The operator working with the Forpost UAV spoke about the observation capabilities of the Russian drone at long distances and the training of specialists for working with drones.

According to the instructor, from an altitude of 7.5 km, the operator is able to distinguish a person and determine whether it is an adult or a child, and armored vehicles can be recognized at a distance of up to 10 km.

Forpost belongs to reconnaissance and strike unmanned complexes. The drone can be used for reconnaissance, and its strike variants are designed to use aviation weapons and missile armaments.

A separate task for the operator is to recognize objects located at a significant distance. For this, specialists are specially trained in image processing and target recognition.

The training of Forpost operators includes theoretical and practical stages. For beginners, the theoretical course takes about two months, after which specialists perform 23 practical exercises. The training program includes meteorology, topography, aerodynamics and flight dynamics, and practical classes are conducted, among others, by instructors with experience in using the complex.

Characteristics of Forpost

• Length — 5.85 m
• Wingspan — 8.55 m
• Maximum takeoff weight — up to 450 kg
• Engine — APD-85
• Flight altitude — up to 6000 m
• Flight duration — up to 17.5 h
• Maximum speed — up to 200 km/h
• Payload — up to 100 kg
• Complex application range — up to 250 km