Grom [Thunder] UAV

The exhibition "Weapons and Security-2019" was an exposition of the latest achievements of the industry, where domestic manufacturers presented their new, not yet serial models. One of such developments was the kamikaze drone "Thunder" produced by "Atlon-Avia" - a well-known private manufacturer of UAVs, whose "Furies" have proven themselves at the front, and since 2014 are supplied to units of the Armed Forces.

"The" Barrage Ammunition System "kamikaze drone" Thunder "- is our Ukrainian development," said Mykhailo Lukashev, Production Manager of Athlon-Avia. "A distinctive feature is that today it is the only kamikaze drone in the world that dives vertically at a target. That is, it is adapted to hit targets indoors - on a forest glade, in the yard of a residential area. If today all drones go on an inclined trajectory from 15 to 45 degrees, and during this time they are easy to shoot down, and they are only able to hit targets in open positions, this one is able to hit closed positions. According to the representative of "Athlon-Avia", the purpose of the product - the destruction of particularly important expensive military equipment, such as command and staff vehicles, radar stations.

Range of "Thunder" 25-30 km. Carries ammunition in TNT equivalent of 3.5 kg. The cruising speed is about 120 km / h, which should ensure the approach to the target area at a distance of 30 km in about 15 minutes. in normal weather conditions. In total, the ammunition can be in the air for up to 60 minutes, which was confirmed in flight tests. Under normal weather conditions, the ammunition in the area of the target should be no more than 15-20 minutes. And the same amount he spends on approaching the goal. But even if there is a strong headwind, and it will fly to the target all 40 minutes, it will still have enough time to complete the mission. The takeoff weight of the first modification of ammunition "Thunder" ST-35 is less than 10 kg, of which the warhead - 3.5 kg. Types of warheads and their weight will be different. Now the application of thermobaric warhead of the specified weight is being worked out. In the future, it will be possible to equip Grom with other types of warheads, including cumulative and high-explosive fragments. In the future, it is planned to work on the targeted detonation of the combat unit, which should reduce possible damage to others to a minimum.

The automatic guidance system is implemented on television or infrared channels. The homing head is variable - depending on the weather conditions, the crew will determine which type of head to use. It will also save you some money. However, the cost of thermal imaging cameras is slowly declining, so it is likely that soon the need to use conventional optical cameras will disappear completely, because the thermal imaging image is more contrasting, and less resources are spent on its processing. Aiming at the target is carried out by processing the video signal on board the aircraft carrier and automatically correcting the trajectory until it hits the target. The operator takes part in the destruction of the object only until the moment when the target is detected and confirmed - in the future the complex works autonomously.

It should be noted that the complex is designed taking into account that navigation using GPS / GLONASS in the combat zone is ineffective. Therefore, the complex will be as "GPS-independent" as possible. This means that the task will be performed even in conditions of active electronic warfare. The ammunition launch system is a comprehensive solution that solves a number of pressing problems - minimizing the area to start, solving the problem of confirming the defeat of the target, minimizing weight, and, of course, reliability and ease of use. This decision was the launch of ammunition using a multi-rotor aircraft. This makes it possible to launch from almost any site - even from the yard of a residential building.

The multi-rotor aircraft lifts the ammunition to a height of 500 m, after which it is detached and sent to the target area. The multirotor itself rises to a height of about 1000 meters and remains in the air, acting as a repeater. This height is enough to maintain a stable video channel with barrage ammunition at a distance of 30-40 km before the ammunition hits the target. And the weight of such a solution is much less than the weight of a mechanical or air catapult. Now we plan to present the complex in two configurations. The first option - mobile, marching, designed to transport three such munitions and all ancillary equipment for 3 people, each of which will have a backpack weighing up to 15 kg. The second option involves the implementation of such a complex based on the chassis of the machine.

So far, "Thunder" is not produced on an industrial scale. The exhibition presented a small-scale sample, which has passed flight tests and is now undergoing a stage of proof and testing with adjustment of guidance, which will be completed within 4-5 months. After that it can be delivered serially. According to the developers, the Defense Ministry is interested in the new development. "We carry out development at our own expense, we do not use state money. When we bring it to 90% readiness, we will open research and development work, draw up papers and then we will be engaged in commissioning. " According to the director of the enterprise Artem Vyunnik, the complex will be effective for specific combat missions to defeat (suppress) particularly important and / or cost targets in closed positions at great depths.