The Vostok battalion announced the receipt of the first batch of Scalpel kamikaze drones.

The Vostok battalion received its first batch drones-kamikaze “Scalpel”, developed on their own initiative with the participation of the military themselves and with funds collected by ordinary Russians. The drone just recently completed successful tests and is preparing for small-scale production.

“Scalpel” is an analogue of “Lancet”, only cheaper and capable of operating in the so-called “security pocket” of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where Russian artillery cannot reach and conventional drones cannot reach, and this range is too short for missiles. The new kamikaze drone is designed to operate precisely in this zone. The Scalpel's data has not been disclosed, but it was previously stated that it is capable of operating at a significant range, exceeding the capabilities of drones already in service. It is noted that in some respects it is inferior to the Lancet, but is more accessible due to the price, since its production is 17 times cheaper.

This product is an analogue of the Lancet, but now and then it will be inferior to the Lancet in some technical parameters - this is a necessary price for greater availability. (...) There are not enough lancets - that's a fact. We do not set ourselves the task of creating competition - we want to fill the front with the necessary means of destruction, and with your help we will do this

- says the message from the Vostok battalion.

According to Alexander Khodakovsky, the task now is to bring a cheap, but long-range and effective drone to the level of mass production, which will also be organized with funds from the battalion’s own fund. There has been no announcement yet of any interest in this product from the Ministry of Defense.

Comments

[Orange Bigg]

The Vostok battalion received the first batch of Scalpel kamikaze drones, developed on their own initiative with the participation of the military themselves and with funds raised by ordinary Russians.

The Scalpel's data has not been disclosed, but it was previously stated that it is capable of operating at a significant range, exceeding the capabilities of drones already in service. It is noted that in some respects it is inferior to the Lancet, but is more accessible due to the price, since its production is 17 times cheaper.

Interesting. If the destruction range reaches at least 150 km and proves its effectiveness in practice, then it will be a clear success. The situation with targeting the target is another matter. After all, it is cheaper, and therefore slightly reduced in capabilities compared to the Lancet.

[dmi.pris1]

This is different. It’s small-scale. You have to look for a manufacturer and money for it.

[Pavel Pavlovskiy]

They showed 10 pieces to the point and were happy.
Made for training camp. There is no question of seriality. They want to go into production and make a profit.
And they gave us a trial batch to carry out tests and then stick to our line and, again, money. I think industrial scales are more promising and certainly on an industrial scale all this will be cheaper.

[Orange Bigg]

Reply to FrankenSAM.

According to Ukrainian aviation expert Valery Romanenko, the Russian armed forces have updated their arsenal of drones, adding a new type of aircraft. These drones differ from conventional models in their simplicity of design and low production cost, but at the same time they have a good flight range and the ability to strike critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

As Romanenko notes, The peculiarity of the new drones lies in their design: the fuselage is cut out of plywood, and a plastic bottle is used as a fuel tank. These drones can be used both for direct strikes and for disorienting Ukrainian air defense systems, distracting them from other, more serious threats.

[Gomunkul]

From the text to the video about the tests from the TG page of A. Khodakovsky:
“We conducted a test launch of our product in the most unfavorable conditions: the wind near the ground and at the operating altitude was such that one usually does not fly, the concentration of electronic warfare was maximum. We passed the contact line, even with interference, and were shot down by air defense weapons behind enemy lines. Reload Air defense is one of the goals pursued. Overall, we are satisfied with the result - we will move to the small-scale level."

[igorbrsv]

The article says that small-scale production will be carried out at the expense of the battalion. I think any person will fork out if his life is at stake. And you’ll buy a thermal imager, even though you’re not required to have one, even if it’s the cheapest one, and a night vision camera, and you’ll fork out for a “letak”
There can never be too much of a good thing. Standard weapons are one thing, but sometimes an extra tourniquet bought for a pittance will save your life. It takes a long time to promote the project through the Moscow Region. Well done guys. We united. Once they were able to organize it. I think since it will work in a “safe pocket”, then at least it will hit from 10 to 80 km. And then you look and the Moscow Region takes a closer look, and they organize production. Machine tool manufacturing enterprises have now been allocated lards of rubles. And they will find

[ROSS_51]

Quote: igorbrsv

And then you look and the Moscow Region takes a closer look, and they organize production.

