Loitering ammunition "Lancet" in the Special Operation
"Lancet-3" at the exhibition. Zala Aero Photos
Recently, the Russian army has been armed with loitering ammunition - unmanned aerial vehicles with their own warhead, capable of conducting reconnaissance and immediately hitting a found target. During the Special Operation, similar products of several types are used, incl. ammunition "Lancet-3". In recent weeks, the use of UAVs of this model has been repeatedly reported, and even the process of hitting targets was demonstrated.
Latest news
First news about the use of domestic loitering ammunition appeared in March, and since then they have been received regularly. However, until the beginning of June, only the combat work of the Cube family products from Zala Aero was reported. UAVs of the Lancet line, also developed by her, were not used - or episodes of their work did not get into the news.
The combat use of the Lancets became known on June 8 from the state corporation Rostec. She said that both types of loitering ammunition are used in the Special Operation. The advantages of such UAVs were noted: they are fast, silent, easy to operate and capable of attacking targets tens of kilometers from the launch point with high accuracy.
Ammunition used in mid-July in Zaporozhye. Photo Telegram / BMPD
Also, Rostec revealed the characteristic features and differences of the Lancet. This drone has a high level of autonomy, and also carries optoelectronic means. With the help of the latter, he can independently find a ground target and aim at it.
In mid-July, the use of the Lancets was confirmed by the enemy. A photograph of the UAV wreckage made in the Zaporizhia region has been distributed to Ukrainian resources. The fragments shown clearly belonged to Russian loitering munitions. Judging by the condition of the remaining units, the product was able to reach the target.
A few days later, on July 18, the fact of the use of UAVs was confirmed by a representative of the military-civilian administration of the Zaporozhye region. It was reported that the Russian army began to attack Ukrainian positions with the help of Lancet-3 products. Earlier in this direction weapon not used.
"Lancet" flies to the target - shooting with UAV optics. Frame from the video from "KP"
ammunition on video
Already on July 20, the first video materials appeared. Komsomolskaya Pravda published a video showing the combat operation of Russian UAVs and the use of loitering ammunition. The video was filmed in an unnamed area of the Kherson region and contains footage filmed drones for different purposes.
It is shown how a reconnaissance UAV found camouflaged enemy armored personnel carriers and is following them. Then a picture is shown from the optics of the loitering ammunition. He takes the target for escort, and then begins flying towards it. The moment of hitting the target and undermining is again taken from the reconnaissance UAV. Another similar "arrival" on a ground target is also shown.
On July 22, military commander Alexander Kots posted another interesting video. It shows the use of the "Lancet" on a moving target. The target for the strike was a Ukrainian truck with a gun in tow. Enemy artillerymen moved along the road into the field and carried out maneuvers. Then the shooting from the loitering ammunition is shown. In a gentle dive, he flew up to the target and hit it. Further, a reconnaissance UAV filmed the burning remains of a truck and guns.
Targets are hit. Frame from the video from "KP"
Obviously, these are far from the only episodes of the use of the Lancets. Such weapons are actively exploited, and the number of targets hit can already go to tens or hundreds. For obvious reasons, not all footage of such attacks will be released to the public. However, even without this, loitering ammunition will contribute to the achievement of the goals of the Special Operation.
Modern weapons
Loitering ammunition of the Lancet series is being developed by Zala Aero. The first sample of the family was presented in 2019 at one of the domestic exhibitions. On the basis of common solutions, two samples were created - "Lancet-1" and "Lancet-3". These drones allow you to solve various tasks, and if necessary, they are complemented by products of the Cube family, also from Zala Aero.
Already in 2020, a large batch of Lancets went to Syria to be tested in a real conflict. It was reported that the Russian military actively used such products and successfully hit a variety of targets, stationary and moving. Later, the Ministry of Defense showed videos of objective control made by reconnaissance UAVs.
Flight to the truck and the gun, filming from the Lancet. Frame from video from Telegram / Kotsnews
According to the results of field and military tests, the "Lancets" were finalized. After that, no later than 2020-21. such ammunition went into series and ended up in the combat units of the Russian army. In June of this year or earlier, they began to be used during the Special Operation - and the UAVs reaffirmed their combat capabilities.
Options and features
The drones of the Lancet line are distinguished by their characteristic design and recognizable appearance. Both known products have an elongated fuselage with a multifaceted section, on which the planes are installed. X-shaped wings and tail stabilizers are provided. Later, a new plumage scheme was introduced: it has a smaller span, and also includes a horizontal stabilizer and a vertical keel.
All versions of the Lancet are equipped with an optoelectronic system with guidance in two planes. The flight is provided by an electric motor and a pusher propeller. The central part of the fuselage is given over to remote control systems, a battery and a warhead. In flight, the UAV maintains two-way communication with the operator, transmits a video signal to him, and also receives commands.
Moments before hit. Frame from video from Telegram / Kotsnews
"Lancet-1" has a mass of only 5 kg and carries a 1-kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead. It develops a speed of 110 km/h and can stay in the air for half an hour. "Lancet-3" is larger and heavier. It weighs 12 kg and is equipped with a 3 kg warhead. The flight speed and range are higher than those of the smaller vehicle, and the flight duration has been increased to 60 minutes.
The main task of the "Lancets" is the detection and destruction of ground targets. The UAV of this family, like other loitering ammunition, must fly to the area of the intended location of the target, after which the operator begins to search for the target. The found object is taken for escort, after which the device dives on it and is blown up.
Warheads weighing from 1 to 3 kg are sufficient to destroy manpower, unprotected and lightly armored vehicles in open areas or in light shelters. The warhead is triggered upon contact with the target or at a short distance from it, which increases the area affected by shrapnel.
The result of the attack. Frame from video from Telegram / Kotsnews
With the help of standard optics, the Lancet can perform the functions of a reconnaissance drone. With it, you can find an enemy ground object or clarify previously received data. However, in terms of the combination of characteristics, loitering ammunition in this role is inferior to specialized reconnaissance vehicles.
During the tests, the concept of "air mining" was worked out. In this case, the UAV is on duty in the sky and is looking for enemy aircraft. Then he must approach them and undermine. In this mode, the Lancet is capable of destroying almost any modern UAV or causing serious damage to a helicopter.
Flexibility
Recently, our army has been armed with several types of loitering ammunition. Products of the two families differ from each other in technical characteristics and tactical capabilities. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to use a sample that most fully corresponds to the specifics of the intended strike and the chosen target.
An important contribution to such a weapon system is made by UAVs of the Lancet family. In the recent past, they have confirmed their capabilities at training grounds in Syria, and are now being used in Ukraine. As reported, with their help, they have already managed to destroy a number of enemy combat vehicles, guns and other materiel. And it is obvious that the combat score of the Lancets will continue to grow, demonstrating the potential of both these products and the entire concept of loitering ammunition.
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