landing;
• improve the efficiency and functionality of UAVs.

Today, the Shagala-M UAV is applicable for both military and civilian needs: for the oil and gas, energy sectors and search and rescue operations. The drone can be used to monitor oil pipelines, gas pipelines, power lines, as well as for reconnaissance purposes, search and rescue operations, relays for communications and control equipment.