The East makes drones for itself and not because of a good life. Apparently, the Lancets don’t really reach them.
The Moscow Region does not organize production; that’s not how it works. Maximum military tests and announce a procurement tender.
But, if you believe the “Large-caliber commotion” in the Army of 2023, there were enough all kinds of drones, but the generals somehow passed by, not particularly interested.

[Colt]

They showed 10 pieces to the point and were happy.

Should they grieve?

Made for training camp. There is no question of seriality

In order to spoil the good deeds of others, you need to do at least no less for our Victory. Have you done anything? How many donations did you make for the development of this UAV or in general? How long did you serve under contract or as a volunteer?

And they gave us a trial batch to carry out tests and then stick to our line and, again, money.

It’s strange, they do this all over the world and nothing... But here it is... The scoundrels, it turns out, did not want to continue asking the people for money, but decided to take it from the state for something needed for the front. Moreover, you get money for the intellectual and physical work done... That's what radishes are...

I think industrial scales are more promising and certainly on an industrial scale all this will be cheaper.

Well, of course you are Captain Obvious But everyone around probably thinks that one-piece copies made on their own will be cheaper and faster, right?

[Gomunkul]

Orange-Bigg (Alexander)

On A. Khodakovsky’s page in TG there is a video about full-scale tests, if you wish you can watch it.

[Dost]

What 150km? It is written weaker than the Lancet, but cheaper. The lancet flies at 75, but you want this one at 150. Let it fly at least at 50 with a flight time of about 40 minutes. It will occupy its niche at a price.

[Orange Bigg]

Quote: Dost

What 150km? It is written weaker than the Lancet, but cheaper. The lancet flies at 75, but you want this one at 150. Let it fly at least at 50 with a flight time of about 40 minutes. It will occupy its niche at a price.

Quote from the article.

"Scalpel" is an analogue of "Lancet", only cheaper and capable of operating in the so-called “security pocket” of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, where Russian artillery cannot reach and conventional drones cannot reach, and for missiles this range is too short. The new kamikaze drone is designed to operate precisely in this zone. Scalpel's data is not disclosed, but it was previously stated that it is capable of operating at a significant range, exceeding the capabilities of drones already in service.

[Dost]

Interesting. If the destruction range reaches at least 150 km and proves its effectiveness in practice, then it will be a clear success.

Where did you get 150km from? If Lancet is a distant arm at 70 km, and artillery is close at 25-30. So take the gap between them and don’t fantasize.

[Dost]

We came up with 150 km. What makes you think that it will be further than the Lancet? We don't have any other attack drones?

[Zaurbek]

It probably doesn't have strict restrictions like the defense industry....and you need to know the details. At first glance, the seeker is many times more primitive (cheaper). And it’s not clear what will be used to guide it? For Lancet, this is an additional UAV of the Hall (reconnaissance repeater). How is it organized here?

[Alex777]

Quote: Zaurbek

And it’s not clear what will be used to guide it?

And without guidance, flight range does not matter.

[Igor Borisov_2]

It’s strange that the Russian Ministry of Defense was not interested. Or you can’t get drunk at such a cheap ball? Let the military chip in...

[Ovsigovets]

Without defending, but remembering the proverb “cheap fish is never tasty,” I would like to remind you that in what characteristics they are inferior you are not aware. Everything can be done cheaper. And tanks and body armor.... It’s economical to start. In terms of achieving the goal and the quality of achieving the goals, you chose the wrong characteristic

[sifgame]

Cheap fish may not be tasty, although there are options. But here is a cheap Ghoul, it turned out very “tasty”, there are so many videos of the defeat of anything, recently, by the same “beavers”.

[igorbrsv]

. It’s strange that the Russian Ministry of Defense was not interested.

