Military drones. Attack UAVs of the USA - the present and the future. Unmanned vehicles of Russia

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B unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, in international practice are designated by the English abbreviation UAV ( Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). At present, the nomenclature of this type of systems is quite diverse and is becoming more and more widespread. The article presents the main directions of development and classification of maritime UAVs. The publication completes a series of articles on uninhabited military systems that are in service with modern navies of foreign countries.

The main directions of UAV development

The use of military UAVs over the sea is carried out both from ships and from ground strongholds. Foreign experts have identified the following areas for the development of unmanned aerial vehicles:

• flexibility: among military UAVs, only a part is oriented to perform exclusively maritime missions. Most drones designed for operations over the sea, if necessary, by changing the payload or drive system, are also suitable for use over land. With the exception of battery-powered models, most maritime military UAVs use military aviation fuel, and in some cases, optionally, marine diesel fuel as well.

• autonomy: in principle, every UAV can be controlled remotely. The prevailing direction of development, however, is considered to be the development of autonomous operating systems. First of all, large UAVs with a significant flight duration must complete their mission by self-landing at the take-off airfield.
• the use of detachments or groups (swarm tactics): according to some scenarios, hundreds of small or micro UAVs must independently communicate with each other in order to perform coordinated tasks. The use of UAV units is designed to overload and overcome the enemy defense system.
• systems interaction different type: UAVs will be predominantly used in combination with manned systems ( Manned / Un-Manned Teaming - MUM-T). For example, a manned aircraft sends forward a UAV as a means of reconnaissance in order to detect and capture a target. In the future, the pilot of the aircraft hits the target remote weapons without entering the enemy's air defense zone. Another option is the mutual autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of UAVs with ground, surface or underwater uninhabited systems ( Un-Manned / Un-Manned Teaming, UM-UM-T).

• globalization: in addition to the United States, the most active country in the UAV development, production and export sector, China is considered. According to some estimates, Beijing will become the leading exporter of military UAVs from 2025. However, there is a growing number of countries around the world producing military or dual-use UAVs. In particular, transnational projects in Europe are becoming increasingly important.

Classification of UAVs can be carried out mainly according to two parameters: according to their main purpose or according to size and combat effectiveness (performance). Below are examples of adopted and promising models of military UAVs.

By task

The most important tasks for marine unmanned systems are still the tasks of reconnaissance and monitoring ( Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance / reconnaissance - ISR). To these are added the performance of armed missions and other activities in support of the Navy.

Reconnaissance UAVs

The use of small and medium-sized UAVs from warships as tactical reconnaissance is growing worldwide. One helicopter hangar can accommodate up to three medium-sized UAVs. When used alternately, they are able to guarantee an almost continuous observation.

The Khemkopter S-100 model is considered especially successful ( CamcopterS-100) of the company "Schibel" (Schiebel, Austria). Since 2007, this UAV has been tested and adopted by the navies of nine countries.

The Camcopter S-100, weighing 200 kg, provides a 6-hour flight duration, which can be extended up to 10 hours with additional fuel tanks. The standard payload set includes optoelectronic infrared sensors ( EO/IR). It is possible to supplement them with one SAR-radar (synthetic aperture radar) for ground and maritime surveillance. It is also noted that the UAV, in principle, can be armed with light multi-purpose missiles of the LMM type ( Lightweight Multirole Missile). The missiles are manufactured by the French company Thales and are designed to destroy light sea and air targets.

Project unmanned helicopter MQ-8B Fae Scout ( fire scout, Fire Scout) launched by the US Navy in 2009. The device weighs 940 kg. Operationally, the MQ-8 system includes one control console (placed on a manned helicopter or ship) and up to three UAVs.

First of all, the MQ-8B is intended for use on destroyers, frigates and ships of the LCS coastal sea zone ( Littoral Combat Ship). One machine has a flight duration of up to 8 hours and is capable of conducting reconnaissance and surveillance within a radius of 110 nautical miles from the carrier ship. The payload capacity is 270 kg. The MQ-8B sensor equipment includes laser device target detection.

Target designation data can be transmitted to ships or aircraft in real time. This parameter was tested on August 22, 2017 in the waters off about. Guam. According to the assignment, one MQ-8B UAV controlled the targeting of the Harpoon anti-ship missile fired from the ship. As explained by Rear Admiral Don GABRIELSON, commander of the US Navy Task Force 73 ( Task Force 73), this ability is especially valuable in the waters of the island archipelagos, where warships rarely have direct visual contact with their targets.

