Ukraine Uses New 300km Range Weapon
- 19.12.2023, 10:06
Its unique features are revealed.
The Ukrainian-developed Сobra attack drone, which can cover a distance of 300 kilometers, is already in service.
The production of one Cobra takes only three hours, according to BuildingTech.
The Cobra drone body was developed using the same technology as aeroplanes. This allowed them to significantly increase their speed and reduce the production cost, they write. At the same time, even though lightweight materials such as wood, foam or composite are also used for production, Ukrainian engineers were able to achieve an advantage with riveted steel.
“Making one drone takes only three hours, which is a very fast and efficient process. However, the design of the drone can be changed in a few days to give it different sizes, shapes or patterns,” the article reads.
A special feature can be considered the fact that the engine, propeller and electronics for the Cobra UAV are made in Ukraine, which reduces the cost of production and protects from logistics risks.
Shortly, engineers also plan to obtain domestic sensors, controllers, communication and navigation equipment.
The Ukrainian-developed drone has a wingspan of three meters, and its total length does not exceed two meters. The take-off weight is 40 kilograms, of which 15 kg is explosive. They launch it from a catapult.
“The main function of the drone is to destroy enemy targets. It is equipped with a powerful engine capable of carrying ammunition over a distance of 300 km. The speed of the drone reaches 150 km/h,” the article reads.
By the way, engineers promise that the Cobra attack drone can operate autonomously and determine the route and target independently. All this significantly reduces the likelihood of errors during its operation. Accordingly, effectiveness in combat conditions increases.
Design engineer Vitaly Bryzhalov previously said that the Ukrainian development is similar to the Iranian Shaheds, but production is much cheaper and takes less time. The cost of the drone is about $2,000.
“This is a classic technology that has been used to build aircraft for many decades – riveted steel surfaces. Using this technology, you can produce thousands of aircraft per month, and using classical technology for drones, you can make 2,000-5,000 per month or more,” said the engineer.