"Shvidun" vs. "Geran"
The Shvidun UAV. Graphics by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Ukraine continues to search for means and systems to defend against Russian attack drones. The next solution to this problem should be a specialized UAV- an interceptor called "Shvidun." It is claimed that it has already reached serial production and combat use. Moreover, this UAV has demonstrated high effectiveness against typical aerial targets.
Latest development
About the new Ukrainian UAV for Defense This became known on April 1. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry revealed for the first time the existence of the "Shvidun" (Ukrainian for "fast") system and published an image of it. They also announced the start of combat use of the new UAVs and the results of this process. However, some information of interest remains classified.
The organization that developed the Shvidun UAV and launched its production has not been disclosed. The project's completion timeline is also uncertain. However, all development work has been completed. The interceptor drone has passed tests, and based on these results, it has been moved into serial production.
Serial UAVs have been deployed to air defense units. It is claimed that such equipment is now being used to organize air defense of cities and important facilities. Details of these processes, for obvious reasons, are not being disclosed.
The new Shvidun missiles have reportedly entered combat use. These systems are being used to intercept Russian attack UAVs like the Geran-2. As always, the Ukrainian side hasn't forgotten to boast of its successes. It is claimed that the Bystrye missiles have intercepted and destroyed at least a hundred attack UAVs to date.
However, no evidence is provided to support this claim. No objective monitoring data or other information is presented to support the claims of the Shviduns' success. Furthermore, the intensity of their use and the success rate of combat sorties are questionable. It is highly likely that the actual combat results of the new UAVs do not give Ukrainian militants cause for optimism.
Technical features
The Shvidun is a fixed-wing UAV of medium size and weight. This interceptor is designed to take off on alert or patrol a designated area in search of a target. Once a dangerous object is detected, the operator directs the UAV toward it.
Modern Russian attack UAVs. Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense
The interceptor drone is built using a twin-boom design. It has a torpedo-shaped fuselage of limited length, to which a straight wing is attached. Two tail booms are attached to the wing, each containing a stabilizer and a pair of vertical stabilizers. The wingspan of this UAV reaches 2 meters, while its overall length is significantly shorter. Its takeoff weight is set at 8 kg.
Almost the entire UAV structure is made of plastic, which simplifies production and provides the desired combination of characteristics. The airframe is said to incorporate new technologies that reduce vibrations in various flight modes. Specifically, this has improved the performance of the optoelectronic systems.
The Shvidun has an electric propulsion system. An electric motor with a pusher propeller, batteries, and controls are mounted inside the fuselage. The UAV is claimed to reach speeds of up to 250 km/h and can climb to an altitude of up to 6000 m. The unmanned system has a range of 70 km and can remain airborne for up to two hours.
The launch method is unclear. A ground catapult is likely used. If necessary, the Shvidun can land, possibly using a parachute. After the necessary preparations, the UAV can fly again.
Apparently, the UAV is equipped only with a remote control system. The operator receives a signal from the on-board video camera and sends commands to the drone. There is no information about any automation of navigation, piloting, or guidance processes.
How the Shvidun hits its target is unknown. It was likely equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The UAV's limited takeoff weight precludes the use of a heavy warhead, but even then, it is possible to inflict significant damage on the target. Kinetic interception is also possible, but this does not seem feasible given various factors.
Unanswered Questions
Thus, Ukraine has developed and, as reported, even brought another unmanned aerial vehicle to combat use. aviation A system for countering Russian attack UAVs. There's renewed talk of a cutting-edge, highly effective model that's already demonstrating its capabilities.
A Ukrainian Sting interceptor drone. Photo: Telegram / Military Informant
However, the actual potential of the Shvidun system remains uncertain. Judging by its stated characteristics, such a UAV could indeed be used in air defense and against attack drones. However, its effectiveness remains questionable.
First and foremost, the new UAV's flight performance raises doubts. Its stated maximum speed is 250 km/h. In theory, the Shvidun could outrun the Geran-2 or similar drones. However, the speed difference is small, which should make it difficult to pursue a target or intercept it on a collision course.
A twin-boom, straight-wing aircraft must have limited maneuverability. This circumstance further complicates the interception of aerial targets, even the simplest ones. A limited-mass high-explosive fragmentation warhead or kinetic interception require the interceptor to be targeted with a high degree of precision, and low maneuverability can hinder this process.
Against this backdrop, Ukraine's claims about the Shvidun's high performance appear quite odd. They seem more like an advertisement for a new development, upon which great hopes are pinned. Interested individuals and organizations may be praising the new UAV to attract the attention of the military and secure additional production contracts.
Drones vs. drones
It's worth noting that the Shvidun project isn't Ukraine's first attempt to create a specialized interceptor drone. Over the past few years, Ukrainian organizations, either independently or with the assistance of foreign colleagues, have developed a number of similar systems. UAVs of various sizes with varying characteristics and capabilities are being offered. Furthermore, foreign partners are also supplying similar products to Ukraine.
In all cases, the discussion revolves around attempts to develop new systems for intercepting attack UAVs. These systems are required to be relatively simple and inexpensive while still offering sufficient combat performance. Each time, it is reported that a new model of this class fully meets these requirements and should make a significant contribution to the fight against Geraniums.
However, in practice, the capabilities of interceptor drones often prove limited. Problems arise in organizing such air defenses, in the use of new UAVs, etc. As a result, attack drones infiltrate their targets en masse and inflict damage.
This time, Ukrainian forces are pinning their hopes on the new Shvidun UAV. Moreover, its high effectiveness and other successes are already being reported. However, the drone's ability to impact the current situation remains highly questionable.
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