Reconnaissance and strike UAV RUD-250
UAV Zala 421-24 is one of the latest domestic developments. Probably RUD-250 has a similar appearance
At present, the Russian army has a fairly wide range of unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation complexes capable of solving a wide range of problems. New samples of different classes are also being developed, and some of them are undergoing field and military tests. So, the other day it became known that the first stage of verification in the troops recently passed a promising light helicopter-type UAV under the designation RUD-250. It is reportedly capable of reconnaissance and attacking the enemy.
At the test stage
As is now known, the promising RUD-250 drone (“reconnaissance and strike drone”) is being developed by the Moscow Research Institute of Computer Complexes. M.A. Kartseva (NIIVK). It is curious that at the stage of development or preliminary tests this project was not reported. It became known about him only a few days ago, and by this time the UAV had managed to pass the first stage of trial operation in the troops.
For the first time, the RUD-250 product was mentioned in the open press on February 9 by the TASS agency. Vitaly Dolgov, head of the laboratory for external piloting and operation of unmanned aircraft at NIIVK, spoke about the project and its features. Some technical details and test information are provided. At the same time, the appearance of the UAV remains unknown.
It is reported that NIIVK previously produced a trial batch of five drones RUD-250. It was handed over to one of the units participating in the Special Operation for testing and trial operation in combat conditions. The military testers have already made an opinion about the new UAV, and also compiled a list of recommendations for the further development of the project.
V. Dolgov said that the military is talking about the need to equip the drone with a payload with the possibility of dropping it. You also need to replace the battery, improve communications, etc. The control panel will also undergo refinement - it was considered not strong enough.
New Details
On February 11, TASS published new data on the RUD-250 UAV, again received from the head of the laboratory. This time the NIIVK representative clarified the composition and cost of the complex. According to him, the kit, which includes five drones, control panels, batteries, operator glasses, etc., costs about 300 rubles. Depending on the configuration and characteristics, the cost may vary. At the same time, the price of each UAV remains small, which allows it to be used in the "kamikaze" mode.
The representative of NIIVK clarified the principles of control of the apparatus. It is reported that the RUD-250 is controlled in the "first person" mode. The video camera provides piloting, and also allows the operator to navigate the terrain. At the same time, in order to increase resistance to electronic warfare, satellite navigation was abandoned.
The original controls have been field tested. So, the UAV was affected by "anti-drone guns" of several models. Some of them managed to suppress the video signal transmission channel, but the control channel continued to work. Attempts to jam the GPS / GLONASS signal, for obvious reasons, did not give any result.
Design features
It should be noted that NIIVK and the media have not yet shown a promising "reconnaissance and strike drone." Judging by the disclosed data, the RUD-250 product is a multi-rotor helicopter. It should have limited dimensions - the length and width should not exceed tens of centimeters. Take-off weight is only a few kilograms.
The maximum load is declared at the level of 1,5 kg. The developers report that with such a load, the device is able to take off and hang, but the control becomes difficult and requires good training from the operator. At the same time, in real situations, it is recommended to hang no more than 800 g.
The UAV runs on electricity. The presence of batteries is mentioned, but the characteristics, configuration and principles of operation of the power plant are not disclosed. At the same time, the maximum flight speed reaches 170 km / h. Other flight characteristics are not specified.
"Orlan-10" - the main reconnaissance UAV of the Russian army
The new UAV uses traditional means of remote control. It is also equipped with a camera and a communication system for transmitting a video signal "from the first person". The picture is issued on virtual reality glasses. Due to this, the operator must determine the location of the apparatus and carry out piloting.
Two-week courses have been developed to train operators. During this time, the specialist masters the principles of management, and also gets used to the specifics of working "from the first person". In particular, as the developers note, such control methods put an increased burden on the senses, and the discrepancy between what is seen and what is felt can adversely affect well-being.
Earlier it was reported that RUD-250 is "drone-kamikaze". How exactly this principle is implemented and what kind of combat load the drone carries is not reported. However, it is known that it can lift up to 1,5 kg - this is enough for the use of various ammunition. At the same time, the operators would like to receive a UAV with the ability to drop the combat load and return.
Known Benefits
So far, not too much is known about the RUD-250 drone project from NIIVK. It is reported about the existence of this development, about the first stage of experimental military operation and future modernization. Some characteristics and technical features are also disclosed. At the same time, a lot of information of great interest has not yet been made public.
Despite the lack of some information, the RUD-250 project is of some interest. First of all, it shows that our defense industry is ready to engage in unmanned aircraft, and new participants are constantly joining the development of such systems. Such processes will continue and will help the development of the industry, and will contribute to the rearmament of the army and obtaining all the necessary samples.
"Lancet" - the most common "drone kamikaze"
In the absence of all the details, it is rather difficult to assess the technical potential of the RUD-250. It can be noted that this drone has good speed characteristics, and also has a good payload for its class. This allows you to quickly deliver small ammunition to enemy positions and literally bomb it. At the same time, as indicated, the UAV is capable of operating in the "kamikaze" mode, and for this purpose the design has been simplified and made cheaper.
Attention should be paid to the proposed method of control. First-person drones are gaining popularity as military equipment and generally show good results. Such devices are able to more fully use the speed and maneuverability of their design. Such UAVs are already used in the Special Operation and help in solving combat missions. At the same time, the new domestic RUD-250 is significantly larger and heavier than the existing samples, and is also capable of carrying a heavier load.
Of interest are the developments in the context of protection against interference and interception, as well as the disclosed test results. A variety of electronic warfare equipment is actively used in the zone of the Special Operation, incl. “guns”, and drones need protection from such systems. The RUD-250 project implements a fairly simple but effective protection principle.
For the development of the industry
In general, the RUD-250 project is interesting by the very fact of its appearance. In addition, interesting and promising ideas are implemented in this project. At the same time, finished UAVs are tested as part of a real military operation, which makes it possible to study them more fully and draw conclusions, as well as determine ways for their further development. As reported, NIIVK is already planning to finalize and modernize the existing project.
The completion of this project will again show and confirm that our industry is capable of developing and producing UAVs of various classes and mastering new technologies. Accordingly, the army will be able to order and receive the equipment it needs, incl. with new possibilities.
Information