In addition to EO / IR sensors, it is possible to install SAR-radar to detect and track air and sea targets. Additional payload modules also provide alternative use MQ-8B. Among the options for using UAVs: relaying communication signals, reconnaissance of sea mines and submarines, control of laser-guided missiles, as well as the detection of radioactive, biological and chemical warfare agents.

Combat use of military UAVs

Various countries are striving to perform tasks similar to those of a fighter-bomber using unmanned systems. So, in 2016, the multinational European concept aircraft nEUROn completed the first flight test in the French Navy. First of all, the suitability of a model made using stealth technology was tested for performing tasks over the sea. In particular, the drone landed on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier participating in the tests.

Both the French Navy and the British Navy are seeking to acquire a combat stealth UAV suitable for being based on an aircraft carrier. It is likely that this ability will be implemented in the developed by Paris and London joint project unmanned aircraft combat system of the future ( Future Combat Air System, FCAS). As BAE chief technologist Nigel WHITEHEAD said in September 2017, FCAS could enter service around 2030 and will be used in conjunction with manned aircraft.

According to Western experts, in the sector of combat UAVs, the Chinese Armed Forces have significantly advanced. Developed by Aviation Industry Corporation China (Aviation Industry Corporation China), the Lijian aircraft ( Lijian, Sharp Sword) is considered the first unmanned stealth aircraft outside the NATO zone.

The payload placed inside the machine reaches, according to estimates, two tons. The ten-meter jet aircraft has a wingspan of 14 m. The aircraft is designed for covert surveillance of enemy warships and inflicting primary damage on important targets, covered by an air defense belt. Analysts understand such targets as American and Japanese ships or military bases. It is assumed that the development of an aircraft carrier version of the UAV is underway.

Chinese unofficial sources report that the model will be put into operation by 2020. According to Western estimates, this period is quite optimistic, given the fact that the Lijian made its first flight only in 2013.

Professional magazine "Jane" in July 2017 reported on a secret Chinese project, designated as CH-T1. The unmanned aerial vehicle with a length of 5.8 m has "stealth-like" properties and is designed to fly over the sea at a height of one meter. This, it is believed, should allow the UAV not to detect itself and guarantee an approach to the ship at a distance of up to 10 nautical miles. With a total drone weight of 3000 kg, the payload weight is estimated at one ton. It is assumed that it may consist of anti-ship missiles or torpedoes. detailed information the serial readiness of the project is unknown.

Drones - tankers

Initially, at the turn of 2020, the US Navy planned to start introducing carrier-based unmanned combat aircraft. However, after several years of conceptual research in 2016, the Navy command decided to first adopt the MQ-25A Stingray jet unmanned tanker ( Stingray, Skat). As secondary tasks for this UAV, reconnaissance flights and use as a communication relay appear.

The design contract in 2018 will be awarded to four competing companies. The start of serial development is expected in the mid-2020s. Six Stingray vehicles are planned to be integrated into each of the US Navy's aircraft carrier air squadrons. One MQ-25A UAV should support up to six F / A-18 fighters. This will increase their effective combat range from 450 to 700 nautical miles.

UAV classification by size and performance

Small and micro drones

According to Western experts, small unmanned aerial vehicles are best suited for operational use as part of a detachment. The US Navy in 2016 tested the concept of low-cost UAV swarm technology ( Low Cost WAV Swarming Technology, LOCUST).

Nine Coyote models ( Coyote) of the Raytheon company (Raytheon, USA) after a quick sequential launch with a rocket launcher carried out a planned autonomous reconnaissance mission. During its implementation, the UAVs coordinated the direction of the flight, the construction order of battle swarm, the distance between the machines.

The installation used to start is capable of starting within 40 seconds. up to 30 UAVs. At the same time, the drone has a length of 0.9 m and weighs nine kilograms. The flight time and range of the Coyote are about two hours and 110 nautical miles, respectively. It is assumed that such detachments could be used in the future for offensive operations. In particular, similar UAVs equipped with small explosive charges could destroy sensors or onboard weapons of enemy ships and boats.

Another option is the Fulmar system ( Fulmar) from Thales. The UAV has a takeoff weight of 20 kg, a length of 1.2 m and a wingspan of three meters.

According to publications, despite its small size, Fulmar shows significant operational performance. Mission completion time - up to 12 hours. Combat flight range - 500 nautical miles. The ability to conduct video surveillance of targets at a distance of up to 55 nautical miles. The device is suitable for flights at wind speeds up to 70 km per hour.

