Russian specialists have developed and patented an unmanned aerial system capable of simultaneously using multiple copters to expand the surveillance and reconnaissance zone. The development was created by specialists from the Novosibirsk Higher Military Command School named after Zhukov of the Russian Ministry of Defence (NVVKU).
The system received a carrier drone with a set of remote devices that can operate at a distance from the main copter, maintaining power and communication via a cable line.
The core of the complex is a carrier copter, which acts as an aerial communication hub and launch platform. It receives power and commands from a ground operator post via a universal cable from a reel. On board are a control controller, a power system, a video camera, a video controller, gyroscopes, and a protective grille for the propellers.
The main feature of the development is the ability to place a group of additional remote devices on the carrier copter. Landing pads with brackets are provided on the body, where additional copters are transported. After the main drone takes off, the operator can send them in different directions to a distance limited by the length of the cables.
Each remote copter is equipped with its own flight controller with gyroscopes, a video camera, and a video controller. Control, video data transmission, and power are carried out via cable lines with individual reels and drives.
The complex can include from two to six remote copters. Thanks to this, one aerial vehicle turns into a mobile platform capable of deploying several observation points simultaneously.
The developers have provided for automatic system retraction. After completing the work, the remote copters return to the landing pads, the cables are wound by the reel drives, after which the carrier aircraft descends to the operator. A mode for simultaneous descent of all elements of the complex is also provided.