UAVs and UCAVs

blackjack

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No russian drone news updates here... well we are going to have to fix that are we?

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New Orion drone with on-board radar passes flight tests

Specialists of JSC "Kronshtadt" are working on equipping drones with an electronic warfare system
PATRIOT PARK / Moscow region/, August 18. /tass/. Kronshtadt is conducting flight tests of the Orion unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a radar station on board. This was reported to TASS by the press service of the enterprise at the Army-2022 forum.

"Indeed, the onboard radar station is one of the intended target loads. At the moment, this UAV is at the stage of flight tests, " the press service said in response to a question about the stage of the Orion project in the version with an on-board radar.


https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/15499779

UAV "Sirius" tested as part of the reconnaissance and strike circuit with manned aircraft

The UAVs worked as part of reconnaissance and strike contours, where the complex with UAVs acts as a scout and operational strike tool for detected ground and surface objects.
PATRIOT PARK / Moscow region/, August 19 /TASS/. Tests on the use of Sirius and Orion drones as part of a reconnaissance and strike circuit with manned aircraft were completed. This was reported to TASS in the press service of the company "Kronshtadt" in the framework of the forum "Army-2022".

"Our unmanned aerial vehicles, both Sirius and Orion, have the ability to work as part of a reconnaissance and strike circuit with manned aircraft. Tests have already been conducted, " the press service said.

The ability to interact with manned aircraft means joint work as part of reconnaissance and strike contours, where a complex with a UAV acts as a scout and operational strike tool for ground and surface objects detected by it. Manned aircraft act primarily as a strike vehicle against targets detected by the drone.

Earlier it was reported that serial deliveries of new Sirius drones to the troops will begin in 2023.

"Sirius "(experimental design work "Pacer-RU") is a further development of the Orion UAVs, has two engines and an increased take-off weight. Sirius will be mass-produced at the first specialized plant for the production of large-size UAVs built by Kronstadt in Dubna (a science city in the Moscow region).


https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/15510863

The first drones with domestic thermal imagers were created in Russia, 08.19.2022.

The first drones with domestic UAV400T thermal imagers are already being used in a special operation.

The first drone with a domestic thermal imager UAV400T was created in Russia and is already being supplied to the Russian army for reconnaissance and artillery adjustment in the zone of military operations in Ukraine, Alexander Bubnov, a representative of the Astron design bureau, the company that produces these drones, told RIA Novosti.

For the first time, these copters were shown to the public at the Army-2022 military-technical forum in Kubinka near Moscow.

Bubnov noted that Astron is the only domestic manufacturer of television modules and detectors working in this area. The KB began its activities in this area after the imposition of sanctions in 2014.

“In connection with a military special operation, the state customer needed a domestic thermal imager for drones. In fact, our UAV400T is a flying thermal imager, which is used, among other things, for reconnaissance and target designation of artillery. The product is already being serially supplied to the Armed Forces and is used in the SVO,” he said.

According to the interlocutor of the agency, by the end of the year, Astron will produce a thousand "flying thermal imagers" for the army, in general, the plant's capacity allows the production of more than 5,000 such copters a year.

UAV400T "sees" enemy manpower and equipment at a distance of up to 400 meters, the duration of the drone flight is 45 minutes, the flight altitude is up to three kilometers, the takeoff weight is 1.2 kilograms.

Bubnov stressed that, unlike the Chinese Mavic copters, which volunteers purchased for the needs of the DPR and LPR militia , the Astron-developed drone has secure communication channels: it cannot be hacked, intercepted and "understand where it flew from."


https://ria.ru/20220819/dron-1810660114.html

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August 23, 05:03
"Army-2022"

"Kronstadt" signed a state contract for the development of a preliminary design of the UAV "Grom" (thunder)
The device is designed to work as a wingman in the forward attack echelon in cooperation with manned aircraft.


Moscow, 23 August. /TASS/. The Kronstadt company began work on a state contract for the development of a draft design of the Grom multi-purpose high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), first presented in 2020. This was reported to TASS in the press service of the enterprise at the last Army-2022 forum.

"We already have concluded state contracts for the development of a preliminary design, we are working in this direction," the press service said in response to a question about the stage at which work on the Grom UAV is.
Grom was first shown at the Army-2020 forum, it is designed to work as a wingman in the advanced attack echelon in cooperation with manned aircraft. The robot is capable of provoking military and object air defense complexes, and after they begin to actively search for it, destroy them with their strike means. It can also fight surface ships and coastal infrastructure. In one version, it will be capable of carrying Kh-38 air-to-surface guided missiles.

