NPC "Ushkuynik" is creating a line of low-observable aerostats that will be able to simultaneously perform communication, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare tasks. The center's residents already have up to 10 aerostats of various modifications, said NPC General Director Alexey Chadayev following the international technology congress at Patriot Park.
The key feature of the project is the use of aerostats not only as observation tools but also as high-altitude repeaters. Lifting equipment above the ground allows for an increase in the range of naval, ground, and aerial drones by expanding the communication zone.
Signal repeaters, acoustic sensors, optical target detection systems, and electronic warfare equipment can be placed on board the platforms. According to Chadayev, a special material is used for the aerostats to reduce their visibility.
For "Ushkuynik", the aerostat direction became a continuation of work with unmanned systems: the NPC is primarily known for developing the fiber-optic drone "Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky" (KVN).
The new development continues the expansion of the "Ushkuynik" product line. In September, the NPC revealed the capabilities of the "Skorlupa" unmanned boat, which can carry four fiber-optic drones, travel up to 200 km, and take up to 250 kg of payload.
In parallel, the head of the NPC proposed creating a unified drone detection system based on the Flightradar principle: each aerial target is supposed to be assigned a number and its movement tracked until interception.