UAV project "Bumblebee": domestic implementation of a foreign concept
UAV Black Hornet - a sample for the creation of the Russian "Bumblebee"
Currently, a large number of projects of unmanned aerial vehicles of various classes are being developed in our country, incl. ultralight complexes. Recently it became known about the existence of the "Bumblebee" project, within the framework of which a new helicopter-type UAV with a length of several centimeters and a mass of tens of grams is being created. Such an aircraft will have to carry a camera and provide surveillance and reconnaissance, improving situational awareness of different units.
Promising project
Not so long ago, the Competence Center for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles was created at the Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU). This organization is entrusted with carrying out the necessary research and development of promising UAVs of various classes. It was noted that the overall goal of all new projects will be the maximum localization of production, up to the use of exclusively domestic components.
In early February, representatives of the Competence Center spoke about one of their promising developments - the Shmel ultralight class UAV. This project involves the creation of a micro-drone similar to the Norwegian product Black Hornet. The task was to repeat the design and achieve the closest performance characteristics.
At the time of the first reports, the Bumblebee project had reached the stage of testing a prototype. He has already managed to take to the air and demonstrate some of his capabilities. However, full-fledged flight tests and a demonstration of all capabilities will take place later - they will take place in June.
Although work on the "Bumblebee" has not yet been completed, the development organization is optimistic about the prospects for the project. It is assumed that such a UAV will be of interest to various structures and services, primarily the Ministry of Defense. Moreover, NSTU announced the start of interaction with some partners. Concrete agreements may appear by the summer.
New information
On March 5, the RT news agency published an interview with Denis Kotin, head of the NSTU UAV Competence Center. The topic of conversation was the project "Bumblebee" - the progress of its development, technical features, as well as operational prospects.
The head of the development organization said that work on the new UAV is ongoing; they involve a flight layout. The previous plans remain in force, and a full-fledged prototype should appear in June-July. They are going to show it to potential customers.
It is noted that the project is characterized by a certain complexity. First of all, this is due to serious restrictions on dimensions and weight when it is necessary to achieve high technical characteristics. In addition, ensuring the interaction of all elements turned out to be a difficult task.
The production of micro-drones also has its own characteristics and requires specific equipment and equipment. NSTU has partners who can provide the necessary units and components. There is also a search for new suppliers, through which it will be possible to cover the rest of the needs.
Like the foreign UAV taken as a model, the Russian "Bumblebee" will be able to carry a video camera and transmit a signal in real time. The micro-drone is intended for reconnaissance, and it will have to work in specific conditions. A small helicopter will not climb to significant heights, but at the same time it will be able to fly in limited volumes - in buildings, dungeons, etc., with the possibility of passing a radio signal.
A characteristic feature and advantage of the "Bumblebee" is its secrecy. The device has the minimum dimensions and practically does not produce noise. It is extremely difficult to detect and hit such an air target. In this regard, the ultra-light UAV compares favorably with more common quadcopters.
However, the creators of the Bumblebee note that even with such advantages, the micro-drone will be at risk, and it should be considered a kind of expendable item. The loss of such a product should not lead to critical consequences for the fighter.
Technical features
The NSTU UAV Competence Center has not yet shown the Shmel micro-UAV, but some of its features, characteristics and functions have already been disclosed. Proposed unmanned aviation a complex that includes the UAV itself, a control panel, several replaceable batteries and a charging station. The small weight and dimensions of all products will allow the complex to be carried by the operator, incl. along with other equipment and weapons.
"Bumblebee" is a miniature helicopter of the classical scheme with main and tail rotors. The dimensions of the UAV are not reported, but by analogy with the foreign Black Hornet, it can be assumed that these parameters do not exceed a few centimeters. Estimated takeoff weight - only 85 g.
The UAV is fully electric. On board there is a replaceable lithium-ion battery, from which the power plant, remote control system and reconnaissance systems operate. The electric motor of the carrier system will provide a flight speed of up to 25 km/h. Range - 1-2 km.
"Bumblebee" will receive a built-in video camera with day and night mode. The video signal in real time will be transmitted to the operator. As a control panel, it is proposed to use a smartphone or tablet with special software. It is possible that the complex will have its own remote control.
Ideas and solutions
It is assumed that within the next few months a full-fledged prototype of the "Bumblebee" will be manufactured and tested at NSTU, and after that preparations for mass production can begin. Interest from potential customers is reported, thanks to which the UAV will be able to go into operation.
It is assumed that the Shmel micro-drone will find a place in various units of the army and / or law enforcement agencies. It can be used independently or together with other relevant UAVs. In all cases, it will improve situational awareness and positively influence the problem-solving process.
It should be noted that the Bumblebee project is interesting not only for its technical features and potential. You also need to pay attention to its origin. In fact, we are talking about a domestic attempt to copy a foreign sample using available technologies and components, as well as to obtain at least similar performance characteristics.
The Black Hornet UAV, which Russian developers are guided by, was created by the Norwegian company Prox Dynamics AS (now part of FLIR Systems). She developed the appearance of such a product, solved all design problems and set up the production of micro-drones. In the future, this technique was produced for several foreign armies, which used it in exercises and in real operations. Unusual UAVs performed well, and objective limitations did not have a significant impact on the overall result of the work.
Thus, foreign specialists and armies took on the most difficult tasks and, as a result, confirmed the viability of a curious concept. Thanks to this, our designers do not have to waste time and resources on working out general ideas and get the opportunity to focus on creating a specific piece of equipment.
The Shmel project has several main tasks, and one of them is the maximum localization of production. Reportedly, domestic suppliers of several important components have already been found, and the degree of localization continues to grow. A full transition to Russian components, which has obvious positive consequences, is not ruled out.
Desired Results
Thus, the successful completion of the development of "Bumblebee" will yield several important results. First of all, the army and law enforcement agencies will be able to receive an unmanned aerial system of a fundamentally new class for them. Together with him, she will receive new opportunities in the context of intelligence and surveillance. It is not difficult to imagine how such a technique can help our fighters.
In addition, the Bumblebee project will be useful for the defense industry and the unmanned industry in general. With its help, the development organization and related partners will gain valuable experience and create various components or technologies. All these results of the current project in the future can be used in the development of the following UAV models, and not only in the ultralight class.
- Ryabov Kirill
- Prox Dynamics / FLIR Systems, UK MoD
Information