Bulat series drone detectors
Detector "Bulat" 3 versions
The fight against an enemy unmanned aerial vehicle begins with its detection. To solve this problem, various means can be used, incl. specialized radio reconnaissance stations. Thus, since last year, units of the Russian army have been actively using Bulat series UAV detectors produced by the 3mx company. They allow you to timely identify an air threat and take the necessary measures.
Four options
The Moscow company "3mx" began its activities in the recent past and is one of the many young organizations involved in the development of advanced electronics for troops. During its existence, the company has developed, introduced and brought to production several electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare systems.
At the end of March 2023, 3mx announced the completion of the development of the Bulat UAV detector. By that time, the new product had passed the necessary tests, and the company began organizing production. The first production batch of detectors was ready by the end of spring, and at the very beginning of June it went to the customer. Subsequently, the production of such products continued in the interests of various customers. As reported, orders are coming from different regions of the country.
Already in the summer they presented a modified version of Bulat. The second version differed in design and software, which achieved advantages over the basic product. In the shortest possible time, a new modification of the detector was brought to production and delivered to customers.
In December, the third version of Bulat was presented. This time there was a more serious revision. In this project, the circuit design was changed and the software was rewritten, the interface was updated and new functions were provided. In addition, a product verification service has appeared, which allows you to distinguish an original product from a fake.
Additional detector module
On February 1, RT published new interesting information from 3mx. The company's development director, Sergei Shandobylo, told the publication that development of the next fourth modification of Bulat is already underway. This project is being created based on the operating experience of previous products, as well as taking into account the wishes of users participating in the Special Operation to protect Donbass.
The development company has already explained what functions the new modification of the detector may have. However, the timing of its appearance cannot yet be announced. The pace of development of the detector family suggests that production of the next system will begin within the next few months.
Equipment at the front
As new modifications of Bulat are created, the 3mx company carries out the necessary factory tests. In addition, cooperation has been established with the defense department. It is reported that the detector has been tested by the Main Directorate of Innovative Development of the Ministry of Defense. The product was highly praised, but it was recommended to expand the operating frequency ranges.
With all this, the Bulat system has not yet been adopted by the Russian army, and there is no state order for production and delivery. However, the army is already using such equipment with all its might. Procurement and supply of detectors are carried out by private organizations, groups of enthusiasts and some government agencies. The purchased devices are sent to certain parts of the army and are used for their intended purpose.
According to RT, to date, our army has received more than 3 thousand Bulat products, and production continues. To meet all the needs of the armed forces, many times more such equipment is required. Thus, to equip one army-level formation, about 20 thousand detectors are needed.
The first batch of serial Bulats, shipped to customers in June 2023.
The 3mx company is ready to produce thousands of new devices. To do this, it will need to expand production, hire new specialists, etc.
In a compact body
It is reported that the first version of the Bulat product was developed on the basis of one of the wearable radio stations available on the market. It underwent some modifications and received new software, after which it began to solve other problems. Last year, 3mx even published a video demonstrating the process of converting a commercial radio into a UAV detector.
This approach simplified development and production, but led to limitations in operating ranges. To scan additional frequencies, an additional module had to be created and put into production. This system architecture was retained in the second and third versions of Bulat, but in the new fourth modification it is abandoned. The promising device will solve all problems independently.
In appearance and ergonomics, the Bulat product is similar to a walkie-talkie. It is made in a compact rectangular case with dimensions of 120 x 60 x 34 mm. On top there is a connector for installing one of the two supplied antennas and some controls. The front panel contains the screen and keyboard. Assembled weight – less than 300 g.
During operation, the detector automatically scans the airwaves within the operating ranges and searches for radio channels used by unmanned systems. When a signal is detected, the type is determined based on its characteristic features. drone. This information, as well as the detected frequency and time of detection, are displayed on the screen; a sound and light signal is also given. The add-on module works in a similar way, but has simplified controls and no screen.
Detectors being tested. All devices detected the drone and issued an alert “DJI UAV detected”
The latest version 3 of Bulat has several operating modes. The device can track and detect all types of UAVs, or search only for FPV strike drones. In the latter case, the detector allows not only to detect an air target, but also to identify an approaching threat in time and take action.
The detector is capable of detecting the presence of UAVs of various types, primarily the most popular foreign-made models. Such targets are detected at distances of up to 1,5 km. The device works only for reception and does not unmask itself with radiation.
Bulat is equipped with two batteries with a capacity of 9200 mW. One battery lasts for 5 hours of operation. Replacement takes minimal time, after which the device can continue to operate. The additional module uses a smaller battery, but it provides 8 hours of operation.
Security questions
Light reconnaissance and strike drones pose a known danger to troops and must be protected from. Moreover, as the experience of the current Special Operation shows, the means of detecting, intercepting and suppressing UAVs must be massive and widespread. If this condition is met, all known risks can be reduced to a minimum.
In the counter-UAV system, a special place is occupied by reconnaissance and detection of air targets - products of the Bulat series from the 3mx company belong to this class. Bulat drone detectors are capable of scanning specified ranges and searching for radio channels used by enemy equipment. As practice shows, they successfully solve this problem and also demonstrate several positive qualities.
First of all, it is necessary to note the dimensions and weight of the Bulat. These devices were built on the basis of walkie-talkies and therefore turned out to be compact and lightweight. Carrying and using such a device does not create additional difficulties for the fighter. At the same time, detection of a wide range of unmanned targets of all main classes at a sufficiently long range is ensured.
Based on the characteristic features of the radio signal, Bulat determines the type of UAV and notifies the operator. Information about the target model and operating frequency facilitates further interception or jamming of the target. To solve such a problem, almost any weapon or electronic warfare system can be used.
One of many
The potential and prospects of UAVs, as well as the need to create means to combat them, do not raise questions. In this regard, the domestic defense industry, represented by recognized industry leaders and new companies, has taken up the development of various countermeasures, suppression and interception systems. To date, a large number of such systems have been brought into production and are being delivered to the troops.
The specifics of current combat operations require the widespread implementation and use of various UAV protection systems. Since last year, the 3mx company has been actively participating in such processes with its Bulat series detectors and other devices. She has already supplied several thousand of her products to the army and is not going to stop there. Other organizations are also producing new devices, and the industry is working together to improve the protection of troops from UAVs.
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