Lightweight quadcopters for the Russian army
A quadrocopter of the Russian army during exercises, 2019.Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Light and ultralight unmanned aerial vehicles of helicopter type with several rotor groups have a number of advantages, thanks to which they have gained great popularity in various fields. So far, they are used mainly for non-military tasks, but their potential can be useful for armies as well. So, over the past few years, the Russian armed forces have been mastering existing quadcopters and developing new designs.
Army news
Modern UAVs appeared in our army in the distant past, but light quadcopters were absent until recently. The first unmanned systems of this kind arrived in units only in 2019, and then it was about trial operation and the determination of real capabilities and prospects. However, if positive results were obtained, full-scale purchases and implementation of equipment were to be expected.
In June and August 2019, the press service of the Ministry of Defense announced the transfer of the first small batches of quadrocopters to the UAV units of the Southern and Western military districts. In the near future, such equipment was planned to be used as part of the planned exercises. tasks drones determined the conduct of reconnaissance, adjustment of fire and evaluation of the results of firing at short distances. The type of equipment was not reported, however, in the published photographs one could see one of the popular foreign-made commercial models.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Defense has repeatedly published news on conducting a variety of exercises using light UAVs. Operators of unmanned systems worked in general battle formations and conducted reconnaissance of movement routes, performed enemy detection, adjusted fire, etc. In general, the new technology has shown its best side, even taking into account the existing technical and operational limitations.
The Chinese UAV DJI Phantom 4 Pro is a representative of one of the most popular lines. DJI Photo
Based on the results of training and test activities of the recent past, the military department decided to develop the field of quadcopters and introduce them in the troops. They should complement other light-class reconnaissance UAVs and make the reconnaissance system more flexible and efficient.
In accordance with this decision, new purchases of equipment are carried out. For example, in early July, the Ministry of Defense published the news about the transfer of the next batch of UAVs. 40 units such equipment is distributed between the intelligence and special units of the Southern Military District. Quadrocopter models are not reported. At the same time, it is specified that they are distinguished by improved characteristics of range, speed and flight time, use satellite navigation and produce minimal noise.
In a new role
Due to objective technical limitations, light quadcopters have so far been used only as a reconnaissance tool. However, experiments are underway in other areas as well. So, recently it became known about the creation of an engineering UAV capable of remote mining. Such experiments are reported by Krasnaya Zvezda in the September 20 issue. The article "In the foothills and on the plains" tells about the latest exercises of the Southern Military District, in which, among other things, new tactics and models are being worked out.
A quadrocopter with a combat load was tested at the test site. Reportedly, it was developed and manufactured by "army craftsmen", and the work was completed in the shortest possible time. When assembling, we used “scrap materials”. It is argued that, if necessary, it is possible to quickly and easily assemble new similar UAVs and ensure the mass delivery of mines to a given area.
The light reconnaissance quadcopter can be launched even from the hand. Photo Wikimedia Commons
Unfortunately, the technical features and appearance of the army development have not been disclosed. Apparently, we are talking about a simple modernization of one of the existing quadcopters with the installation of mountings for the payload in the form of a small and light mine. Handicraft "projects" of this kind have become widespread in the conflicts of recent years, and now our army is testing the potential of such a concept.
Benefits and Limitations
Until recently, the army did not show much interest in light quadcopters, for which there were objective reasons. The technique of this class, having a number of important advantages, but not without disadvantages. If in civilian spheres they can be tolerated, then military use makes more stringent requirements. Nevertheless, as practice shows, objective limitations do not always prevent the desired results from being obtained.
A lightweight UAV of a helicopter type is capable of taking off from a place - from the ground, from a vehicle, or even from the operator's hand. Landing also does not require a lot of space. At the same time, modern control systems and sensors greatly simplify piloting, incl. with a first-person view. The quadcopter can carry a high-resolution camera or other payload up to light ammunition.
The design of lightweight UAVs imposes restrictions on the mass of the battery, as well as on key performance characteristics. For example, the most popular drone DJI Phantom 4 has a diameter of only 350 mm, and its take-off weight does not exceed 1,4 kg. At the same time, it is equipped with a battery weighing 468 g with a capacity of 5870 mAh, which only lasts for 30 minutes. flight.
The Wolf-18 interceptor quadcopter in its current configuration. Due to the increase in size and weight, the possibility of solving combat missions was obtained. Photo Concern East Kazakhstan region "Almaz-Antey"
A serious problem of commercial UAVs is the instability to the effects of electronic warfare. Such drones communicate with the remote control over an unprotected channel that is easy to suppress. Accordingly, reconnaissance with real-time data transmission will not be possible. Suppression of satellite navigation signals will also exclude autonomous operation.
Looking for a solution
However, the experience of recent exercises and local conflicts shows that even commercial quadcopters, in their original or modified form, can be used to solve a wide range of tasks. First of all, this is reconnaissance in simple conditions, in the absence of interference. A striking role is also possible, but the combat effectiveness of a separate light apparatus will be small, and the desired results can be obtained only through a massive raid.
Most of the typical problems can be eliminated by developing a new design, initially taking into account the features of future operation and the intended tasks. So, the size and weight of the UAV can be increased within reasonable limits, which will provide a reserve of carrying capacity for the required load. Control systems must be protected from external influences. Innovations of a different kind are possible.
The results of such works are already being demonstrated at exhibitions, and in the near future they will get to tests in the army. For example, in recent years, the domestic UAV "Volk-18" has been featured at exhibitions. This is a quadcopter with a diameter of 600 mm and a take-off weight of 6 kg, capable of staying in the air for up to half an hour. The resulting load capacity is used to transport advanced optics and launchers that shoot the net. Such a drone can participate in the "hunt" for other aircraft.
The light "Eleron" is one of the main drones of the Russian army. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
In the future, we should expect the appearance of similar UAVs with the ability to carry a full-fledged combat load, primarily for attacking ground targets. In addition, a light quadrocopter can become a loitering ammunition for hitting small objects.
Promising direction
Thus, lightweight quadcopters are gradually finding their place in our military forces. Products of existing models are actively used for observation and reconnaissance, complementing aircraft-type UAVs. In parallel, experiments are being carried out with the search for new areas of application. In addition, the industry, seeing the interest and needs of the army, is developing new models with certain features and new capabilities.
At the beginning of the year, the domestic media reported about the imminent start of full-scale purchases of light quadcopters to equip various parts and divisions. From the messages of the Ministry of Defense, it follows that these plans are already being implemented, and there are dozens of new unmanned systems in the unit. This shows that the army has completed the testing and experience phase - and is preparing to fully receive all the expected benefits.
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