The "Unmanned Piston Aviation" design bureau has created a prototype UAV "Veles" designed to transport FPV drones to the place of combat use. It received an internal combustion engine (ICE) developed according to the patents of the Soviet designer of piston aircraft engines of the crankless scheme Sergei Balandin.
A representative of the design bureau explained that "Veles" plays the role of an "air mother". The engineers also relied on the experience of the creators of the Mi-30 convertiplane, the Ka-22 rotorcraft, and the American Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey drone. Tests of the drone-"aircraft carrier" are scheduled for February 2025.
"Veles" is designed to combat enemy artillery, and can also be used for tasks requiring penetration deep into the rear.
Features of the UAV "Veles"
The drone can be used as a signal repeater for other drones. In addition to the internal combustion engine, "Veles" is equipped with 2 electric motors and a small battery. The predicted flight range is 200 km. At the same time, the UAV can carry 4 drones with a 7-inch frame or 3 with a 10-inch frame.
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