UAV suppression systems "Harpy Pro 120W" are used in the Special Operation
The Russian units and formations involved in the current Special Operation have and are actively using a variety of means to combat enemy unmanned aerial vehicles. In particular, the so-called. anti-drone guns of different models. The other day, demonstration tests of one of these products included in the Harpy line were shown. "Shotgun" suppressed the drone of a popular commercial model.
In the war zone
Due to the presence of known threats from enemy UAVs, over the past few months, units and formations have been saturated with appropriate protective equipment. They are purchased centrally or through donations and transferred to the "gun" units. Recently, in messages of this kind, along with other products, the Harpy suppression complex began to appear.
For example, in early January, volunteers from the city of Kurgan purchased a Harpy with donations and sent this product to the Don Cossack battalion. Recipients tested the novelty and even published a short video showing the process of intercepting a light commercial UAV.
Complex in a case. Frame from RIA Novosti report
On March 7, RIA Novosti published a similar but longer and more detailed video. Reportedly, it was filmed near Donetsk. Probably, a “combat” complex was used, which was in service with one of the units. The video showed the “gun” itself, outlined its capabilities and revealed the main characteristics. In addition, they demonstrated the process of combating UAVs.
The DJI Mavik Pro helicopter-type UAV, one of the most popular commercial models actively used in the war zone, was used as a conditional target for the Harpy demonstration. The drone under the control of its operator performed maneuvers and hover. However, after a few seconds of exposure to the suppression complex, he lost contact with the console and was forced to land. A similar test at a greater distance ended with the same result. However, as the range increases, aiming and keeping the target in sight becomes more difficult.
In both cases, the UAV, having lost contact with the operator, made a soft landing on the spot. Also, the "Harpy" complex allows you to "deceive" an air target and take it away with subsequent landing in an unknown place. As noted, a downed enemy drone can be picked up, reprogrammed and used as part of its "air fleet».
Aiming the "gun" at the target. Frame from RIA Novosti report
From a wide range
Under the brand name "Harpy" a number of electronic warfare / suppression systems for various purposes are produced and sold. Customers are offered stationary and portable systems capable of suppressing radio control channels drone, interfere with the transmission of video signal and telemetry, etc. Products of different types within the same line are produced in Russia and China.
In the video from RIA Novosti, a wearable complex in the form factor of a "gun" called "Harpy Pro 120W" appears. This is one of the simplest and cheapest samples of the family. At the same time, it has sufficiently high characteristics and is able to solve all the expected tasks. With it, you can fight UAVs at distances up to 1,5-2 km, with line of sight and the possibility of visual detection and tracking of the target.
The Harpy Pro 120W complex is built in a body of a characteristic futuristic shape, vaguely resembling an enlarged pistol. In front of the case, under the radio-transparent casing, there is an antenna. The remaining volumes contain electronics. An optical sight is mounted on top of the body, and a pistol grip is provided below. A replaceable battery is installed on the back of the case, providing up to 1 hour of operation.
Another domestic suppression complex is LPD-801. Photo "PPSh Laboratory"
The total length of the product is 680 mm. The mass of the combat-ready complex is 4,3 kg. "Harpy" comes in a durable case and comes with a pair of batteries and a charger. The total weight of the entire set reaches 11 kg. At the same time the case provides convenience of carrying or transportation by any transport.
"Harpy Pro 120W" creates interference at frequencies from 430 to 5850 Hz in six preset ranges. Range selection is carried out using the side buttons on the case. The "gun" can affect communication and control at frequencies of 433 or 900 MHz, as well as on channels of Wi-Fi 2,4G or 5.8G standards. Signals are also emitted on the three main ranges of the GPS navigation system.
The complex is equipped with a panel antenna with a directivity of 45°; gain - 8 dBi. Power consumption reaches 240 W, output - 125 W. Such characteristics provide a reliable impact on radio channels at ranges up to 2 km. During operation, communication, control and navigation channels are suppressed. Having lost contact with the operator, the UAV lands or returns to the take-off site. At the same time, due to impaired navigation, the device may move away from the starting position.
"Shotgun" type PARS "Stupor". Photo "Lokmas"
Security issues
It should be noted that the Harpy Pro 120W UAV suppression complex is not the only example of its class involved in the Special Operation. In the combat zone and in the rear, other complexes of this kind of domestic development are also actively used. It is regularly reported on the receipt in the unit or on the operation of certain means of suppression, and it is the portable "anti-drone guns" that receive the main attention.
Over the past year, almost all domestic developments in the field of UAV suppression have been mentioned in the news from the Special Operation zone. The troops have PARS "Stupor" complexes of various modifications, LPD-800/801 products, etc. In addition, the task of countering unmanned aviation is also solved by full-sized military electronic warfare systems.
All existing or proposed "guns" have almost the same functions and capabilities, and are also intended to solve common problems. With their help, various channels are suppressed, preventing navigation, piloting and solving practical problems. So, under the influence of suppression systems, the UAV cannot conduct reconnaissance or use weapons.
Product PARS "Stupor-P". Photo "Lokmas"
The enemy represented by the Ukrainian armed formations, thanks to foreign assistance, has a fairly large and diverse fleet of unmanned aerial systems. Its main part is made up of light aircraft of popular commercial models. In addition, part of the UAV is made on the basis of common civilian components.
All such aircraft do not have special means of protecting radio communications, characteristic of military-style equipment. As a result, they become a convenient target for electronic warfare systems, primarily for specialized "guns". The capabilities of suppression complexes have been repeatedly demonstrated in different conditions.
Threat Response
The potential of UAVs of all types, including the lightest samples with limited characteristics, has long been known and confirmed in practice. In addition, the need to create and adopt various means capable of countering such a threat is obvious. As the news of the last year shows, the necessary measures are being taken in this area, and the army or volunteers are receiving the equipment they need.
At the moment, there are several domestic “anti-drone guns” on the market at once, incl. differing in their characteristics and capabilities. The customer gets the opportunity to purchase a sample that best suits the intended tasks. At the same time, the equipment is produced by several organizations, which reduces risks, and also allows you to more quickly ensure the supply of products in the required quantities. Thus, Harpy products, together with other similar developments, solve problems on the battlefield and contribute to the achievement of larger goals.
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