Drone suppressor LPD-801 being tested in Donbass
The direction of portable electronic warfare systems to counter unmanned aerial vehicles is actively developing. Such “anti-drone guns” demonstrate their capabilities in the conditions of training grounds, and in recent months in the zone of the Special Operation. Recently it became known that the allied forces have mastered and are using another domestic development of this kind - the LPD-801 UAV suppressor.
First application
The appearance of the LPD-801 complex in the Donbass became known in early July. Then, photographs of fighters of an unnamed formation with an unusual “gun” were distributed on specialized resources and social networks. On one of them, the product operator demonstrated a damaged object, in which it was not without difficulty that the remains of a downed light UAV could be identified.
On July 9, the TASS agency, citing its sources in law enforcement agencies, confirmed the use of LPD-801 as part of the Special Operation. The source said that the first use of such a device for real targets in the form of small-sized drones enemy. "Shotgun" showed sufficient efficiency and suppressed these objects.
The source recalled that Ukrainian formations are actively using light UAVs of the commercial sector, suitable for reconnaissance. At the same time, civilian vehicles are not designed to work in conditions of active opposition and are not resistant to interference. This contributes to the effective use of LPD-801 and other similar complexes.
Which formation or unit managed to test the new electronic warfare system is not reported. Also unknown is the number of products tested, areas of their application, etc. The Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on such reports, and the prospects for "guns" in the context of re-equipping the army are unclear. Perhaps this issue will be clarified in the future, after all the necessary checks and measures have been carried out.
Suppressor gun
The LPD-801 suppressor complex is one of the latest developments of the PPSh Laboratory (combating industrial espionage) company from St. Petersburg. It was first presented in October last year at one of the domestic exhibitions. At the same time, the main features, characteristics and advantages of the complex became known.
The LPD-801 product was developed on the basis of the older LPD-800 "gun". At one time, the Russian military got acquainted with the LPD-800 and tested it in action. Based on the results of such "tests", it was decided to create an improved complex with a number of innovations, designed specifically for the Russian army. Due to them, it was possible to expand the range of tasks to be solved and improve the main characteristics.
Shortly after the first show, the development company announced the completion of factory testing of the complex. In addition, LPD-801 appeared in the list of products available for order. Now it became known that one or more samples of this type went to the Donbass to be tested in a real military operation. Probably, such tests in the field will determine the future fate of a curious development.
Technical features
The LPD-801 product belongs to the rather popular class of “anti-drone guns”. This is a specialized electronic warfare complex for combating common types of UAVs at a line-of-sight range. For ease of operation and use, the complex is made in the form factor of an automaton with the appropriate dimensions and weight. Product length - no more than 970 mm, weight without battery - 3,5 kg.
In front of the device is a tubular casing of the antenna device, reminiscent of a silent shooting device. The main electronics are placed in a rectangular "receiver". Attached to it is a control handle, a front "tactical" handle and a stock. On top of the body there is a carrying handle with a standard rail for the scope. A detachable "store" is also provided - a replaceable battery is placed in a box-shaped case.
LPD-801 is designed to suppress communication channels and satellite navigation signals. For this, three modes of operation with different parameters are provided. In the first mode, jamming is carried out on control channels in the 2,4 GHz band. At the same time, the complex develops a power of 10 W and affects objects in a sector 30 ° wide. The second mode is designed to suppress the 5 GHz band, it is distinguished by half the power and a reduced sector of operation. In the third mode, interference suppresses the signals of satellite navigation systems at frequencies of 1575-1602 MHz. In this case, a power of 4 watts is used. Suppression sector - 35 °.
Depending on the operating mode and characteristics of the target drone, the impact range reaches 1,5 km. It takes at least a few seconds to get the desired effect. The replaceable battery ensures operation for an hour or more.
The effect of using the LPD-801 depends on the selected suppression mode and the UAV model. Having lost communication and / or the ability to navigate, the device can return to the launch site, land, etc. In either case, it terminates the task.
Practical Effects
Last year, the LPD-801 UAV suppressor passed factory tests and was shown to the public. Now it is reported that a new stage of inspections is being carried out, moreover, during a real military operation. The complex successfully suppresses enemy drones and confirms the calculated characteristics and capabilities.
LPD-801, like other samples of this class, has a number of characteristic advantages. The product has shown the ability to fight enemy drones, thwart his plans and even protect his troops. Thus, the suppression or destruction of reconnaissance UAVs will not allow the enemy to plan a maneuver or strike to gain advantages.
With all this, the “gun” is distinguished by ease of handling and use. The technical characteristics of such a product are lower than those of full-sized electronic warfare systems, but their level corresponds to the expected threats and methods of use.
It is noteworthy that the LPD-801 is not the only “anti-drone gun” currently used to protect the Donbass. Earlier it was reported about other samples of this class used against Ukrainian UAVs. They also demonstrate ease of use and use, and also confirm the results of previous tests.
Promising direction
It should be noted that EW systems of this kind are not yet in service with our army. To protect against UAVs and other threats, systems of other classes in self-propelled or mobile versions are used. Full-size complexes are distinguished by high performance and have proven themselves well. However, their presence does not exclude the need to expand the scope of electronic warfare, incl. by means of guns.
Apparently, the Department of Defense and relevant organizations of the defense industry are following current developments in the field of UAVs. They study the existing threats and risks, and also determine the real prospects for various countermeasures. In particular, attention should be paid to light portable complexes like LPD-801.
Most likely, such studies and observations will have a practical result. The Ministry of Defense can test existing “anti-drone guns” and start purchasing the most successful one. In addition, the experience of the current Special Operation will form the basis of the tactical and technical assignment for a promising model of this class.
It is not known how this direction will develop in the near and medium term. However, it is obvious that, based on the results of current events, conclusions will be drawn, measures will be taken, and specific plans will be drawn up and implemented. Whether there is a place in these plans for the LPD-801 complex or another well-known development, time will tell.
- Ryabov Kirill
- "PPSh Laboratory", Vk.com/novnews
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