Loitering ammunition "Scalpel" and its prospects
UAV "Scalpel" on the launch guide
Recently, the Russian defense industry, represented by large organizations and newly created enterprises, has been actively developing a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation complexes, including loitering ammunition. Recently it became known about another project of this kind: the Ryazan design bureau “Vostok” presented and launched the Scalpel UAV for testing.
Promising platform
The Vostok design bureau was founded by a group of enthusiasts not so long ago, but has already developed and offers customers several types of UAVs with different functions and capabilities. Now the organization's main efforts are focused on the Scalpel project, the goal of which is to create a lightweight unmanned platform with the functions of a loitering munition.
The TASS agency reported on the first successes of the Scalpel project on September 7, citing representatives of the developer organization. The new UAV/BB has successfully completed flight testing and is demonstrating its capabilities. However, the progress, tasks and results of such tests have not yet been reported.
The Vostok design bureau is also preparing the Scalpel complex for testing by the troops. Already in October, such equipment will be sent to an unnamed part of the armed forces participating in the Special Operation to protect Donbass. At the same time, the new UAV has already attracted the attention of potential operators - the development organization has received applications from several departments for the supply of such equipment.
The design bureau plans to continue work on the Scalpel. In order to further improve the design, a dialogue has been established with representatives of the armed forces. The Army is helping to clarify the tactical and technical requirements for drone. Also, KB Vostok receives assistance from the administration of the Ryazan region and DOSAAF.
Fuselage without planes before assembly
As TASS writes, in order to further develop the project and production, KB Vostok is collaborating with the ANO Platform of the National Technology Initiative and the Aerospace Innovation Valley STC. It is expected that such interaction will further reduce the share of imported components in the Scalpel design.
Carrier drone
The Scalpel product is positioned by its creators as a multi-purpose unmanned platform for disposable use. In essence, we are talking about loitering ammunition, which has all the characteristic features of equipment of this class. At the same time, the project from the Vostok design bureau provides for a modular approach to the combat load used - this is what allows us to consider the UAV / BB as a platform.
Externally and in its design, the Scalpel is similar to the domestic Lancet UAV and some foreign models. The main components of the device are located in an elongated fuselage, to which two sets of X-shaped planes are attached externally. The exact dimensions of the drone have not yet been announced, but we can talk about a length of at least 1-1,2 m and a body diameter of more than 125-130 mm. Take-off weight – 10,5 kg.
An electric motor with a pushing propeller is located in the rear part of the fuselage. The device also accommodates batteries of optimal size and capacity. Cruising speed – 120 km/h; higher speed is possible. The range is determined to be 40 km.
The architecture and principles of operation of the onboard control systems have not yet been reported. The UAV probably has a remote control system and an autopilot for operating in different modes. Direct control in flight is carried out using rudders on the rear set of planes.
The “scalpel” must carry a warhead, and the use of different types of charges is allowed. A load weighing up to 5 kg is placed in the internal compartment of the fuselage with a diameter of 125 mm and a length of 650 mm. The crew of the complex can independently select and install any ammunition or charge of suitable size and weight, available and/or best suited to the task at hand.
The UAV is delivered to the customer disassembled in a container of the smallest possible size. Immediately before launch, planes are installed on the fuselage and other operations are carried out. "Scalpel" takes off using a catapult with a long guide; the starting impulse is created by rubber bands. Landing is not provided - the BB must hit the target.
Characteristic Benefits
The new Scalpel UAV/BB is similar in appearance and architecture to existing models. At the same time, it has its own characteristic features and advantages. In some parameters and capabilities, it clearly outperforms other domestic BBs. Plus, it reportedly has an "affordable price tag."
The greatest interest in the Scalpel project is the modular approach to combat equipment. In a sufficiently large cargo compartment it will be possible to place warheads of different types and for different purposes. First of all, this will increase the flexibility of the unmanned platform and allow it to effectively hit a wider range of targets. In addition, the operator will be able to select warheads taking into account its current capabilities and the availability of ammunition.
“Scalpel” also has fairly high technical characteristics and in some respects surpasses existing samples. Thus, the maximum payload of 5 kg is more than 45% of the launch weight of the drone. For comparison, the heavy version of the serial Lancet has a warhead weighing 3 kg, which is 25% of its weight.
General view of the product in flight configuration
Flight performance characteristics are quite sufficient to solve all major combat missions. “Scalpel” can hit targets at depths of up to tens of kilometers, and the flight to the maximum distance takes no more than 18-20 minutes, after which the UAV can begin patrolling and search for targets. In terms of range and speed, the Scalpel is inferior to some other modern warheads, but this is fully compensated for by other design features.
In general, the Scalpel product is not a competitor to the Lancet. Two BBs with similar but different characteristics and capabilities should be used together and complement each other depending on the situation. So, in some situations the Lancet with a standard warhead will be useful, while in others a more heavy-duty Scalpel with independently selected suitable combat equipment will be needed.
Information about the economic and operational features of the new UAV is of great interest. It has a reasonable price, and from the point of view of application it is no more complicated than existing analogues. As the design develops, production expands and is optimized, the cost of the equipment may further fall. In theory, this will allow the supply of more drones to the troops.
During testing
In recent months, the Russian army has been actively using loitering ammunition in the Special Operation zone, and they are demonstrating their potential and combat qualities in the most obvious way. It is obvious that the BB direction has the greatest future, and many organizations want to join its development. The Scalpel project from KB Vostok is a good example of this.
The Scalpel UAV/BB is built on the basis of well-known ideas and using new solutions, due to which it should show high performance and broad capabilities. Right now, the finished aircraft are undergoing factory tests, and in the coming weeks they will be transferred to the front. There they will be able to demonstrate their potential in combat conditions. Based on the results of such events, further decisions will be made.
Information