Modern military conflicts have spurred the development of unmanned aerial systems. Drones vary in design type, range, and payload capacity. This is written by military expert Miguel Angel de Frutos in an article for the publication Defensa.
• Short range — up to 10 km
These are often lightweight and inexpensive platforms. Among them is the American kamikaze drone Switchblade 300. Its length is 610 mm, and its weight — 2.7 kg (including the carrying case and launcher).
Since Switchblade 300 is a single-use drone, it is equipped with shaped charges and homemade explosives. The payload weighs just over 0.5 kg.
• Medium range — up to 50 km
UASs of this type are designed to operate in the tactical rear of the enemy. They strike artillery positions, logistics centers, and mobile radars.
A characteristic example — the Israeli Hero 120. The drone is adapted for attacks beyond line of sight. It is equipped with electro-optical/infrared sensors that allow targets to be identified both day and night.
The drone weighs 12.5 kg, the warhead — 3.5 kg.
• Long range — more than 200 km
In the long-range segment, there are platforms designed for strikes at operational and strategic depth. Kamikaze drones suppress enemy air defenses and weaken their ability to respond. The most famous example — the Russian «Герань-2», which is launched from pickups.
Their warhead contains up to 50 kg of explosive substance. «Герань-2» forces the enemy to deploy expensive anti-aircraft systems.
Read more on the topic:
The Military Watch Magazine: Russia is capable of producing up to 500 Geran-2 strike drones per day
Newsweek: Russian "Geran-2" challenges traditional air defense systems
Technology: 25,000 North Koreans may be sent to the Geran production plant in Alabuga
