Gerbera (UAV)

2024: Connection to the Ukrainian 4G network

At the end of July 2024, it became known that the Russian military began to use new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) called Gerbera. The peculiarity of these drones is that they are able to connect to the Ukrainian 4G network and transmit video to the operator.

According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Gerbera is the development of the OKB named after N.F. Gastello. The UAV is of the aircraft type and has a wingspan of about two meters. It is claimed that the drone can be used in kamikaze mode to destroy targets or in reconnaissance mode to collect information. In addition, Gerbera can act as a false target to divert the attention of enemy air defense systems.

Twz.com

According to the TWZ resource, a copy of the Gerber drone, which allegedly fell in the Kyiv region, was equipped with two 3G/4G antennas, as well as a modem with a SIM card that provides the ability to connect to the Ukrainian mobile network. Thanks to this equipment, video communication with the control center is provided, at least in some areas of the drone flight. It is also claimed that the device is capable of covering a distance of "hundreds of kilometers."

In addition, it says that, in addition to using a camera for guidance, Gerber can be programmed to fly along a given route without the need for operator intervention and without a repeater. This allows the drone to act on its own. However, the camera in the nose can be used for visual reconnaissance, including for detecting additional targets when moving along a predetermined trajectory. Technical specifications of the new drone, such as speed and possible payload types, were not disclosed as of the end of July 2024.^[1]

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