Usually the Moscow Region gives technical specifications to the design bureau for development. Before this, approval is needed. Then demonstration, testing, acceptance, government order. And for this there must be production capacity. The Moscow Region will not purchase 10 scalpels per year, 10 shmalpels, 11 burpels... Etc. They must be serial, unified... In addition, the fact that the requirements of the Ministry of Defense are not applicable to the scalpel is what makes it cheaper. There may not be many functions, even to the point of self-destruction. No one is responsible for its use except the battalion commander himself. This is its advantage. If in the field he ate something that was not from the dry ration and was skinned to death, then the manufacturer of the dry ration will not be attracted, and no one will be attracted at all. Only the commander will be given a hat. And so with a scalpel

[Wratch]

17 times cheaper... maybe Lancet should also become cheaper?

[KCA]

By reducing performance? It has an expensive seeker, you can simply launch it into a given area and it will circle, looking for a target with optics and comparing targets with the database, I don’t know, the operator gives the attack command, or he can go to sleep, and the Lancet, having determined the priority target, attacks itself

[Zaurbek]

The Moscow Region has a lot of requirements, such as - +50C and -50gr C.....all this makes the design more expensive

[Vita vko]

Quote: Zaurbek

type - +50C and -50gr C....

The largest percentage of the cost is military communications and encryption equipment. For long ranges, large powers or repeaters are also needed. Here they obviously found a cheap civilian option, perhaps even Chinese. Let's see how effective this will be?

[Piramidon]

Quote from Wratch

17 times cheaper... maybe Lancet should also become cheaper?

Lancets are produced by a large concern, in which a bunch of all kinds of managers, directors and other bosses “work” who want to receive a “decent” salary.

[igorbrsv]

. Maybe Lancet should also become cheaper?

Maybe. But then it will be Scalpel
By the way, a lancet is a surgeon's scalpel.
Since there is a lancet, a scalpel... There should be a knife and a knife. For short distances, there is also nothing serial or mass-produced yet, in my opinion, accepted by the Moscow Region. The niche is free
I can assemble the first flying knife in the world
This is going to be a bloody mess

[Vita vko]

Quote: igorbrsv

I can assemble the first flying knife in the world

For Bandera's followers, a flying enema is best suited, the first in the world, of course.

[Ovsigovets]

It seems that cheaper is good, but without knowing in more detail in what way it is inferior, it is difficult to assess. Cheaper/more expensive is not something that is particularly important to us..... It is important whether it will accurately and strongly hit and overcome the air defense of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This is if you evaluate the comparison and description of characteristics.
The plan for more UAVs is positive news. Let there be more

[Arkady007]

Amazing efficiency of the Ministry of Defense in working with proposals from people from the front line.
I'm really tired of this swamp already. We just approve everything and everything is fine with us.
They have reached the point where they are starting to produce their own weapons in the trenches.
All that remains is to build steel foundries there and it will be possible for the Moscow Region to write a report on the work they have done (^).
I’m afraid that after such an initiative, Alexander Khodakovsky will be removed from this position and sent somewhere to Swaziland.
Who would allow Oboronprom to do something like this, but 17 times cheaper?
One had already led the liberation of Bakhmut.

[igorbrsv]

And what? Next to the field kitchen, between the engineering and repair rooms, place a camping mini-factory, but it probably isn’t steel - it’s plastic

[borisvt]

Great news - more UAVs, good and different))
According to some sources, share farmers lose 10 thousand drones per month. I think we are no less ((

[Arkadich]

17 times cheaper? Something is wrong here. I understand that the military has strict requirements for parameters, but here you can’t save much on the hull, engine, or warhead. This means that the “brains”, optics, and other electronics have been simplified.
Let's look at the practice of application, maybe these will find their niche.

[EvilCommunist]

Googled on the Internet:
The Lancet purchase price, according to The Economict, is $50 thousand. self-propelled guns
The dollar today is 93, rounded to 100, 50 * 000 / 100 = 17 thousand re.
I think that first of all they reduced the price-setting bureaucratic apparatus, all sorts of customs taxes and fees on components, and also cut down the appetites of intermediaries... most likely the hardware remained the same, or they didn’t make it much cheaper either, but in my humble opinion, from “in 17 times" 10-15 times are the services of a chain of intermediaries + taxes that the intermediaries had to pay, which were included in the price of the device, which the Ministry of Defense cut down, but this is not certain

[2 Level Advisor]

Quote: EvilCommunist

I think that first of all they reduced the price-setting bureaucratic apparatus, all sorts of customs taxes and fees on components, and also cut down the appetites of intermediaries... most likely the hardware remained the same, or they didn’t make it much cheaper either, but in my humble opinion, from “in 17 times" 10-15 times are the services of a chain of intermediaries + taxes that the intermediaries had to pay, which were included in the price of the device, which the Ministry of Defense cut down, but this is not certain

I wonder how much the costs of rearmament can be used more efficiently if all these “chains” are removed?

