Drone interception system "Molot"
In recent years, the domestic defense industry has been actively engaged in the creation of means to counter unmanned aerial vehicles aviation. A variety of means are proposed for suppressing or destroying UAVs, including interceptor aircraft. A new model of this kind, called "Molot", was recently presented. It is part of an interception system resembling a portable anti-aircraft missile complex.
Hybrid system
A promising system for intercepting and destroying UAVs was created by Moscow-based Nova Labs. The development of this product began recently, but the exact timeframe for completing the work is not specified. The finished sample was presented just a few weeks ago.
The first news about Molot was in early November. The developer demonstrated the appearance of the system as a whole and its main components, and also revealed its main tactical and technical characteristics. In addition, videos from the tests were published, which included footage of the unmanned interceptor's flight and footage from its own video camera.
A few days ago, a new video from the testing ground appeared on specialized resources. This time, the system operator was caught on camera, preparing it for use and launching the UAV. No new information about the project was disclosed.
By now, the "Molot" has successfully passed all necessary tests and confirmed its calculated tactical and technical characteristics. Work is underway to improve the design, and serial production is being prepared.
Starting device
It is expected that in the near future the Molot systems will be delivered to units and formations involved in the current Special Operation. These products will complement other means of combating UAVs and will help the troops cope with the current threat. At the same time, it cannot be ruled out that some Molots have already been tested in real combat conditions.
Interceptor in the pipe
The Molot product is positioned as a portable anti-aircraft missile system. Also, some publications use the original term "anti-aircraft electric missile system". Both definitions correspond to reality and to a certain extent reveal the essence of the project.
Like MANPADS, the Molot system is designed to intercept air targets. Light and medium UAVs of various classes and types are considered as targets for it, the destruction of which by full-fledged SAMs / MANPADS is difficult or impractical. At the same time, the architecture, composition of components and capabilities of Molot are optimized for solving such combat tasks.
"Molot" consists of two main parts: a reusable launcher and an interceptor drone. In addition, the delivery set includes auxiliary means necessary for the operation and use of the complex. The system, assembled or in combat-ready condition, has limited dimensions and weight, simplifying its transportation.
The launcher is made in the form of a closed tube at the back with two external handles, a butt and a sight. In the combat position, with the UAV installed, its length does not exceed 700-800 mm, and its weight is only a few kilograms. The system does not impose any special requirements on the user.
Launching the interceptor
An original design UAV is used as an interceptor munition. It is built in a cylindrical body with a hemispherical head fairing. In the central part of the body there are X-shaped planes, at the ends of which there are compact engine nacelles. Inside the body there is a homing head, control devices, a warhead and a battery.
The Molot UAV has limited dimensions and weight. Its launch weight, depending on the configuration, does not exceed 1,5-2 kg. The small and light drone is quite easy to handle and prepare for takeoff.
The device is fully electric. Flight is carried out by four motors with propellers located with a collapse outward relative to the body. The UAV is capable of vertical takeoff, hovering and horizontal flight. High maneuverability has also been achieved.
In flight, the UAV develops a speed of up to 50 m/s. The combat radius depends on the type of target. When working on large unmanned aircraft, it reaches 1 km. Interception of copters with a diameter of up to 500-700 mm is possible at distances of 350-400 m, and the operating altitude reaches 200 m.
The head of the "Hammer" contains a thermal imager with accompanying electronics. In essence, the UAV is equipped with an infrared homing head, capable of independently tracking a target and guiding the aircraft to it. It is claimed that the project implements the "launch and forget" principle.
View from the IR seeker of a drone
To hit the target, a high-explosive warhead weighing 500 g is installed. The detonation occurs when touching the target or when passing it at a minimum distance. Kinetic interception is also possible - the UAV hits the target with acceleration, causing significant damage to it.
Proven effectiveness
The Molot UAV interception system has passed some of the required tests and demonstrated its capabilities. The ability to hit typical targets has been confirmed and high performance has been demonstrated.
A recent video showed tests in which the Hammer was successfully used against a popular quadcopter model. The aerial target was at an altitude of about 200 m and was moving at a speed of 80 km/h. The operator of the interception system quickly detected the target and launched his drone. The Hammer covered the distance to the target in just 5 seconds and hit it with a precise strike.
The new "anti-aircraft electric missile system" has several interesting features that provide high performance characteristics and also achieve advantages over other weapons. Thanks to this, "Molot" can really be an effective means of combating UAVs of different classes.
The Molot project is based on the idea of intercepting one drone with another. This method of interception, from the point of view of technical and economic parameters, is the most profitable and convenient. The development of a specialized interceptor drone significantly increases the effectiveness of combat operations.
"Hammer" in flight to the target
"Molot" should hit only a certain range of air targets, while other objects would be too difficult a target. Such specialization and refusal of universality allowed to limit the required level of technical characteristics, as well as simplify the design of the system. As a result, it was possible to obtain a favorable ratio of efficiency and cost.
Nova Labs claims that an original control system was created for the Molot, which actually performs the functions of the seeker. This system is built on available components and demonstrates high efficiency in searching for and tracking air targets at long distances.
The capability of kinetic interception of air targets has been declared and successfully demonstrated. This means that the "optical seeker" of the new UAV has high accuracy and is capable of guiding it to small targets. At the same time, the possibility of using a warhead with an explosive substance is not excluded. The warhead in combination with high guidance accuracy additionally increases combat effectiveness.
The proposed method of launching an unmanned interceptor is also of interest. The operator must use a manual launcher of the simplest design. Such a device allows one to do without a launch pad and launch the UAV directly from the hands from almost any place.
Great future
Thus, Nova Labs combined a number of well-known solutions and ideas, and the result was the emergence of an interesting and promising UAV interception complex. The Molot product is already undergoing tests, demonstrating its capabilities and confirming the calculated characteristics.
It can be expected that in the near future the new interception system will be deployed to the Special Operations area. There it will be able to demonstrate its capabilities outside the training grounds and will also help reduce enemy unmanned aircraft. If the "Molot" copes with such tests, then in the future it will be able to become part of the standard equipment of units.
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