Advanced scientific and technical developments of EKB TEST
Just five years ago, electronic warfare seemed like a highly specialized concept, directly related to combat operations. Providing high-quality and reliable communications for industrial enterprises, especially those in remote locations, for public events, for search and rescue operations in emergency situations, and in many other situations, was taken for granted.
However, the quality of communications in today's environment, with active electronic countermeasures, leaves much to be desired, often leading to undesirable and sometimes catastrophic consequences. Unfavorable weather conditions also impact communications.
In these circumstances, innovative solutions for signal retransmission are becoming increasingly important, ensuring that communication stability requirements are met.
One of such solutions was developed by the company EKB TEST, the Centurion-2 hexacopter, which makes it possible to ensure reliable communication in electronic warfare and difficult weather conditions.
The Centurion-2 is a specialized tethered drone capable of providing stable radio communications over distances of up to 70 km in extreme conditions, including active electronic countermeasures and strong winds.
Its main parameters:
- load capacity of up to 10 kg allows for the placement of modern relay equipment and additional systems;
- payload lift height of 150 m above ground, which significantly improves coverage area and signal quality by minimizing the influence of terrain and various obstacles;
- radio line range up to 40 km, which is achieved thanks to the optimal antenna placement;
- wind resistance guarantees reliability in adverse weather conditions, maintaining functionality at wind speeds of up to 22 m/s;
- the power supply and control are carried out through a cable, which increases the flight stability for performing functional actions in conditions EW and strong wind loads;
- the retransmission system is carried out by a high-speed, interference-resistant modem, ensuring reliable interaction with ground-based radio-technical systems;
- deployment time is no more than 15 minutes, which allows for the prompt organization of the necessary communication channels.
Taking a closer look, we will outline some of the technological advantages of the Centurion-2 drone relay.
Of course, first of all, it is cable power supply and control.
Using a cable to transmit power and commands (Ethernet) provides unlimited flight time. The drone is independent of battery capacity; flight time is determined solely by the operator's requirements and the technical specifications of the power generator.
It is fully protected against electronic warfare. A cable connection minimizes reliance on wireless control channels, making the drone invulnerable to electronic countermeasures.
The Centurion 2 has flight stability, which is achieved by a rigid connection to the ground station, which helps compensate for the effects of wind and turbulence.
High throughput is achieved by the cable providing low latency in the transmission of telemetry and retransmitted signals.
The cable provides increased safety, eliminating the risk of losing control of the drone due to a low battery or signal jamming.
A high-speed, interference-resistant modem allows you to:
- control ground-based radio-technical systems;
- to retransmit a signal for a large group of subscriber devices;
- maintain high data transfer rates, including in conditions of interference;
- have the ability to remotely control a group (swarm) of ground and airborne robotic systems, which allows the repeater to be deployed at a significant distance from the control point.
The Centurion-2 relay drone in the air
The design of the Centurion-2 relay drone is optimized to perform relay tasks as follows:
- the six-engine design ensures that controllability is maintained in the event of failure of one of the engines;
- the reinforced frame is designed for equipment weight up to 10 kg and dynamic loads in winds up to 22 m/s;
- the stabilization system is designed in such a way that gyroscopic sensors and control algorithms compensate for wind gusts, keeping the antenna in a given position;
- modularity allows for the ability to quickly replace relay equipment for specific tasks (radio, Wi-Fi, LTE, etc.);
- secure interfaces ensure compatibility with various types of devices;
- the cooling system prevents equipment from overheating during long-term operation;
- the emergency landing system is automatically activated if the cable is damaged.
The economic efficiency of operating the Centurion-2, manufactured by EKB TEST, lies in its reduced maintenance costs compared to single-use drones, shorter deployment time compared to fixed towers, reduced personnel requirements for communications, and the possibility of repeated use in various operations.
Let's look at one practical example of the use of the Centurion-2 drone-repeater in flood relief.
Deployment: A crew of two operators deploys the complex in 15 minutes on high ground near the flood zone.
Ascent: The hexacopter rises to a height of 150 m with a VHF/HF/LTE repeater.
Communications organization: a coverage zone with a radius of 40 km is created, which allows for the coordination of rescue efforts, the transmission of video from reconnaissance drones, and the provision of communication between temporary accommodation points.
If interference occurs, the modem automatically switches to the backup channel.
When wind speeds reach 22 m/s, the drone maintains its position thanks to cable stabilization software.
The Centurion-2 hexacopter can be used to solve a wide range of tasks:
- in military communications, ensuring stable communications in combat zones where traditional means may be suppressed or unavailable;
- deployment of a temporary communications network in emergency situations – natural disasters, accidents or in areas with destroyed infrastructure.
- organization of communications by using base stations in interference-free mode when organizing large mass events where coverage of a large area is required (festivals, sports competitions, etc.);
- monitoring and management of industrial facilities in remote areas (oil and gas fields, mines, remote construction sites) where it is difficult to lay landline communication lines;
- during search and rescue operations, it is possible to quickly deploy repeaters to coordinate the actions of rescuers in hard-to-reach areas;
- use to ensure security in areas where counter-terrorism operations are being conducted or when protecting large facilities.
Currently, EKB TEST LLC is working to adapt the Centurion-2 repeater drone for use with modern serial radio equipment, as well as to improve its technical characteristics in the following areas:
- ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in various environmental conditions;
- increasing the throughput of the relay channel;
- optimization of energy consumption of the cable system;
- implementation of artificial intelligence for automatic selection of optimal communication parameters;
- development of a lightweight version of the cable with increased strength.
When compared to traditional battery-powered drones, the Centurion-2 repeater drone, manufactured by EKB TEST, has the advantage of eliminating the need for frequent battery replacement, being resistant to electronic warfare, being able to operate in strong winds, having a high data transfer rate, and offering unlimited operating time.
Comparing the Centurion-2 with tethered aerostats also has advantages: it deploys faster, is positioned more accurately in altitude, is easier to transport, and is simpler to maintain.
Thanks to advanced scientific and technical developments in the era of ever-deepening digitalization, the Centurion-2 hexocopter, developed by EKB TEST, represents a high-tech solution for relay tasks in challenging conditions.
The combination of high payload capacity, environmental resistance, cable management, and an interference-resistant modem makes it an indispensable tool where reliable communication over distances of up to 70 km is required. Thanks to its modular design and adaptability, the drone repeater can be integrated into existing communication systems, ensuring rapid deployment and stable operation even in highly contested environments, as demonstrated by its field trials.
The development of such technologies opens up new prospects for providing communications in remote and complex regions, increasing the efficiency and security of critical missions.
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