The flight is carried out by choice, either in fully automatic mode or using remote control. Like many small sea-based UAVs, the Fulmar is launched by a catapult, and after the end of the mission, it is received by a network deployed on the deck of the ship. The main tasks of the model are reconnaissance and work as a repeater for organizing communications. It is reported that the combat use of "Fulmar" is not yet envisaged.

The main advantage of small UAVs is the possibility of using them without lengthy preliminary preparation. In particular, "Fulmar" is ready for use after 20 minutes. Micro-UAVs launch even faster. For this reason, in 2016, US Navy Lieutenant Commander Christopher KIETHLEY proposed having miniature helicopters on all ships and submarines. After the “man overboard” signal, the task of these UAVs should be to immediately search for the missing person while the ship was making a U-turn. The US Pacific Fleet is currently studying the implementation of this concept.

Medium sized UAV

Medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles are used, as a rule, directly from the side of the carrier ship. For example, a 760 kg unmanned helicopter VSR700 manufactured by the Eabas concern ( Airbus). Flight tests of the model are scheduled for 2018. The start of serial production is possible in 2019. It is expected that the UAV will initially be purchased for the frigates of the French Navy.

The composition of the payload with a total weight of 250 kg includes EO / IR sensors and radar. Additional elements may be a sonar buoy to search for submarines or life rafts. The duration of the combat mission is up to 10 hours. As an advantage of its model, Airbus emphasizes its higher performance compared to the "Chemcopter S-100" and more. low price compared to MQ-8.

There are also jet-powered UAVs in this size category. According to the Fars news agency, the Iranian Sadeq 1 drone launched from land ( Sadegh 1) reaches supersonic speed. The flight altitude during the mission is 7700 m. In addition to reconnaissance equipment, the UAV also carries two air-to-air missiles. It is noted that this particular UAV, which was put into service in 2014, often provokes ships and aircraft of the US Navy in the Persian Gulf.

Large unmanned aerial vehicles

This category of UAVs includes devices that, taking into account the size of the fuselage, weight and bearing surface of the wing, are similar to manned vehicles. And often, the wingspan of drones is much larger than that of manned aircraft. The largest UAVs tend to have the longest range, altitude, and flight duration.

• medium-altitude with long flight duration ( Medium Altitude/Long Endurance, MALE);
• high-altitude with long flight duration ( High Altitude/Long Endurance, HALE).

At the same time, both classes of UAVs, even if they are used as maritime systems, are used mainly from ground airfields due to their size.

US Navy MQ-4C "Triton" unmanned maritime reconnaissance aircraft ( Triton) has a service ceiling of 16,000 m and, therefore, belongs to the HALE class. With a takeoff weight of 14,600 kg and a wingspan of 40 m, the MQ-4C is considered one of the largest maritime UAVs. The radius of its application is 2000 nautical miles. According to information published in a US Navy press release, during a 24-hour mission, one UAV covers an area of ​​​​2.7 million square meters. miles. This roughly corresponds to the area mediterranean sea including coastal areas.

Compared to the MQ-4C, the Italian Piaggio P.1HH Hammerhead UAV belongs to the MALE class. In fact, this UAV, weighing 6,000 kg, with a wingspan of 15.6 m, is a derivative of the P180 Avanti II administrative aircraft. P.1HH.

Two turboprop engines allow for a top speed of 395 knots (730 km/h). At a speed of 135 knots (about 250 km per hour), the UAV is ready to conduct a 16-hour barrage at an altitude of 13,800 m. The maximum flight range is 4,400 nautical miles. The normal combat radius is 1500 nautical miles.

The unmanned aircraft is designed to perform reconnaissance tasks over land or sea (monitoring coastal waters or the open ocean). Although flight tests are still underway, the United United Arab Emirates eight cars have already been ordered. The Italian Armed Forces are also showing some interest.

It is possible to strike the use of unmanned systems of the MALE and HALE classes. So, according to the data of the project management, in 2017 the Chinese drone CH-5 (MALE) reached the stage of mass production. Western experts question this fact, since the drone made its first long-range flight only in 2015.

The glider has a length of 11 m, a wingspan of 21 m. Its configuration is similar to the American MQ-9 Reaper UAV ( Reaper, Reaper). As Chinese military expert Wang QIANG said in July 2017, the model will play a significant role in maritime security and intelligence.

