The Russian army has received the heavy hexacopter "Hexa-Crane", which surpasses the well-known "Baba Yaga" drone in several characteristics. This was reported by a platoon commander with the call sign Gera.
According to the military, the main innovation of the device is a fully autonomous navigation system. The device is equipped with a module that analyzes the route in real time without using GPS signals. This makes the drone resistant to electronic warfare: even when satellite communications are jammed, the machine continues to perform the task and returns to the starting point.
There are two positioning systems here, one for GPS, the other for terrain. There is a lidar that reads cartography, but maps are only loaded for the route, and otherwise it orients itself to the terrain.
The drone is capable of carrying a payload, including droppable modules, thermal imagers, or communication equipment. At the same time, the design remains simple enough for quick repairs in the field.
Independence from foreign navigation systems is a critical advantage in modern warfare. Thanks to its own orientation algorithms, the "Hexa-Crane" can operate in difficult weather conditions, over rough terrain, and in areas with active use of electronic warfare equipment.
