Lightning-1 (strike drone)

2024: Use in the RWT area

On August 24, 2024, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation announced that the Russian military had begun to use new Drone|unmanned aerial vehicles called Lightning-1. These strike drones can be used to defeat enemy armored and automotive equipment at a distance of up to 30 km.

"Lightning-1" refers to an aircraft type with a bearing screw in the bow. Drone equipped with an improved accumulator battery, which allows striking from a long distance. The startup is carried out using a special installation. Used software with algorithms based on artificial intelligence which the drone is able to successfully function in conditions of radio interference.

source = Website of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

It is noted that to work with an aircraft-type drone, skills in aircraft control and special knowledge in aerodynamics are required. During each new launch, the servicemen change their basing point, which allows them to remain unnoticed by the enemy. Lightning-1 can be used to strike stationary objects, such as temporary deployment points and electronic warfare stations, as well as moving targets, including tanks and self-propelled artillery installations.

Lightning 1 is closest to FPV drones, but the controls are completely different. Nevertheless, this is already an aircraft-type UAV, there are different flight principles, different control, "says the drone operator with the call sign Osh.

It is emphasized that it takes about 10 minutes to assemble a new drone and prepare for work. Most often, the UAV is equipped with cumulative KZ-6 charges and ammunition from the RPG-7 grenade launcher. The operator can control the drone at a distance of up to 20 km. The flight time is about 35 minutes, the combat load is up to 5 kg.^[1]

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