The UAV provides an estimated operational ceiling of 7,000 m and can carry up to 16 air-to-ground weapons (600 kg payload). combat radius, different sources, ranges from 1,200 to 4,000 nautical miles. Jane magazine, quoting Chinese officials, reports that the CH-5, depending on the engine, can stay in the air for 39 to 60 hours. According to the manufacturer, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the coordinated control of several CH-5s is possible.

UAV families

Increasingly, so-called “UAV families” are emerging from specialized complementary models. An example is the Rustom series ( Rustom, Warrior), which is being developed by the Indian Armed Forces Research and Development Authority.

The Rustom 1 class MALE unmanned vehicle is 5 m long and has a wingspan of 8 m. Its payload capacity is 95 kg, the service ceiling is 7,900 m, and the flight duration is 12 hours.

The Rustom H model is a HALE-class UAV. The device has a length of 9.5 m, a wingspan of 20.6 m. The payload is 350 kg. Practical ceiling - 10 600 m. Flight duration - 24 hours. The reconnaissance Rustom 2 is currently being developed based on the Rustom H. It is reported that the Indian Navy will initially acquire 25 units of different versions of the Rustom.

More complex is the Indian Ghatak project to develop an unmanned stealth fighter-bomber. A 1:1 scale non-flying model is currently being created. On this model, the radar signature of the drone will be tested, as well as the effectiveness of its radar reflection.

India receives technical support for the project from France. However, the Indian Ministry of Defense emphasizes that we are talking about about the development of domestic project. The time of the first flight of the delta-shaped prototype with a take-off weight of 15 tons is not currently determined.

According to the magazine "MarineForum"

A robot cannot harm a person or by its inaction allow a person to be harmed.
- A. Asimov, Three Laws of Robotics

Isaac Asimov was wrong. Very soon, the electronic “eye” will take a person into sight, and the microcircuit will impassively order: “Fire to kill!”

A robot is stronger than a flesh-and-blood pilot. Ten, twenty, thirty hours of continuous flight - he demonstrates constant vigor and is ready to continue the mission. Even when the g-forces reach the dreaded 10 gee, filling the body with leaden pain, the digital devil will keep his mind clear, calmly counting the course and keeping an eye on the enemy.

The digital brain does not require training and regular training to maintain skill. Mathematical models and algorithms of behavior in the air are forever loaded into the memory of the machine. Having stood for a decade in the hangar, the robot will return to the sky at any moment, taking the helm in its strong and skillful “hands”.

Their time has not yet struck. In the US military (a leader in this field of technology), drones make up a third of the fleet of all aircraft in operation. At the same time, only 1% of UAVs are able to use.

Alas, even this is more than enough to sow terror in those territories that have been given over to hunting grounds for these ruthless steel birds.

5th place - General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (“Reaper”)

Reconnaissance and strike UAV with max. take-off weight of about 5 tons.

Flight duration: 24 hours.
Speed: up to 400 km/h.
Ceiling: 13,000 meters.
Engine: turboprop, 900 hp
Full fuel capacity: 1300 kg.

Armament: up to four Hellfire missiles and two 500-pound JDAM guided bombs.

On-board electronic equipment: AN / APY-8 radar with mapping mode (under the nose cone), MTS-B electro-optical sighting station (in a spherical module) for operation in the visible and IR ranges, with a built-in target designator for illuminating targets for ammunition with semi-active laser guidance.

Cost: $16.9 million

To date, 163 Reaper UAVs have been built.

The loudest case combat use: In April 2010, in Afghanistan, an MQ-9 Reaper UAV killed the third person in the leadership of Al-Qaeda, Mustafa Abu Yazid, known as Sheikh al-Masri.

4th - Interstate TDR-1

Unmanned torpedo bomber.

Max. takeoff weight: 2.7 tons.
Engines: 2 x 220 HP
Cruise speed: 225 km/h,
Flight range: 680 km,
Combat load: 2000 fn. (907 kg).
Built: 162 units

“I remember the excitement that gripped me when the screen charged and covered with numerous dots - it seemed to me that the telecontrol system had failed. After a moment, I realized it was anti-aircraft guns! After correcting the drone's flight, I directed it straight into the middle of the ship. At the last second, a deck flashed before my eyes - close enough that I could see the details. Suddenly, the screen turned into a gray static background ... Obviously, the explosion killed everyone on board.

"Project Option" provided for the creation of unmanned torpedo bombers to destroy the Japanese fleet. In April 1942, the first test of the system took place - a “drone”, remotely controlled from an aircraft flying 50 km away, launched an attack on the destroyer Ward. The dropped torpedo passed exactly under the keel of the destroyer.

