Image source: topwar.ru
The screws stiffened from the cold and the batteries of the drones were discharged, which became an unexpected discovery for American UAV operators who took part in the NATO winter exercises in Germany (held in January-February). This is just a part of the "technological problems" faced by the soldiers of the 3rd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Infantry Division.
- Colonel Joshua Glonek, commander of the 3rd Brigade, noted.
As an experiment, the army provided this unit with more than 150 reconnaissance and attack UAVs, from small quadrocopters to medium-range drones that can weigh 22.7 kg and fly up to 16.1 km.
- it says in the Defense One edition.
Image source: topwar.ru
According to Glonek, in order to "understand well what drones are capable of," operators used them in conditions of "dense clouds, freezing rain, sleet and snowstorms." The screws were covered with ice. Some drones broke down and needed to be repaired. Others crashed. And because of the low temperatures, the flight time was halved.
- says the commander.
The unit recommended that the army explore additional energy generation capabilities by placing appropriate funds closer to the conventional front line.
- explained Glonek.