Also UAV "Grom" is one system with reusable high-speed group-use drones Molnya (Lightning), it is able to control a swarm of 10 such devices. At the same time, as noted in the company, "Lightning" will "communicate" with each other and with the carrier drone. It is possible to change tasks for each member of the "flock", transfer of leadership roles, interchangeability and performance of tasks by a group without constant communication with the carrier aircraft - thanks to artificial intelligence.
JSC "Kronstadt" is an enterprise of a full production cycle for the creation of unmanned aerial vehicles from their design to testing and certification. Since its establishment in 1991, the company (former name - CJSC "Transas") has specialized in the development of airborne, land and sea systems, military equipment simulators and interactive complexes. The enterprise has developed UAVs "Orion-E", "Sirius" and a number of other devices.

The international military-technical forum "Army-2022" was held from August 15 to 21 at the Patriot exhibition center. The event was organized by the Russian Ministry of Defense.


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The 10 Molyna drones that can be controlled by Grom.

"Thunder and lightning". Future unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities (topwar.ru)

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The Kronshtadt company continues the development of the promising unmanned aerial complex "Grom" and a number of related projects. Recently, new messages appeared in the domestic press about the capabilities of the complex. A heavy drone of a new type will be able to perform reconnaissance and strike missions, as well as control the work of other UAVs.

Latest news

New messages about the capabilities and potential of the "Thunder" complex and related developments have been disclosed by the TASS agency over the past few days. Information was obtained from both unnamed industry sources and representatives of the developer company.

On March 11, it was reported that the heavy drone "Thunder" will be able to control the operation of middle-class vehicles and coordinate their actions. Under the leadership of such a UAV, the "Molniya" -type vehicles that are currently being developed will operate. One "Thunder" will be able to interact with 10 "Lightning" operating in the "swarm" mode. At the same time, "Thunder" will not be able to carry the entire set of "Lightning" - they will have to be launched from another aircraft.

Earlier in the official reports mentioned the ability of "Thunder" to carry guided weapons "air-to-surface" of various types. In particular, some weapons are being developed specifically for the new UAV. On March 13, TASS announces the planned inclusion of the Kh-38 guided missile in the Grom's ammunition load. Such a product can be equipped with warheads of different types and has a flight range of up to 70 km. It should be recalled that such a rocket has already been demonstrated together with a promising UAV.

As reported on March 15, the representative of "Kronstadt" confirmed the possibility of controlling the swarm of "Lightning". In addition, new details are provided. Medium UAVs will be used in reconnaissance and strike versions. At the same time, it is proposed to make reconnaissance drones returnable, and the shock drones will actually become loitering ammunition.

Also, a representative of the development organization indicated that the Molniya UAVs are being optimized to work as part of a swarm. The devices will have to conduct a constant exchange of data, which will ensure the transfer of information about the task being performed, the distribution and redistribution of roles, etc. Due to the use of artificial intelligence, medium-sized drones will be able to work without constant communication with the "Thunder".

"Thunder and lightning"

The existence of the Thunder project was first announced last year as part of the Army-2020 forum. In addition, a full-size model of this product was shown at the exhibition site for the first time. Compatible aviation means of destruction. The premiere show was accompanied by the disclosure of some information about the main features of the project and the capabilities of a promising UAV.

The first reports about the UAV "Lightning" (according to the latest data, the name "Piranha" was previously used) appeared at the end of February, when the leadership of the Ministry of Defense visited a pilot production facility of the "Kronstadt" company to check. A prototype or prototype of such a drone got into the frame and naturally attracted attention. In addition, some technical and operational details have become known. Now the amount of data available has increased significantly.

The development of "Thunder" is directly related to the observed development of air defense systems. Aerial reconnaissance and strikes against ground targets are becoming more and more difficult and dangerous. In this regard, the first strikes against enemy targets and the destruction of key air defense targets should be carried out by unmanned systems, incl. in the mode of interaction with manned aircraft.

Reportedly, the Ministry of Defense agrees with this concept and believes that the troops need modern unmanned systems of the type being developed by the "Thunder". Such equipment will have to be used together with modern and promising aircraft, such as the Su-35S or Su-57, to expand the combat capabilities of front-line aviation.

