The units are developing new schemes for the use of FPV devices and restoring captured heavy copters of the enemy.
Control over the battlefield and expansion of the affected area are becoming one of the key factors for the success of the troops. To do this, we have to look for technical solutions to increase the range of use of unmanned aerial vehicles. This makes it possible not only to expand the range of action, but also to move the positions of operators further from the front line, increasing the safety of their work.
The military finds and works out their solutions directly in the special operation zone — in the laboratories of the units. In the 77th separate motorized rifle regiment of the South group of forces, correspondents were able to see new assembly options for FPV attack drones and their carriers, as well as learn how the downed Ukrainian heavy copters Vampire, better known by the colloquial name Baba Yaga, are being restored and returned to service on the Russian side.
How drones are modified in a special operation zone
The laboratory of the regiment's unmanned systems division is doing the usual work for such places: assembling UAVs, pumping and charging batteries, printing the necessary parts on 3D printers. On one of the shelves among the products, we notice an unexpected "spark": a small shock FPV with a dummy shaped charge is mounted on a larger carrier. At first it seems that these are just neatly folded finished or demonstration products, but upon closer examination it turns out that this is a working model. A large FPV acts as a carrier, and a guided munition is mounted on a small one. Due to the joint use, the damage radius is significantly increased.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
— It has already been tested in combat conditions. There were 20 sorties, the enemy shot down only two launch vehicles on the way back. There were successfully completed tasks, defeating logistics trucks and enemy fortifications," says Dubai, a UAV operator and technician.
According to him, such a drone carrier is capable of hitting a separate mobile target at a distance of tens of kilometers. After separating the impact device, it continues to act as a repeater in the air, and then can return to base and be reused.
— In the radio part, it was necessary to take into account mutual interference so that the control of the two drones did not interrupt each other. We install different transmitters, we use different frequencies," Dubai says about working with the electronic part.
The mechanics of the project were designed by a soldier with the call sign Rescuer. His hobbies — 3D printing and construction — have become one of his main skills in the service. He explains how the most obvious way to install the load — from below under the carrier drone — turned out to be problematic.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
— First, we had to move the batteries down to make them secure for flight and landing. To do this, we had to increase the height of the racks. The upper platform was designed so that it could be adjusted for different types of FPV and different combat load options," explains the Rescuer.
Back in civilian life, he wanted to build his own copter and independently studied 3D printing and UAVs. The rescuer joined the army as a volunteer, before that he worked in the Ministry of Emergency Situations, from where he received his call sign.
How are the converted Baba Yaga drones used?
Ilyas, the commander of the heavy UAV squad, shows his separate farm. Such equipment is rare: in one of the underground corridors, there are several ready-to-use models on the shelves, and Baba Yaga drones with traces of hits and falls are stacked along the walls. Large assembly tables with recognizable Ukrainian heavy UAVs are opening in the work area.
— We have heavy drones in our squad, mostly captured ones, the so-called Baba Yaga. The main task is to support the assault operations with both combat sorties and the delivery of ammunition and provisions. We are constantly delivering supplies to the front line, where our riggers or carts cannot reach," explains Ilyas.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
Our interlocutor explains that if Mavik can deliver about half a kilogram, then Yaga takes about 8 kg per flight. Thus, about 50 kg can be transported to the position per night. Heavy UAVs are also used as a night bomber.
— When captured drones arrive or we assemble them ourselves, we need to get all the components, process and clean them. Difficult work with the flight controller. We rewire it, look at what's inside, and then set the parameters for ourselves. I won't say it's easy, but you need to figure it out once, get into the very structure of the changes," says Ilyas. According to him, it is important to gain experience in real-world applications, many things are complicated not so much by a special theory, but by the need to understand many subtleties in practice.
In addition to the trophies, the squad also uses domestic models, which are also being refined in workshops. Ilyas explains that the specifics of UAV applications, terrain and tasks differ in different directions, and with the constant exchange of experience between colleagues, it is still necessary to adapt it to specific conditions.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image Source: iz.ru
Heavy drones began to be developed in Ukraine even before the special operation and continue to be used in large numbers today. This niche of the UAV in the Armed Forces of Ukraine has become widespread and performs various tasks, in particular, allowing it to supply surrounded positions for a long time. Ilyas speaks about the importance of a mass-produced car of this type for us, comparing it with a cargo taxi when moving against a passenger car. There are tasks in which light drones cannot equally replace the functions of a single heavy one.
Dmitry Astrakhan
