According to new data, Russian engineers intend to teach a promising attack UAV "Thunder" to control the strike drones "Lightning". They can be launched by another aircraft carrier.
The ability of the latest strike UAV "Thunder" to control a swarm consisting of other drones, with reference to a source in the military-industrial complex, writes TASS. According to him, one such device will be able to control ten strike UAVs "Lightning", launched from another aircraft carrier. There is no official confirmation of the information.
For the first time, "Thunder" was presented at the exhibition "Army-2020". It is assumed that the device can be used in conjunction with the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter, as well as fourth-generation fighters. The use of such a UAV will reduce the risk for pilots of manned vehicles.
According to the concept, the vehicles should fly in front of a group of aircraft, at a distance of about 200 kilometers from them, provoking the enemy to open fire on the UAV and unmask their position.
According to the company "Kronshtadt" - the developer of the aircraft - "Thunder" will receive four suspension points, of which two will be located under the wing consoles, and two more-inside the fuselage of the UAV. The device will have a take-off weight of seven tons and will be able to deliver a payload of 1.3 tons at a range of about 800 kilometers. The cruising speed of the UAV is 800 kilometers per hour. The practical ceiling is 12 thousand meters.
©Kronstadt
"Thunder" will be able to use a wide range of different weapons. Among them, in particular, are new air — to-surface missiles, as well as KAB-250 and KAB-500 bombs.
Recently, Russia has been making great efforts to develop new attack UAVs. Not so long ago, the Network posted footage of the combat use of the new Orion strike drone in Syria. You can learn more about its capabilities, as well as see how this device looks against the background of other foreign UAVs, in our recent material.
Orion and its armament
Image source: bmpd
It should also be noted that Russia continues to develop its heaviest attack drone, the Hunter. According to the data presented in February, [...] three samples of this aircraft are currently being built.
"The Hunter»
Image source: bmpd
The first (and currently the only) prototype of the "Hunter" made a launch flight in 2019, the UAVs are going to start operating after 2021. According to some reports, it can be used, including as a fighter.