Takeoff TDR-1 from the deck of an aircraft carrier

Encouraged by the success, the leadership of the fleet expected by 1943 to form 18 strike squadrons consisting of 1000 UAVs and 162 command Avengers. However, the Japanese fleet was soon overwhelmed by conventional aircraft and the program lost priority.

The main secret of the TDR-1 was a small-sized video camera designed by Vladimir Zworykin. With a weight of 44 kg, she had the ability to transmit images over the air at a frequency of 40 frames per second.

“Project Option” is amazing with its boldness and early appearance, but we have 3 more amazing cars ahead of us:

3rd place - RQ-4 “Global Hawk”

Unmanned reconnaissance aircraft with max. takeoff weight of 14.6 tons.

Flight duration: 32 hours.
Max. speed: 620 km/h.
Ceiling: 18,200 meters.
Engine: turbojet with a thrust of 3 tons,
Flight range: 22,000 km.
Cost: $131 million (excluding development costs).
Built: 42 units.

The drone is equipped with a set of reconnaissance equipment HISAR, like that which is put on modern scouts U-2. HISAR includes a synthetic aperture radar, optical and thermal cameras, and a satellite data link at a speed of 50 Mbps. It is possible to install additional equipment for electronic intelligence.

Each UAV has a set of protective equipment, including laser and radar warning stations, as well as an ALE-50 towed trap to deflect missiles fired at it.

Forest fires in California, filmed by the reconnaissance "Global Hawk"

A worthy successor to the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, soaring in the stratosphere with its huge wings spread out. RQ-4 records include long distance flights (flight from the US to Australia, 2001), the longest flight of any UAV (33 hours in the air, 2008), a drone refueling demonstration by a drone (2012). By 2013, the total flight time of the RQ-4 exceeded 100,000 hours.

The MQ-4 Triton drone was created on the basis of Global Hawk. Marine reconnaissance with a new radar, capable of surveying 7 million square meters per day. kilometers of ocean.

The Global Hawk does not carry strike weapons, but it deserves to be on the list of the most dangerous drones for knowing too much.

2nd place - X-47B “Pegasus”

Inconspicuous reconnaissance and strike UAV with max. take-off weight of 20 tons.

Cruise speed: Mach 0.9.
Ceiling: 12,000 meters.
Engine: from the F-16 fighter, thrust 8 tons.
Flight range: 3900 km.
Cost: $900 million for X-47 R&D.
Built: 2 concept demonstrators.
Armament: two internal bomb bays, combat load 2 tons.

A charismatic UAV built according to the "duck" scheme, but without the use of PGO, the role of which is played by the carrier fuselage itself, made using the "stealth" technology and having negative angle settings in relation to the air flow. To consolidate the effect, the lower part of the fuselage in the nose is shaped similar to the descent vehicles of spacecraft.

A year ago, the X-47B amused the public with its flights from the decks of aircraft carriers. This phase of the program is now nearing completion. In the future, the appearance of an even more formidable X-47C drone with a combat load of over four tons.

1st place - “Taranis”

The concept of an inconspicuous strike UAV from the British company BAE Systems.

Little is known about the drone itself:
subsonic speed.
Stealth technology.
Turbojet engine with a thrust of 4 tons.
The appearance is reminiscent of the Russian experimental UAV Skat.
Two internal weapons bays.

What is so terrible in this "Taranis"?

The goal of the program is to develop technologies for creating an autonomous stealth strike drone, which will allow delivering high-precision strikes against ground targets at long range and automatically evade enemy weapons.

Prior to this, disputes about a possible “jamming” and “interception of control” caused only sarcasm. Now they have completely lost their meaning: “Taranis”, in principle, is not ready for communication. He is deaf to all requests and entreaties. The robot is indifferently looking for someone whose appearance falls under the description of the enemy.

Flight test cycle at Woomera, Australia, 2013

Taranis is just the beginning of the journey. On its basis, it is planned to create an unmanned attack bomber with an intercontinental flight range. In addition, the emergence of fully autonomous drones will open the way to the creation of unmanned fighters (since existing remote-controlled UAVs are not capable of conducting air battle, due to delays in their telecontrol system).

British scientists are preparing a worthy finale for all mankind.

Epilogue

War has no feminine face. Rather not human.

Unmanned vehicles are a flight into the future. It brings us closer to the eternal human dream: to finally stop risking the lives of soldiers and to hand over feats of arms to soulless machines.

