UK develops UAVs specifically for Ukraine
Presumably, a UAV from QinetiQ for the UK Department of Defense program
The British authorities have long stated that they are ready to provide the Kyiv regime with any military-technical assistance. They promised to supply various weapons and equipment, and also did not rule out the possibility of developing new models specifically for Ukraine. As it became known, a reconnaissance and strike UAV is being developed for Ukrainian partners. The other day, one of the companies participating in this program revealed some details.
Mystery Revealed
Despite all past statements about the start of development drone Ukraine has not been officially reported. Information about this program appeared only a few days ago. QinetiQ, a participating company, published an article on its website about the activities carried out and the results achieved. However, the material soon disappeared. Probably, the program is still secret, and QinetiQ hastened to disclose information.
It is reported that in the recent past, QinetiQ and four other commercial contractors received an order for the urgent development of UAVs according to several technical specifications of the Ministry of Defense. At the same time, the exact dates of the work and the list of contestants are not named. The work was carried out under the supervision and with the assistance of several structures of the military department.
Under the terms of the competition, only three weeks were given for the design. After that, the participants had to deliver the finished unmanned systems to the Boscombe Down test site for demonstration to the customer and comparative tests. Despite the complexity of the tasks, five contractors provided the required equipment.
В news from QinetiQ, the features of some of the UAVs shown are mentioned. Among them were aircraft and helicopter-type devices with reconnaissance and signal relay capabilities. Also, a loitering ammunition with a delta wing made using a 3D printer was tested. At the same time, QinetiQ did not specify which of the prototypes is its development.
The activities at the training ground took only two days. During this time, the equipment was checked in the air and on the ground, incl. using special equipment. As stated, during the tests, special attention was paid to the radio equipment of the complexes. So, in a radio frequency anechoic chamber, the interaction of different radio channels and systems was checked, and the stability of the UAV to interference was also determined.
Loitering ammunition Switchblade 300, previously supplied to Ukraine
The results of two-day tests in different conditions are unknown. The opinion of the customer is also not subject to disclosure. However, given the goals and objectives of the new program, as well as the deadlines for its implementation, it cannot be ruled out that a promising drone or drones will appear in Ukraine over the next few months.
By modern technology
The press service of QinetiQ attached a photo of a previously unknown UAV to its publication about the competition. This is probably the competitive development of the company, which has recently been tested. In the picture, you can note some characteristic details that allow you to make certain assumptions and conclusions.
First of all, you should pay attention to the background. It can be seen that there is green grass near the runway, and in the background there are trees in the foliage. This suggests that ground and flight tests of the UAV were carried out in summer or autumn. Together with the stated timeframe for the implementation of the program, this information allows some estimates to be made.
In the foreground is an aircraft-type drone. It has a pronounced fuselage of a characteristic streamlined shape, and is also equipped with a swept wing and keel. The presence of the tail unit is questionable - it is missing or not visible from the proposed angle. There is a fixed landing gear of the simplest design.
The outer surfaces of the airframe are covered with characteristic transverse lines. In addition, rough seams between the parts are visible. All of this points to the use of 3D printing. The glider was divided into several parts, which were printed one at a time and then connected with glue. Perhaps that same “kamikaze drone” from a XNUMXD printer mentioned by QinetiQ.
In the upper part of the airframe there is a pair of longitudinal grooves, in which two engines are placed. The class and type of these products cannot be reliably determined. It is possible to use electric motors with propellers in pipes or small-sized turbojet devices.
QinetiQ Banshee Whirlwind target drone
The UAV has a radio control system and related components of the type used on amateur or sports model aircraft. This provides for the possibility of piloting with a first-person view - there is a compact video camera on the nose.
Judging by the size of individual parts and components, the UAV has a wingspan of about 1,5-2 m. Its mass can be estimated at several kilograms. In this case, the observed propulsion system allows you to get a load capacity of hundreds of grams or more. With such dimensions, the device can have an internal compartment for payload or combat load. External suspension units are not visible or simply not provided. Depending on the requirements of the customer, the UAV will be able to carry an additional camera for reconnaissance or a warhead.
The flight performance of the drone is unknown. It can be assumed that it does not accelerate more than 100-150 km / h, and the flight duration is limited to minutes or tens of minutes. However, we can talk about a technology demonstrator, and in this case, outstanding parameters are not required from the UAV.
Technology demonstration
The main purpose of the tests mentioned by QinetiQ was to confirm the characteristics and capabilities of several promising UAVs. The drones themselves, in turn, had to show the fundamental possibility of the rapid development of such equipment with the achievement of a given level of performance. In general, five presented aircraft, incl. a curious product with a photo can be considered as technology demonstrators.
Apparently, the project from QinetiQ demonstrates the possibility of manufacturing drones using the “fashionable” technology for printing plastic parts, as well as based on available commercial components. Such an approach to technologies and details will give certain advantages in the form of simplification and reduction in the cost of production.
The airframe of the shown UAV is made using XNUMXD printing technology. Several units were sequentially made on a plastic printer, which were then connected to each other with glue. The manufacture of units using this technology takes a lot of time, but it is distinguished by a certain simplicity and low cost. In addition, the requirements for the production site and its equipment are reduced.
Testing aircraft radio systems in an anechoic chamber
The use of commercial controls or a camera also has a positive effect on the price and organization of production. However, civilian electronics has known disadvantages. These are limited characteristics, ease of suppression of radio signals, etc.
It should be recalled that the goal of the program is to create a UAV with the simplest possible design, suitable for mass production, incl. in non-specialized enterprises. Accordingly, the chosen technical and technological solutions can become decisive factors. The limited characteristics of the electronics fade into the background.
It should also be taken into account that the UK is not developing new UAVs for itself. They will be sent to Ukraine, and therefore the perfection of the design is not required. To solve the main tasks of the project, one can sacrifice certain characteristics - all the same, Ukrainian operators will have to deal with these problems.
Main trends
The British Ministry of Defense does not disclose any information about the development of new weapons and equipment specifically for Ukraine. QinetiQ, which is involved in this project, recently disclosed some data, but all the details are not yet available. Nevertheless, even in such a situation, it is possible to draw the first conclusions.
News from QinetiQ shows that the British leadership still intends to help the Kyiv regime and is even ready to develop new types of equipment. At the same time, it does not forget about money and seeks to save. Therefore, it is planned to use the simplest and cheapest designs that can show acceptable performance. How useful such a technique will be in a real conflict is a big question.
- Ryabov Kirill
- QinetiQ, US Department of Defense
Information