The exact number of the UAVs has not been disclosed, but Rheinmetall claims the contract is for “a double-digit amount in millions of euros”.
According to the official press release of the UAV manufacturer on its official website, Rheinmetall has confirmed that Ukraine will soon receive a batch of LUNA NG reconnaissance aircraft. The exact timing was not specified, but it was noted that the drones will be ready for delivery in 2023.
The number of drones Ukraine will receive is unknown. But Rheinmetall says the order placed “is in the double digits in millions of euros”.
The LUNA NG aircraft is an advanced reconnaissance aircraft. LUNA NG consists of a ground control station and several drones. The system also includes a launch catapult, optional networking equipment for catching drones as they land, and rapid-repair equipment. The entire system is installed on an HX swap body truck manufactured by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles.
LUNA NG drones can stay in the air for more than twelve hours and explore, thanks to their ultra-light and extremely stable design. They also have a data transmission range of up to 300 kilometers when equipped with additional StaCom equipment.
Drones LUNA NG have the following features:
- length – 2.28 meters;
- wingspan – 4.17 meters
- weight – 40 kilograms;
- load – 10 kilograms;
- engine – 5 kW;
- speed – 120-150 km / h;
- flight altitude – up to 5000 meters;
- flight duration – more than 12 hours;
- Range – more than 100 kilometers (can be increased to 300 kilometers with additional StaCom equipment).
Drones LUNA NG are equipped with various types of sensors and cameras that allow them to perform tasks in the field of discovery, classification and detection of objects in real time. They can also transmit data to the ground control station via an encrypted communication channel. Drones LUNA NG have low visibility for enemy detection systems and can operate in harsh weather conditions.
On August 13, information emerged that Germany would hand over the latest LUNA NG systems to Ukraine. According to journalists, the next version of the LUNA NG will be able to carry weapons, provide an LTE network, interrupt or disrupt communications.
Source: Focus
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