Following Moore's rule of thumb (doubling computer performance every 24 months), the future could come unexpectedly soon...

Protection of Russian airspace / Photo: cdn5.img.ria.ru

Russian scientists are developing hypersonic aircraft to overcome missile defense, said Boris Satovsky, head of the design team.

According to him, now the whole world is going through a turning point, when, taking into account the achieved level of technological development, there is a rethinking of the methods of using strategic weapons. In the process of technological development, new types and types of weapons are emerging, for example, based on maneuvering hypersonic elements.

According to media reports, this year the Russian military twice tested a hypersonic aircraft designed to replace traditional warheads for advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The maneuver that a hypersonic warhead performs after entering the dense layers of the atmosphere makes it difficult for missile defense systems to intercept it. Hypersonic is the flight speed, significantly (five times or more) exceeding the speed of sound in the atmosphere, that is, 330 meters per second, RIA Novosti reports.

Technical reference

Russia will be able to limit the effectiveness of the US missile defense system with the help of the Yu-71 hypersonic aircraft, which is currently being tested, writes the American edition of the Washington Times. The new weapon will be able to carry a nuclear charge at a speed of 10 times the speed of sound.

Estimated view of Yu-71 / Image: nampuom-pycu.livejournal.com

In the strictest secrecy, Russia is testing a new Yu-71 hypersonic maneuvering aircraft that will be capable of carrying nuclear warheads at a speed of 10 times the speed of sound, the Washington Times reports. The Kremlin is developing similar devices to overcome US missile defenses, InoTV notes, citing the newspaper. The Yu-71 (Yu-71) has been in development for several years. The last tests of the aircraft took place in February 2015. The launch took place from the Dombarovsky training ground near Orenburg. Previously, it was purely presumptively reported on other Western sources, but now this launch has been confirmed by new analysts. The publication refers to a report released in June by the well-known Western military think tank Jane's.

Previously, this designation - Yu-71 - did not appear in open sources.

Yu-71 - hypersonic aircraft / Photo: azfilm.ru

According to The Washington Free Beacon, the aircraft is part of a secret Russian project with the creation of a certain object 4202. Analysts say that the February launch was carried out using a UR-100N UTTKh rocket, in which object 4202 served as the warhead, and ended unsuccessfully.

It is possible that this index refers to the developed modifications of hypersonic maneuvering nuclear warheads, which have been equipped with Russian ICBMs for several years now. These blocks after separation from the launch vehicle are able to change the flight path in altitude and course and, as a result, successfully bypass both active and advanced systems PRO.

This will give Russia the ability to deliver precision strikes against selected targets, and combined with the capabilities of its missile defense system, Moscow will be able to successfully hit a target with only one missile.

24 hypersonic aircraft with nuclear warheads will be placed at the Dombarovsky training ground from 2020 to 2025, the military-analytical center Jane’s Information Group is sure. By that time, Moscow will already have a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying the Yu-71, the newspaper writes.

The speed of hypersonic aircraft reaches 11,200 km / h, and unpredictable maneuverability makes the task of finding them almost impossible, the Washington Times emphasizes.

Conducting work on the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is considered one of the most promising courses in the development of current combat aviation. The use of UAVs or drones has already led to important changes in the tactics and strategy of military conflicts. Moreover, it is believed that in the very near future their significance will increase significantly. Some military experts believe that the positive shift in the development of drones is the most important achievement aircraft industry in the last decade.

However, drones are used not only for military purposes. Today they are actively involved in the "national economy". With their help, aerial photography, patrols, geodetic surveys, monitoring of a wide variety of objects are carried out, and some even deliver purchases home. However, the most promising developments of new drones today are carried out for military purposes.

With the help of UAVs, many tasks are solved. Mainly, it is reconnaissance. Most of the modern drones were created for this purpose. IN last years there are more and more unmanned aerial vehicles. Drones-kamikaze can be distinguished as a separate category. Drones can conduct electronic warfare, they can be radio repeaters, spotters for artillery, air targets.

For the first time, attempts to create aircraft that were not controlled by man were made immediately with the advent of the first airplanes. However, their practical implementation took place only in the 70s of the last century. After that, a genuine “drone boom” began. Remotely controlled aircraft technology for quite a long time could not be realized, but today it is produced in abundance.

As often happens, American companies are in the lead in the creation of drones. And this is not surprising, because the funding from the American budget for the creation of drones was simply astronomical by our standards. So during the 90s, three billion dollars were spent on similar projects, while in 2003 alone, more than one billion was spent on them.

