Ukrainian UAV "Dovbush" T-10 became a carrier of FPV-copters
UAV "Dovbush" with a pair of copters under the wing
About two years ago, the Ukrainian forces began to receive a new unmanned aerial vehicle, the Dovbush T-10. This aircraft-type UAV was developed as a multi-purpose aerial platform capable of carrying various payloads. Initially, it was intended to install optical-electronic equipment, and later it became possible to hang ammunition. Recently, the T-10 was modernized for use as a carrier of attack quadcopters.
In a new role
A few days ago, a video of the flight tests of the already known Dovbush UAV in a new role appeared on Ukrainian resources. This device was tested as a carrier of light strike FPV-dronesThe video includes footage from a video camera installed on a UAV, as well as footage from the course cameras of attack copters.
Before the tests, the T-10 prototype received new means of suspension of the payload and an additional communication system. Immediately before the test, two FPV drones were suspended on the drone. In this form, "Dovbush" took off and headed to the simulated target.
The operator or operators of the complex brought the T-10 UAV to a designated area and found the target - a pickup truck. After that, two quadcopters were sequentially dropped, which independently aimed at the intended target.
It is reported that during the tests the carrier drone successfully coped with its tasks and demonstrated the desired capabilities. However, its full potential was not used. "Dovbush" carried only two attack UAVs, while it is capable of taking up to six on board.
The moment of the light drone's release. Bottom left — video from the FPV camera
It is expected that T-10 UAVs with a new set of target equipment will soon begin to arrive in Ukrainian formations. They are planned to be used to strike Russian troops. It is unclear how quickly the new equipment will appear in combat units. It is also unknown when it will be used in combat.
Multipurpose platform
According to known data, the future UAV "Dovbush" was created by a group of Ukrainian enthusiasts in 2022. The project was supported by the management of the Ukrainian "Monobank". The provided funding and organizational assistance contributed to the rapid implementation of the project and the desired results.
At the end of the same year, the developers manufactured and tested the first samples of the new drone, which received the designations "Dovbush" and T-10. Testing and fine-tuning the design did not take much time, and after a few months it became known about the launch of serial production and the beginning of deliveries of equipment to armed formations.
"Dovbush" was positioned as a multi-purpose aerial platform. At the time of its appearance, this UAV could only perform reconnaissance tasks. For this purpose, an optical-electronic station and video signal transmission facilities were installed on board.
In early 2023, the T-10 drone received a strike function. It was proposed to place 10 holders under the wing for installing and dropping small-weight ammunition. The combat load in this configuration reaches 12 kg. In advertising materials, the Dovbush was demonstrated with a dozen "air bombs" based on the PG-7V grenade launcher round.
Two UAVs continue to fly
Now the T-10 UAV can carry other payloads. It was recently equipped with means for suspending and dropping quadcopters. This version of the device is probably currently undergoing testing, but the situation may change in the near future.
Unmanned aerial vehicle
The T-10 is an aircraft-type UAV designed to carry various payloads and perform a wide range of tasks. It is claimed that this device has high flight and technical characteristics that allow it to improve its overall efficiency.
The T-10 has a shortened, streamlined fuselage. A thin tube with tail boom functions is attached to it at the rear. The aircraft has a high-mounted wing with minimal sweep. The V-shaped empennage is located at the end of the tail boom.
The exact dimensions and weight of the Dovbush are unknown. Open sources mention a wingspan of over 4,6 m. The length of the aircraft is probably within 3-4 m. Based on the payload, it can be assumed that the takeoff weight is at least 20 kg.
In the tail section of the fuselage, at the level of the trailing edge of the wing, an electric motor with a pusher propeller is located on a pylon. A battery of unknown capacity is used for its operation. The UAV should develop a speed of no more than 200-250 km/h. The flight range is not specified, and the combat radius is limited by the control equipment used and therefore does not exceed 40 km.
The T-10 is equipped with a standard set of electronics for such UAVs. There is a control system that executes the operator's commands, as well as navigation and communication devices. The control circuits provide the ability to transmit commands for the use of release devices.
"Dovbush" flies while the FPV device approaches the target
In the version of the carrier of copters, the "Dovbush" product receives six suspension mechanisms under the wing. UAVs are fixed on the holders with the screws down - the fastening is carried out by their warhead. The locks of the holders are remotely controlled and open one by one. After detaching, the quadcopter falls and turns over, taking the flight position.
In addition, it is proposed to equip the carrier drone with a radio signal repeater. This is an additional measure aimed at increasing the actual combat radius of FPV drones.
The T-10 "Dovbush" takes off from a special launcher and requires assistance from outside. The UAV on a special trolley or with other devices is accelerated by a car and then sent on an independent flight. How the landing occurs is unclear.
With increased radius
The main goal of the next modification of the Dovbush UAV is to increase the combat radius of FPV systems. This project offers an obvious idea that is quite consistent with the task.
Existing FPV drones, including those in service with Ukrainian forces, have a limited combat radius of no more than 15-20 kilometers. This parameter is determined by the battery capacity, radio communications, and some external factors.
T-10 "bomber" variant shot down by Russian army, July 2024.
The T-10 product with special equipment reportedly allows for an increase in the combat radius of strike vehicles. The carrier drone moves the launch point forward and also provides for the retransmission of radio signals. As a result, it becomes possible to increase the combat radius of the strike system by 30-40 km.
However, it will be extremely difficult to fully realize the potential of such a complex. The fact is that it is critically dependent on radio communications, which can be suppressed by means EWAny disruption of communication channels between the control station and the Dovbush or between the T-10 and FPV drones jeopardizes the solution of the combat mission.
Moreover, the Dovbush UAV turned out to be not the most difficult target for the Russian Defense. There are a number of known cases of successful suppression or destruction of such equipment. In the case of carrier drones, each case of interception will mean the disruption of several attacks on ground targets at once.
Decisions and difficulties
Current combat operations have demonstrated the potential and positive qualities of FPV strike drones. At the same time, they have helped to identify the weaknesses of such equipment, thanks to which measures are now being taken to eliminate such problems and difficulties. In particular, a number of projects are being proposed to increase the combat radius of strike systems.
Basically, we are talking about the use of medium or heavy UAVs capable of carrying smaller equipment. The Ukrainian device "Dovbush" was made the next carrier of copters. In general, it is capable of solving the tasks set, but at the same time it must face a lot of new problems and active counteraction. As a result, such UAVs are unlikely to be able to fully use their potential and influence the course of military operations.
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