Anti-copter net: new means of combating UAVs
The Wasp UAV with a characteristic firing device
To combat drones helicopter and multicopter types can use various means. One of the most effective methods is "catching nets". These nets get entangled in the rotors of drones, causing them to lose their ability to fly. Several such systems have already been created in our country to combat UAVs, and they are now successfully used in practice, demonstrating their effectiveness.
Interceptor drone
The Novgorod Scientific and Industrial Center "Ushkuynik" specializes in the development and implementation of advanced solutions in the field of military UAVs. In February 2024, the center presented its new product - the Osoyed interceptor quadcopter.
This UAV is designed to combat light drones that conduct reconnaissance or attempt to use weapon. The principle of operation of the "Osoed" is based on the use of a special net to intercept air targets. The net completely covers the target drone and blocks the rotation of its propellers, after which it falls to the ground.
Over the past months, the Osoyed has successfully passed all the necessary tests and confirmed its ability to intercept typical targets. Based on the results of the tests, a decision was made to launch serial production. Currently, the Ushkuynik Scientific and Production Center is working on this issue.
At the testing stage, the Osoyeds have already been transferred to units of the Russian army participating in the Special Operation to Demilitarize Ukraine. There, they are used for their intended purpose - to intercept enemy drones. They have confirmed their calculated characteristics and have found their place in the counter-drone system. aviation the adversary.
"Wasp Beetle" chases the target
Simultaneously with the launch of the series, the Scientific and Production Center "Ushkuynik" is working on improving the design and components of the "Osoed". Currently, two current development directions are being developed:
Firstly, the software is being improved and elements of artificial intelligence are being introduced. This will allow the UAV to independently perform some procedures and tasks. The second goal is to equip the drone with its own electronic reconnaissance system to improve its situational awareness and the effectiveness of searching for air targets.
The timeframe for the appearance of the upgraded Osoyeds with autonomous mode and improved search capabilities is not reported. These projects will probably be completed after the basic version of the interceptor goes into full-scale production.
Grid carrier
Back in February, the Ushkuynik Scientific and Production Center revealed the main characteristics of its new Osoyed and also demonstrated the operation of its product at the testing ground. Apparently, the operating principles and parameters of this UAV have not undergone significant changes over the past months.
"Osoed" is based on a serial 9-inch FPV drone. It has a typical design for such devices with a central body and four beams on which propeller-motor groups are installed. The key component of the complex is located on top of the frame - a shooting device with a net.
The basic platform of the Osoeda is equipped with electric motors, remote control, a course camera and a battery. The UAV is controlled by an operator within a radius of 4-5 km and at altitudes of up to 5-6 km. The flight speed reaches 140 km/h, and the flight time is 24 minutes.
Net shot
The "Osoed" firing device has a fairly simple design. It is a funnel with four tubular guides installed on each side, spread apart. A folded square net is placed inside the funnel, and the tubes hold four weights secured to the corners of the net. The tubes also contain throwing devices, probably of a pyrotechnic type.
The net thrower device is controlled automatically. The UAV independently determines the distance to the aerial target and after approaching to a distance of 5-6 m, it fires. Under the action of the throwing means, the loads leave their guides and pull the net out. At a distance of several meters from the UAV, the net straightens out and can capture the target drone.
The size of the net allows it to deal with various targets. It is enough to entangle small UAVs, such as the popular DJI Mavic. In addition, the net poses a threat to larger devices, such as the Baba Yaga.
The Osoyed is reported to be very cost-effective to operate. It is reusable and can intercept a large number of air targets during its service life. All it needs is a timely replacement of batteries and recharging of the net thrower.
Suspended load
The Osoyed project has obvious advantages in terms of technology and economics, but in its case we are talking about a specialized UAV with one function. There is an alternative solution that allows you to turn almost any available quadcopter into an interceptor.
Large size "Spider" with 3,6m mesh
The Moscow Region-based company Inmatten recently presented its development called "Taiga". This is a universal net launcher that can be installed on various aerial platforms. With the help of this shooting device, the existing UAV receives the function of an interceptor and can effectively fight other copters.
The developer offers two versions of the Taiga, which differ in size, characteristics and typical targets. The smaller net thrower is designed to combat light copters such as the Mavic. The second version of the product has a stronger, larger net and is capable of sending even the notorious Baba Yaga to the ground.
In the spring of 2024, Taiga products were delivered to the Special Operations area. Their combat debut took place at the end of April. An operator from one of our units successfully caught an enemy copter using a Mavic UAV with a net launcher. After that, the effective use of Taiga continued.
"Spider" vs. Copter
The Taiga product is similar in principle to the Osoyed net launcher, but has a different design and is used slightly differently. However, in both cases, when fired, a net opens up, covering the target and preventing it from flying.
The main element of the Taiga is a part called the "spider". This is a low cylindrical body with inclined guide tubes extending from it. Inside the body is a pyropatron, which serves as a source of energy for the shot. The end weights of the net are placed in the tubes, and the net itself is suspended under the body.
Interception result: UAV on the ground
To intercept small targets, a "spider" with eight tubes and a small octagonal net is used. For large targets, a net with a diameter of 3,6 m with 12 weights along the perimeter is intended. To launch it, a "spider" of the appropriate size and configuration is used.
"Taiga" has its own control systems. For example, this device includes a laser rangefinder-target sensor. It is used to determine the presence of a target, the distance to it, and the possibility of making an effective shot.
The Taiga device is lightweight and can be used by a variety of carrier drones. It is mounted under the hull and shoots a net straight down. The attack is carried out while hovering or flying over the target.
A complex approach
The Russian defense industry, represented by large enterprises and groups of enthusiasts, continues to work on methods of combating UAVs. Various solutions are proposed for suppressing, neutralizing or destroying such aerial targets. New models are included in the Special Operation zone, where they undergo the most stringent practical tests.
A comprehensive approach to the problem of combating UAVs has been formed through the joint efforts of enterprises and the army. These tasks are solved using “traditional” air defense systems — radars and anti-aircraft systems, as well as electronic warfare systems of various classes. Recently, the idea of an interceptor drone has also been developing. One of the variants of this concept is a UAV with a net on board.
At the moment, several specialized interceptor drones have been created in our country, as well as devices for existing UAVs of other classes. Right now, they are demonstrating their capabilities on real drone targets and helping to achieve the overall goals of the Special Operation.
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