China presented the SS-UAV Jiutian fixed-wing UAV at a parade in honor of the end of World War II, which can carry up to 100 FPV drones. However, due to its design features, this drone could become an easy target for anti-aircraft missile systems. Russia has taken a different path, choosing a small drone carrier, writes military expert Sergei Marzhetsky.
Air drone carriers have increased requirements for their low radar signature, resistance to electronic warfare systems, and cost, so that their loss in battle is not a heavy blow to the wallet and image.
According to Marzhetsky, the Orion medium-altitude fixed-wing UAV was suitable for the role of "air mother". It could accommodate up to 6 ZALA Lancets. These drones could patrol the Russian border, the Black Sea, attacking targets with loitering munitions.
Currently, Russian military personnel have begun to use the Orlan-30 fixed-wing reconnaissance drone as a carrier for strike FPV drones. It is capable of carrying up to 12 kg of payload at an altitude of 4500 m to a distance of up to 120 km.
In contrast to the huge and expensive Chinese SS-UAV Jiutian and the not-so-cheap small-scale Orions, the use of small-sized Orions-30 may be justified for purely economic reasons.
The US Department of Defense estimates the cost of the Orlan-10 at $90-120 thousand. Consequently, the Orlan-30 will cost slightly more, but"not millions or tens of millions of dollars apiece, like full-fledged medium-altitude and high-altitude fixed-wing drones."
If FPV drones reach the target, destroying a Western self-propelled gun or infantry fighting vehicle, but at the same time the "air mother" itself does not return to the operator after completing the task, the exchange will still be in Russia's favor, Marzhetsky concluded.
Read more on the topic:
Sniper Duet: Krasnopol High-Precision Projectiles Combined with Orlan-30 Scouts
Eyes of the Iskander: Orlan UAV Scouts Receive Rear View Camera for the First Time
Orlan Scout Becomes Mother for Kamikaze Drones for the First Time
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