Thunder (combat drone)

2024: Product Announcement

In mid-August 2024, a new combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Grom aircraft type was presented in Russia, capable of reaching speeds of up to 1000 km/h. This high-speed strike drone was developed by Kronstadt and is designed to perform a wide range of combat missions.

According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, the Grom unmanned aerial vehicle has unique characteristics that allow it to effectively interact with manned aircraft as a "faithful wingman." The device is capable of performing the functions of detecting and defeating tactical and local air defense systems (air defense) of the enemy, conducting radio-technical reconnaissance, as well as striking ground and surface targets.

source = Ilya Maksimov/RG

The maximum combat load of "Thunder" is 1000-2000 kg. The drone is equipped with an internal weapons compartment and four underwing pylons. The UAV arsenal includes guided and unguided bombs, missiles weighing 100, 250 and 500 kg, as well as anti-radar missiles. It is expected that "Thunder" will be able to carry the latest guided missile "Product 85" (Kh-MD-E).

The Thunder design has similarities to the fighter and includes a classic tail unit consisting of a vertical keel and horizontal stabilizers, as well as a characteristic shortened triangular wing. This configuration provides high speed characteristics of the device.

The Thunder UAV is capable of operating at an altitude of up to 12 thousand meters, having a flight range of 700 km. The cruising speed of the device is 600-800 km/h. It is assumed that the drone will work in close cooperation with the latest fighters of the Russian Air Force, including the Su-35 and Su-57.

The presented version of "Thunder" differs from the concept shown in 2020. The new modification emphasizes strike capabilities and speed, which reflects changes in the conditions of modern hostilities and the experience gained by Russian weapons developers.^[1]

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