In addition to the "Thunder", a lighter UAV "Lightning" is being created, suitable for conducting reconnaissance and striking in the "kamikaze" mode. Thus, a heavy, unobtrusive UAV will replace manned aircraft over the battlefield, and it will be assisted by smaller vehicles operating according to the "swarm" method. This is a fundamentally new concept for our videoconferencing, but even at a theoretical level, it promises serious advantages.

System Components

In the presented form, "Thunder" is an aircraft-based UAV with characteristic contours for stealth, trapezoidal wing, V-shaped tail and upper air intake. The takeoff weight of such a device can reach 7 tons, of which up to 2 tons will be used for combat load. It is reported that the "Thunder" has two external suspension nodes and two points in the internal cargo compartment.

The combat load of such a drone can include guided missiles and bombs of various types with a single ammunition mass of up to 500 kg. At "Army-2020", together with "Thunder", they showed the KAB-250LG-E and KAB-500S-E bombs, as well as the Kh-58MLE and Product 85 missiles. Perhaps, in the future, the range of used ammunition will be expanded with a corresponding increase in combat qualities.

The Molniya product is a compact UAV in the cruise missile form factor. The wingspan is only 1,2 m, the take-off weight is limited to tens of kilograms. The payload is 5-7 kg. "Lightning" will be able to carry reconnaissance equipment, probably optical or radio engineering. An impact modification is also provided - a loitering ammunition with a warhead.

Earlier it was reported that "Lightning" will be able to form a "swarm" and act together. Now it is reported about the possibility of using such a group together with the UAV "Thunder". In this case, the launch of the "swarm" can be carried out by another carrier aircraft. It is argued that the "Lightning" will receive artificial intelligence, which will make them a more effective reconnaissance and strike tool.

Group capabilities

Completion of development, testing and implementation of new UAVs will take some time and require a lot of effort. However, the result of these processes will be the acquisition of fundamentally new opportunities. The Aerospace Forces will be able to form combined reconnaissance and strike groupings of front-line aviation, including manned aircraft and UAVs of various types. Probably, it will be possible to enter into them not only devices from the Kronstadt company, but also other equipment.


16.09.2022
TASS
Source: new strike BLA "Sirius" able to carry guided and unguided weapons

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UAVs in Russian Armed Forces: News #2 - Page 32 Polnor10
Full-size mock-up of the "Sirius" twin-engine reconnaissance-strike unmanned aerial vehicle with long flight duration at the "Kronstadt" AO enterprise (Moscow), 26.02.2021.

The spokesperson of the agency noted that various flight tests of the BLA "Sirius" had already taken place, during which it was working on its interaction with the piloted aviation and ground components of the complex.

MOSCOW, September 15. /TASS/. New Russian heavy reconnaissance and attack unmanned aerial vehicles (BLA) "Sirius" can carry guided and unguided bombs and missiles. About this TASS reported the source in the defense-industrial complex.

"The new reconnaissance and attack drones "Sirius" can carry a payload in the form of guided and unguided bombs and missiles, as well as an optical-electronic system," said the agency's spokesperson.

He noted that various flight tests of the BLA "Sirius" had already taken place, in the course of which it was interacting with the piloted aviation and ground components of the complex.

TASS does not have official confirmation of this information.

"Sirius" (trial and construction work of "Inohodec-RU") is a further development of the "Orion" drones, has two engines and an increased take-off mass. Морская версия ударного BLA сможет выполнять роль поисково-пасательного месторан и разведчик. Earlier it was announced that serial installations of "Siriusov" in the Russian army will begin in 2023.



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16.09.2022
Military observation
The heavy impact drone "Sirius" was tested with various weapons

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UAVs in Russian Armed Forces: News #2 - Page 32 Tyazhe10


The heavy reconnaissance-strike drone "Sirius", developed by the Russian company "Kronstadt", is capable of carrying both controlled and uncontrollable ammunition. This was reported by the Russian OPK.

In the frames of the "Sirius" test program, it started to fly. Bespilotnik was already tested on the subject of interaction with piloted aviation, ground complexes, and also with and without various weapons. How long the tests are still unknown, but military hotels will receive serial "Sirius" models as early as 2023. The need for such drones was shown by the special operation in Ukraine, because the BPLAs do not attack us very much.
The new "Sirius" reconnaissance and attack drones can carry payloads in the form of guided and unguided bombs and missiles, as well as an optical-electronic system
- bring the TASS the interlocutor's words.

The "Sirius" strike drone is a heavier variant of the "Orion" with satellite control and the possibility of interaction with piloted aviation. "Sirius" has a larger radius of action and a larger payload. Относится к srednevysotnym bespilotnikam большой должительности полета. Konstruktivno predstavlyaet soboj flight apparatus of a normal aerodynamic scheme with a thin fuselage, a straight wing of a large span and a V-shaped wing. The power plant includes two turboprop engines.