Nowadays, work is underway to create the latest drones with a longer flight duration. The devices themselves should be heavier and solve problems in a difficult environment. Drones are being developed to combat ballistic missiles, unmanned fighters, microdrones capable of operating in large groups (swarms).

Work on the development of drones is underway in many countries around the world. More than one thousand companies are involved in this industry, but the most promising developments go straight to the military.

Drones: advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of unmanned aerial vehicles are:

• A significant reduction in size in comparison with conventional aircraft (LA), leading to a reduction in cost, increasing their survivability;
• The potential to create small UAVs that could perform a wide variety of tasks in combat areas;
• Ability to conduct reconnaissance and transmit information in real time;
• The absence of restrictions on use in an extremely difficult combat situation associated with the risk of their loss. When conducting critical operations, it is easy to sacrifice several drones;
• Reduction (by more than one order of magnitude) of peacetime flight operations that traditional aircraft would require, preparing flight crews;
• The presence of high combat readiness and mobility;
• The potential to create small, uncomplicated mobile drone systems for non-aviation formations.

The disadvantages of UAVs include:

• Insufficient flexibility of use in comparison with traditional aircraft;
• Difficulties in resolving issues with communications, landing, rescue vehicles;
• In terms of reliability, drones are still inferior to conventional aircraft;
• Restriction of drone flights during peacetime.

A bit from the history of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

The first remote-controlled aircraft was the Fairy Queen, built in 1933 in the UK. He was a target aircraft for fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft guns.

And the first serial drone that participated in a real war was the V-1 rocket. This German "wonder weapon" bombarded Great Britain. In total, up to 25,000 units of such equipment were manufactured. The V-1 had a pulse jet engine and an autopilot with route data.

After the war, unmanned intelligence systems were developed in the USSR and the USA. Soviet drones were reconnaissance aircraft. With their help, aerial photography, electronic intelligence, as well as relaying were carried out.

Israel has done a lot for the development of drones. Since 1978, they have had the first IAI Scout drone. In the Lebanese war of 1982 Israeli army with the help of drones completely defeated the Syrian air defense system. As a result, Syria lost almost 20 air defense batteries and almost 90 aircraft. This was reflected in the attitude of military science to UAVs.

The Americans used UAVs in Desert Storm and in the Yugoslav campaign. In the 90s, they also became leaders in the development of drones. So since 2012, they have had almost 8 thousand UAVs of various modifications. Basically, these were small army reconnaissance drones, but there were also strike UAVs.

The first of them, in 2002, with a rocket attack on a car, eliminated one of the heads of Al-Qaeda. Since then, the use of UAVs to eliminate the enemy's PMD or its units has become commonplace.

Varieties of drones

Currently, there are a lot of drones that differ in their size, appearance, flight range, as well as functionality. UAVs differ in their control methods and their autonomy.

They can be:

• Unmanaged;
• remote controlled;
• Automatic.

According to their size, drones are:

• Microdrones (up to 10 kg);
• Minidrones (up to 50 kg);
• Mididrons (up to 1 ton);
• Heavy drones (weighing more than a ton).

Microdrones can stay in the airspace for up to one hour, minidrones for three to five hours, and mididrons for up to fifteen hours. Heavy drones can stay in the air for more than twenty-four hours with intercontinental flights.

Overview of foreign unmanned aerial vehicles

The main trend in the development of modern drones is to reduce their size. One of the Norwegian drones from Prox Dynamics can be such an example. The helicopter drone has a length of 100 mm and a weight of 120 grams, a range of up to one km, and a flight duration of up to 25 minutes. It has three video cameras.

These drones have been mass-produced since 2012. Thus, the British military purchased 160 sets of PD-100 Black Hornet in the amount of 31 million dollars for special operations in Afghanistan.

Microdrones are also being developed in the United States. They are working on special program Soldier Borne Sensors, aimed at the development and implementation of reconnaissance drones with the potential to extract information for platoons or companies. There is information about the planning by the American army leadership to provide all fighters with individual drones.

To date, the RQ-11 Raven is considered the heaviest drone in the US Army. It has a mass of 1.7 kg, a wingspan of 1.5 m and a flight of up to 5 km. With an electric motor, the drone can reach speeds of up to 95 km/h and stay in flight for up to one hour.

He has a digital video camera with night vision. The launch is made from the hands, and a special platform is not needed for landing. The devices can fly along predetermined routes in automatic mode, GPS signals can serve as reference points for them, or they can be controlled by operators. These drones are in service with more than a dozen states.

