Image source: topwar.ru
The Ukrainian defense company SkyFall has released a video testing a self-developed StarGate copter-type drone. The heavy drone was designed to evacuate the wounded from areas of the front where ground vehicles cannot reach. Currently, UAV prototypes have been transferred to one of the Armed Forces brigades for testing in real combat conditions.
The maximum load capacity of the transport drone is 150 kg. The drone is capable of traveling 15 kilometers in one direction and has a maximum speed of 105 km/h at a cruising speed of 65 km/h. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare for the flight. A special module with a stretcher is provided for transporting the wounded. The device is also equipped with thermal imaging cameras for night operation. According to the developer, it can work in rain and snow.
For communication, StarGate uses Starlink and its own L-Link system. The firmware of the UAV contains software with artificial intelligence. According to the developers, this should help the device to work in the absence of satellite navigation or in conditions of jamming or substitution of the GPS signal.
The drone is controlled by an operator, the AI helps him navigate in difficult conditions. If the connection disappears completely, the device can route back to the safe zone.
Image source: topwar.ru
During the tests, a system of protection against interceptor drones was demonstrated: when another drone approached the StarGate, the device deployed a grid to intercept it. The developer also announced the ability to continue flying after the loss of one of the support beams.
The SkyFall report claims that the development of the UAV began after the appeal of the Ukrainian military, who needed a faster way to evacuate fighters from dangerous areas. Depending on the distance, route conditions, and threats, it may take two to three hours for ground-based robotic systems to reach a position. Air evacuation takes much less time.
