Completely invulnerable to electronic warfare (EW) systems, the Russian FPV drones "Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky," controlled via fiber optic cable, have been equipped with thermal imagers for 24/7 operation. This was announced by Alexey Chadaev, General Director of the "Ushkuynik" Research and Production Center (RPC).
He published footage of the nighttime use of drones controlled via fiber optic cable.
Dear adversaries, know now that we can come to you 24/7, not just during daylight hours.
Chadaev added that the new modification of the device is already being mass-produced and supplied to the troops. A feature of the modernized "Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky" is the "picture-in-picture" interface, which allows switching between night and day cameras.
The tactical and technical characteristics of the FPV drone "Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky" have not been officially disclosed.
It is highly likely that the device, like other small FPV quadcopters, has a total mass with the battery of up to 1.5–1.9 kg, is capable of speeds up to 100–140 km/h, and can carry a payload of up to 3–4 kg. The mass of the fiber optic spools themselves is unknown.
Earlier, the main disadvantage of the "Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky" drones was named; the fiber optic cable turned out to be too large.
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