[igorbrsv]

The warhead per lancet is no more than one hundred thousand rubles. The case is cheap. GSN is very expensive, optics, communications are half the cost. The engine is not cheap. But not for the sake of it. The rest is costs. Even the opening, laboratory - all additional costs

[ASM]

I wonder what you saved on? There can be a lot of options. For example, it is aimed only through the visual channel, but there is simply no thermal imager; or, instead of standard plastic, they are stamped from ABS, like car bumpers. In the end, they can stupidly stuff bombs from mining production into a warhead...

[KCA]

Mining ammonal has a detonation speed 3 times less than that of hexogen, respectively, for one explosion power it needs 3 times more, I don’t think that ammonal is much cheaper than hexogen

[Piramidon]

Quote from A.S.M.

I wonder what you saved on?

You can save quite a bit on managers, all kinds of directors and their skills, which fill large productions.

[certero]

Quote: EvilCommunist

Googled on the Internet:
The Lancet purchase price, according to The Economict, is $50 thousand. self-propelled guns
The dollar today is 93, rounded to 100, 50 * 000 / 100 = 17 thousand re.
I think that first of all they reduced the price-setting bureaucratic apparatus, all sorts of customs taxes and fees on components, and also cut down the appetites of intermediaries... most likely the hardware remained the same, or they didn’t make it much cheaper either, but in my humble opinion, from “in 17 times" 10-15 times are the services of a chain of intermediaries + taxes that the intermediaries had to pay, which were included in the price of the device, which the Ministry of Defense cut down, but this is not certain

3 million at the lancet

[EvilCommunist]

this is if you take a dollar at 60

[bone1]

How long ago were the military allowed to spill secrets?

[KCA]

Since the beginning of wars, the military has had a habit of not only spilling secrets, but also leaking misinformation, who knows the data, or the real one?

[Al manah]

This is, of course, good. Just don’t throw your caps into the air too much, because the enemy is not asleep either, and for some reason his oligarchs are helping the army. However, our oligarchs also help the outskirts army, and not ours.

The 22nd mechanized and 59th separate motorized infantry brigades received a batch of Poseidon UAVs and mobile control posts for aerial reconnaissance.

During a trip to the eastern front, Petro Poroshenko handed over to the military H10 Poseidon operational-tactical UAV systems, mobile control posts, and also presented certificates to crew members who had undergone appropriate training.

The equipment, in particular, was transferred to the units of the Separate Presidential Brigade named after. Bogdan Khmelnitsky, the 22nd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces and the 59th separate motorized infantry brigade, the EU press service reports.

One UAV complex, including three drones, costs more than 300 thousand euros. It costs another million hryvnia to equip a control center based on a DAF truck with the latest technology.

[Ovsigovets]

Quote: sifgame

Cheap fish may not be tasty, although there are options. But here is a cheap Ghoul, it turned out very “tasty”, there are so many videos of the defeat of anything, recently, by the same “beavers”.

I say that quality should not be compromised after the price has been reduced.....

[23ronin]

Based on what was written: shooting Krasnopol-20-43 km in modification M, OTR-70-120 km... there remains a gap that needs to be filled... IMHO. The car should be CHEAP, CONTROLLED.... and DISPOSABLE! There is something to work on...

[MBRSS]

There has been no announcement yet of any interest in this product from the Ministry of Defense.

No wonder. Lancet doesn't need a competitor there. There was a cabal of its own there.

[Fangaro]

The Vostok battalion received its first batch
-kamikaze “Scalpel”, developed on their own initiative with the participation of the military themselves and with funds collected by ordinary Russians. The drone just recently completed successful tests and is preparing for small-scale production.

The batch has reached the troops, but so far it is only preparing for small-scale production...

The VO editors didn’t notice any contradiction in the news due to something artificial?