Image source: topwar.ru
The Russian Ministry of Defense has timed a series of video publications of Russian combat systems to coincide with Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War, which for various reasons could not previously be shown publicly.
Among other things, footage of the launch of the latest fifth version of the Geran-5 barrage ammunition was shown. In terms of its tactical and combat characteristics and even the aerodynamics of the hull, this attack drone is already more similar to a cruise missile than to the "classic" UAVs of previous modifications. The new Russian attack drone has a length of six meters, a wingspan of 5.5 m and is capable of delivering a 90-kilogram charge at a distance of up to 1,000 kilometers at a speed of over 500 km/h.
To understand how these attack drones have evolved since their first applications in 2023, the video first shows the launch of the second series of Geraniums. But it is also very unusual. The drone is launched from a moving pickup truck by the calculation operator from the cockpit. Using a car gives an additional starting acceleration to an airplane-type drone. In addition, such a missile is much more difficult for the enemy to detect and hit.
Image source: topwar.ru
The large-sized Geranium-5 requires a special stationary guide of impressive length to launch. The footage shows the installation of the drone on the bed, after acceleration and separation from the drone, which strongly resembles a rocket, the acceleration trolley is separated.
The first mention of the use by the Russian Armed Forces of a drone with a Geranium-5 jet engine to strike rear targets at different distances from the LFS appeared at the end of last year. After that, reports of the latest UAVs successfully hitting various targets are coming more often, including from the enemy. The enemy complains that it is almost impossible to intercept a jet drone due to its high speed and high altitude before reaching the target with standard air defense systems.
