The Russian military has a new Geran-5 jet-powered strike drone. Military expert Nikolai Tsygikalo spoke about its key characteristics and the difficulties in its use.
Judging by the available images, the UAV layout is close to the classic subsonic designs with an elongated fuselage and a shortened wing. This configuration reduces drag and increases flight speed. According to Tsygikalo, the new version of "Geran" flies almost three times faster than previous modifications.
The specialist added that to achieve a higher speed, the aircraft was probably equipped with a turbojet engine, which is effective in subsonic modes.
This is, in simple terms, the good old FAB-100 aerial bomb. It is easier to bring it to the target slowly, at the speed of an airplane. Then it is easier to control the flight, and the detonation system can work more easily without a time deficit. And the device is simple and cheap, and therefore effective.
When targeting the UAV, GNSS satellite navigation is most likely used - GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou or Galileo, Tsygikalo suggested. Thanks to such diversity, in conditions of signal suppression, it is possible to use alternative methods, including orientation to mathematical data processing algorithms and ground-based radiation sources.
However, the increase in speed complicates the control of the device, the military expert reminded. In such conditions, the possibility of error during the flight increases.
The control system is always a little late, so there is a current miss, a working error in the complex of control processes: measurements, decision-making, their execution, then changes in the position of the device, and so on.
The fifth "Geran" was compared to the Iranian Karrar drone. However, in terms of key components, the new Russian drone is unified with previous versions of "Geran". Preliminary, the drone can be launched from Su-25 attack aircraft.
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