UAV "Lastochka-M" on exercises and in battle
"Lastochka-M" on the launch rail. A frame from the reportage of the TV channel "Zvezda"
In the recent past, a new unmanned aerial vehicle was developed for the Russian army aviation complex "Swallow". Its main element is a light aircraft capable of conducting reconnaissance and carrying a combat load of a small mass. Last year, equipment of this type was used for the first time in major exercises, and now its combat work is being reported as part of a real military operation.
In training and in combat
In September 2021, the West-2021 international strategic exercises were held at several Russian and foreign training grounds. Both mastered models of equipment and completely new systems were involved in these maneuvers. In particular, several UAVs with reconnaissance and / or strike capabilities passed the test of practice at once.
On September 13, the Ministry of Defense spoke about one of the episodes of the exercises that took place at the Mulino training ground (Nizhny Novgorod region). So, land formations waged a maneuverable defensive battle. Several types of UAVs were on duty in the air - Orlan-10, Pacer and Lastochka. They monitored events on the ground, and also identified and attacked objects of a mock enemy.
The attack UAVs reportedly used a variety of weapons. The Lastochka used unnamed fragmentation and cumulative munitions, with which UAV destroyed the target armored vehicle. The exercises also used the "aircraft" modification of the Gran' guided mortar mine and other ammunition.
Now it became known that after demonstrating its capabilities during the exercises, the Lastochka complex got a chance to prove itself in real combat conditions. So, on July 22, the TASS agency reported the use of such UAVs as part of the Special Operation in Ukraine. This information was obtained from an unnamed source in law enforcement agencies.
It is not specified when and where the Lastochkas were used. It is reported that such drones identified and attacked enemy manpower and armored vehicles. A number of enemy fighters and several combat vehicles have already been destroyed using fragmentation and cumulative ammunition.
Breakaway moment. A frame from the reportage of the TV channel "Zvezda"
In the light class
According to known data, unmanned systems of the Lastochka line are being developed at the Luch design bureau (Rybinsk) from the Vega concern (part of the United Instrument-Making Corporation). The first representative of this family was an aircraft-type drone weighing only 4 kg, capable of carrying surveillance equipment.
During last year's exercises, a UAV of a different appearance was used, designated as "Lastochka-M". It is built according to a similar aerodynamic scheme, but has a different airframe design and other differences. At the same time, the drone with the letter "M", unlike the previous sample, is able to carry and use weapon. Obviously, in the last the news We are talking about just such a UAV.
Unfortunately, most of the information about Lastochka-M has not yet been published. Only the appearance of the product, some design features and approximate combat capabilities are known. However, in this case, the UAV is of interest.
Design features
From the design point of view, the Lastochka-M is a small-sized light aircraft of a normal aerodynamic configuration. At the same time, there are some characteristic features that give the device a recognizable appearance. The wingspan of such an UAV is in the range of 2,5-2,7 m, the take-off weight is at least 4-5 kg.
"Lastochka-M" has a fuselage of a specific design. It consists of a tubular nose containing a tractor propeller, a larger diameter central compartment and a thin tail boom. An additional casing of greater length is suspended under the thick compartment on the pylon. Probably, various equipment is placed in it, incl. optical means. On the sides of this casing are two external suspension points.
The UAV is equipped with a large aspect ratio straight wing. An L-shaped plumage is installed on the tail boom-pipe. The aerodynamics of the product is designed for a long flight at a relatively low speed. For flight, an electric motor is probably used.
The first version of the UAV "Swallow". Graphics KB "Luch"
It is obvious that all the necessary equipment is present on board the UAV. It must have satellite and, possibly, inertial navigation, a remote control system and an optical-electronic station. At the same time, the exact composition of the devices has not yet been disclosed. The characteristics and capabilities of the equipment also remain unknown. Probably, the drone can move away from the operator for tens of kilometers and maintain two-way communication with video signal transmission and command reception.
The takeoff of the device is carried out from the catapult installation. The initial acceleration along the guide is provided with an elastic cord. The method of landing is unclear. Perhaps the UAV is equipped with a parachute for soft vertical landing.
Own ammunition
"Lastochka-M" can not only conduct surveillance, but also hit the targets found. Under the root of the wing there are two pylons for hanging weapons. The UAV carries bomb weapons, and only a few types designed specifically for it. Such aerial bombs are distinguished by their small size and weight, which are determined in accordance with the parameters of the drone.
It is reported that Lastochka-M uses fragmentation and cumulative ammunition. According to available data, these bombs were made on the basis of 43-mm rounds for the GM-94 grenade launcher. The original shots lost their propellant charge and received a stabilizer. There are no means of homing, for obvious reasons. Depending on the type, the resulting aviation ammunition can weigh 300-350 g, and a couple of such products fit into the limited carrying capacity of the UAV.
In last year's news, in the context of the combat training work of the new drones, the Gran guided mine was also mentioned. It is obvious that this product had nothing to do with the "Swallow". A mortar shot weighs approx. 27 kg and several times heavier than a similar UAV. However, it can be carried by other modern unmanned systems.
Characteristic Benefits
The need and value of reconnaissance and strike UAVs have not raised questions for a long time, and such equipment is being developed in many countries. For obvious reasons, medium and heavy class drones receive the most attention in this area. However, lightweight systems are also being developed, which also have their own advantages. An example of this is the new domestic product "Lastochka-M".
UAV "Forpost-RU" uses weapons during the exercises "West-2021". Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The main advantage of the "Lastochka", like other light UAVs, is the simplicity of the design and low cost of production. Such equipment can be produced in large batches and distributed among the units and subdivisions in need. In addition, it is easy to learn and operate. As a result, in a minimum amount of time, the troops will have at their disposal a large number of "fleet» light unmanned reconnaissance bombers.
A light UAV of the Lastochka-M type cannot have a long range and flight duration. However, at the tactical level for which it is intended, a combat radius of tens of kilometers is more than sufficient. With such characteristics, Lastochka-M is able to provide the necessary information about the enemy, and, if necessary, deliver the first blow.
Bombs of 300-350 g caliber, converted from shots for a grenade launcher, are inferior in their characteristics to any other aircraft weapons. However, they are simple and can also be used with even the lightest media. Competent choice of target and correct combat use fully compensates for the small mass and limited performance.
Extended capabilities
Thus, the Lastochka-M light reconnaissance and strike UAV and its possible analogues are of great interest to the army. Such equipment can complement existing unmanned systems, such as Orlan-10 or Eleron, and give the troops new combat capabilities.
Apparently, the Ministry of Defense and the defense industry see the potential of this concept and take the necessary measures. Thus, the Lastochka-M UAV has already been tested in the conditions of the exercises, and is now being used in a real operation. It is also known about similar experiments with the Orlan-10 drone. Which version of the light reconnaissance-strike complex will reach full-scale implementation and mass operation is unclear. But there is no doubt that the troops will receive this equipment.
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