In Russia, work is underway on a platform designed to base deck drones. It will be able to accommodate aircraft and helicopter types of vehicles.
The development of a platform for deck-mounted UAVs in Russia, with reference to a source in the shipbuilding industry, was reported by TASS. Tactical and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles will be based on the platform. We are talking about medium and light UAVs of helicopter and airplane types. To launch the latter, a pneumatic catapult is used.
Drones want to be used both in the coastal strip and in the open sea. The complex poses a number of technical challenges to the creators. Developers, in particular, should think about how to protect on-board electronics from the aggressive marine environment. In addition, the devices must be strong enough to withstand a hard landing on the deck.
TASS reminds that now the naval aviation of the Navy is armed with an unmanned aerial vehicle "Orlan-10", created by a "Special Technology Center". It can be used both from land and from a marine carrier. In addition, Outpost UAVs are based at naval aviation airfields, which are capable of tracking surface and coastal targets and issuing appropriate target designations. The device was successfully used together with Onyx and Kalibr missile systems.
Recently it became known that Zala Aero, a member of the Kalashnikov Group of companies, tested the Lancet barrage ammunition from aboard a marine carrier. The presented footage showed the launch of a UAV from a BK-16E boat. Later he landed on the shore. It was reported that the state tests of the Lancet will begin at the end of the year. Before that, the devices had already been tested in Syria.
"Lancet-3"
Image source: zala
To date, two versions of the ammunition have been created — "Lancet-1" and "Lancet-3". The take-off weight of the first is five kilograms, the second is 12 kilograms. "Lancet-3" can take about five kilograms of combat load. The warhead is high-explosive. UAVs are capable of accelerating up to 80-110 kilometers per hour. Thanks to the X-shaped plumage, the Lancet has good maneuverability and can simulate the flight of a bird, confusing enemy air defenses.
Recall that in November it became known that the specialists of Kronstadt presented an automated operator's workplace, which will allow you to control a group of UAVs from an airplane or ship. Also last month, Rostec showed the concept of an unmanned version of the Checkmate fighter, officially presented at the MAKS air show last July.
