A transformer drone from a nuclear research institute. Photo: https://t.co/MZzKpeIxdQ pic.twitter.com/Zz6SIO10G5
— Ivan O'Gilvi (@o_gilvi) November 7, 2021
The All-Russian Research Institute of Technical Physics named after Academician E.I. Zababakhin has received a patent for an unmanned aerial vehicle of variable shape. As stated in the description of the invention, the technical solution is intended for attack drones and intelligent ammunition.
The aircraft is built according to an integrated aerodynamic scheme. An engine with an impeller (a propeller enclosed in a ring) is located in the tail. Elevons, hybrids of ailerons and rudders are located nearby. In the bow there is a controlled vertical tail - due to the removal in front of the center of mass, it provides better maneuverability in the horizontal plane and does not lead to an inclination of the device.
In the nacelles, the optics of stereoscopic homing heads are placed on the edges of the wings, and in the wings themselves there are retractable consoles. They are needed to reduce the speed in the barrage mode or when flying around the terrain. At the final stage of the flight, additional wings are reset to achieve maximum speed.
The main activity of the Chelyabinsk Institute of Technical Physics named after E.I. Zababakhin is the creation of nuclear munitions.
Anton Valagin