Evgeniy Strokan says that Ukrainian manufacturers and the military have a lot to learn from the invaders, especially it is worth simplifying the control of FPV drones for inexperienced operators.
The Russian military uses large numbers of cheap kamikaze drones quite effectively against the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Ukrainian officer Evgeniy Strokan talks about this Wrote X on the social network (Twitter) and shared his ideas on how to deal with them.
He said that recently a Russian drone with first-person control (FPV) flew to one of the non-explosive positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which made it possible to study how it works. The warrior noted a good selection of components, many of which are used by Ukrainian manufacturers, but there are also significant differences. For example, the frame in the Russian Federation is reinforced with separate carbon rods, probably not enough in terms of strength to combat vibrations.
It’s clear that the quadcopter is mass-produced as the serial number is stamped on it. According to Evgeniy Strokon, the Russians hastily assembled the device and spent about $500; this is more than most Ukrainian teams spend. As the soldier found out, the model was named “Vladlen Tatarsky” (in honor of the late “military correspondent”), it was made as part of the “Judgment Day” project and was widely promoted in the Russian Federation. Some 12,000 such drones were assembled, all with private funding.
Examining the Vladlena equipment, Evgeniy concluded that manufacturers have greatly reduced its capabilities in order to make control as simple as possible for soldiers of the Russian Armed Forces. The helicopter rotates very slowly around its axis (100 degrees per second), allowing an inexperienced operator to choose the route more accurately.
“It seems to me that we need to consider a similar scheme for using FPV. That is, to make simpler and cheaper FPVs for beginners (for the majority in reality). And as a result, such FPVs will occupy about 80 places % of all,” the warrior commented.
Unlike the UAV, its ammunition was most likely made in the trenches by the army itself. This was a plastic tube filled with plastid and the steel balls from the bearing were glued to the outside with tape, the total weight was about 2 kg. Such a device was supposed to be detonated by a detonator from an RGO bomb.
“That is, they sacrificed the possibility of operation for the sake of simplicity of aiming ammunition. There, I just took off the ring and the bird flew away and when it hit something – badabum. But the trouble is that when it hits it is clear, it does not work. Therefore, it is really about covering everything possible with nets “I insist. This is exactly the result of saving lives,” the message’s author explained.
The Russians installed a battery with a capacity of 6500 mAh – this is enough for an impact at a distance of 7-8 km, but you can replace it if necessary. Factory declared engine thrust with 9*5*3 propeller at 50% thrust and 24 volts (per 1 engine): 1,020 g; At 100% draw and 24 volts – 3041 grams. The helicopter uses frequencies in the 1.3 GHz range for video transmission and 800-900 MHz for control, which is normal practice.
Evgeniy Strokan emphasized, “The Russians are in a good position regarding unmanned aerial vehicles. FPVs overwhelm us. We are far behind them in this regard.”
He proposed protecting the positions of the Defense Forces with ordinary camouflage or a large mesh of fishing nets, hanging them on the top and sides – then there is a high probability that an enemy kamikaze drone will get stuck and explode, and the operator will not even be able to see the trap.
In turn, Ukrainians should stop using handmade ammunition for FPV drones and produce them in bulk, standard and at the state level. It is better to immediately equip the drones with a warhead, and then count everything in the warehouses together and write it off as a single unit.
“The ammunition should be easy to use, and its preparation for use should be much simpler than what manufacturers in Ukraine currently offer (a bunch of fuses and dancing with tambourines). Also, the ammunition should have a self-destruct function so that ours do not hang on the bird’s net “, added Evgeniy.
According to the warrior, Ukrainians should now donate money specifically to drones and create a social demand for the state to produce FPV strikers in huge quantities. At a cost of 20 thousand hryvnias each, you can buy 45 of these UAVs with only the money you are willing to spend on children’s drums in Kiev bomb shelters (more than 890 thousand hryvnias); The costs of a launching system (ATGM) for an anti-tank missile are approximately the same.
“And you can buy 4,000 FPVs for the price of one tank. Think about it. But we need tens of thousands of FPV kamikazes per month. Only the state can meet such a demand. Therefore, it is very important to talk about this.” stressed the soldier.
In June, a scandal broke out regarding drums purchased by the administration of Kiev’s Dnieper region. In the tender, officials stated that musical instruments were needed to make it easier for children to sit in shelters outside of air raid warning.
A few days later, the Dnieper Regional State Administration terminated the contract for the purchase of barrels ahead of schedule. The head of the regional administration, Pavel Babiy, decided to launch an internal investigation.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.