Wingspan - 23 m,
length - up to 9 m.
Maximal take-off mass - 2 - 2.5 tons, of which 1 t is fuel.
Payload – 450 kg (on external suspension – 300 kg).
Flight height - 7 thousand meters,
cruising speed - 180 km/hour.


https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/15864963

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MOSCOW, 26 September. /TASS/. Developments in the creation of a reverse-swept wing and composite materials in the project of the Su-47 Berkut fighter are used today in the creation of domestic drones. This was reported to TASS at the state corporation Rostec on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the experimental Su-47 aircraft, developed by the Experimental Design Bureau (OKB) of P. O. Sukhoi (part of the United Aviation Corporation, UAC).

As stated in the TASS article "The Black Wing of the Berkut": how the Su-47 fighter was created, information for which was provided by Rostec, "the colossal knowledge about the reverse-swept wing made of composite materials obtained in the tests of the Berkut is used to create unmanned aerial vehicles and civil aircraft.

The swept-back wing has less inductive drag, which increases the aircraft's take-off and landing characteristics, maneuverability, and subsonic flight range. But creating such a wing is a difficult task, when certain flight speeds are reached, the entire structure can be destroyed. The use of composite materials made it possible to achieve high rigidity characteristics.

Obninsk research and production enterprise Tekhnologiya (part of Rostec) was instructed to manufacture panels for the reverse-swept wing for the Berkut. The panels used a new material developed by VIAM, which was not inferior in its characteristics to the world's best carbon fiber samples in the 1980s.

"It was a difficult time. Factories were closing, in general the situation was difficult. And we received an order for the manufacture of a reverse swept wing for the Su-47. This is a colossal experience that served as a breakthrough not only for aviation, but also for our production. A method was introduced automated laying out of products for aviation equipment, the materials were brought to high quality, and it was an excellent practice for the workers," said Alexander Konashenkov, operator of machine tools with program control of ONPP Tekhnologiya.

On the Su-47 "Berkut" fighter, it was possible to introduce a number of new design and technical solutions that were not previously used on aircraft of this class: the implementation of a large degree of longitudinal static instability, the use of large-sized milled panels of double curvature in the design and composite materials in the loaded structural elements of the airframe etc.


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Johny_Baba

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since russians are using loitering drones to hit ukraine,
what you think of my idea of using mini-aa version of this or similar 40mm UBGL launched missile ?
maybe in place of laser homing they could add other sort of seeker or simple mini camera for tv-remote controlling ?
a small idea, probably already in implementation in west...

So this is "Pike" 40mm laser-guided missile for hitting small targets etc, from Raytheon

it launches from a standard 40mm UBGL tube (albeit "hinge-release" pattern tubed launchers are preferred as it is quite longer than what a standard M203 could swing out to and so, but with little modification even this type of launchers can also be used)
View attachment 109123
...say, we make something similar here as well, you know for primarily hitting drones...
this one has effective range of 2000 metres so a low-passing drone can be hit with it and so..
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The Shrike

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since russians are using loitering drones to hit ukraine,
what you think of my idea of using mini-aa version of this or similar 40mm UBGL launched missile ?
maybe in place of laser homing they could add other sort of seeker or simple mini camera for tv-remote controlling ?


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IMO detection is a much bigger problem, from most of that videoes that have come out the soliders on the ground seem to be completely un-aware of a drone flying over head. Although neutralizing the drone once identified is no small challenge either. It will probably need to be a system that needs to have the scan, track and kill components preferably something that can be deployed at company level at least (for lower level drones). Just my thoughts.
 

Hari Sud

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UAVs & UCAVs in India

Many UAVs & UCAVs like Heron, Tapas, MQ-9 and many more have been mentioned in the media and in this forum as active UAVs with the Indian Army. On top of this, the private sector is trying its hand at various types of UAVs. Even IIT Delhi put up a grand show of UAVs on 26th January, which was impressive. A defence journalist sometime back claimed that India needs 2000 UAVs in near future etc.

My question to intelligent people of this Forum is to list out all the UAVs in use and under development (and the developer) for near-time delivery with the Indian Army.

War in Ukraine has changed the very nature of warfare where the Western powers are trying out various weapons including UAVs and Suicide UAVs with great success. That may be the future of warfare.

Please do,,,
 

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