The heavy American army UAV is the RQ-7 Shadow, which conducts reconnaissance at the brigade level. It has been mass-produced since 2004 and has a two-keel plumage with a pusher propeller and several modifications. These drones are equipped with conventional or infrared video cameras, radar, target illumination, laser rangefinders, and multispectral cameras. Guided five-kilogram bombs are suspended from the vehicles.

The RQ-5 Hunter is a mid-size, half-ton drone, a joint US-Israeli development. In its arsenal there is a television camera, a third-generation thermal imager, a laser rangefinder and other equipment. It is launched from a special platform with a rocket booster. Its flight zone is within a range of up to 270 km, for 12 hours. Some Hunter modifications have pendants for small bombs.

MQ-1 Predator is the most famous American UAV. This is the "transformation" of a reconnaissance drone into a strike drone, which has several modifications. The Predator conducts reconnaissance and delivers precision ground strikes. It has a maximum takeoff weight of more than a ton, a radar station, several video cameras (including an IR system), other equipment and several modifications.

In 2001, a high-precision laser-guided Hellfire-C missile was created for him, which was used in Afghanistan the following year. The complex has four drones, a control station and a satellite communications terminal, and costs more than four million dollars. The most advanced modification is the MQ-1C Gray Eagle with a larger wingspan and a more advanced engine.

The MQ-9 Reaper is the next American strike UAV with several modifications, known since 2007. It has a longer flight time, guided bombs, and more advanced radio electronics. The MQ-9 Reaper performed admirably in the Iraqi and Afghan campaigns. Its advantage over the F-16 is a lower purchase and operating price, a longer flight duration without risk to the pilot's life.

1998 - the first flight of the American strategic unmanned reconnaissance aircraft RQ-4 Global Hawk. Currently, this is the largest UAV with a takeoff weight of more than 14 tons, with a payload of 1.3 tons. It can stay in the airspace for 36 hours, while overcoming 22 thousand km. It is assumed that these drones will replace the U-2S reconnaissance aircraft.

Overview of Russian UAVs

What is currently at the disposal of the Russian army, and what are the prospects for Russian UAVs in the near future?

"Pchela-1T"- Soviet drone, first took off in 1990. He was a fire spotter for multiple launch rocket systems. It had a mass of 138 kg, a range of up to 60 km. He started from a special installation with a rocket booster, sat down by parachute. Used in Chechnya, but outdated.

"Dozor-85"- reconnaissance drone for the border service with a mass of 85 kg, flight time up to 8 hours. The Skat reconnaissance and strike UAV was a promising machine, but so far work has been suspended.

UAV "Forpost" is a licensed copy of the Israeli Searcher 2. It was developed back in the 90s. Forpost has a takeoff weight of up to 400 kg, a flight range of up to 250 km, satellite navigation and television cameras.

In 2007, a reconnaissance drone was adopted "Tipchak", with a launch weight of 50 kg and a flight duration of up to two hours. It has a regular and infrared camera. "Dozor-600" is a multi-purpose device developed by "Transas", was presented at the MAKS-2009 exhibition. He is considered an analogue of the American "Predator".

UAV "Orlan-3M" and "Orlan-10". They were developed for reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, target designation. The drones are extremely similar in their appearance. However, they differ slightly in their take-off weight and flight range. They take off with a catapult and land by parachute.

For a quarter of a century, ideas have been floating around the world about creating a so-called hybrid aircraft, which in its design will allow combining an airship, an airplane and a helicopter. Why is such a strange design needed, if all three of these types of aircraft can be used separately? But the fact is that even in the era of large Soviet construction projects, the problem arose of transporting massive structures that still had to be installed exactly in the agreed place. After all, in fact, an ordinary helicopter will not carry a multi-ton drilling rig to the place of operation. Therefore, the elements of the tower were delivered by rail, and then proceeded to the assembly. It took a huge amount of time and resources, including financial ones. It was then that the Tyumen designers had the idea of ​​creating such an aircraft that could move through the air at a relatively low speed and carry a large load.

By the way, this idea, having been born first in the USSR, reached the United States. Already next year, the Americans are planning to lift into the sky a giant "Aeroscraft" - both a plane and an airship at the same time. It can be stated that Russian designers are ahead of the Americans in terms of implementing the idea of ​​a hybrid aircraft. After all, his "BARS", namely the name of the hybrid, made its first flight over the Tyumen fields back in the mid-90s. It turns out that the job is done and our aircraft designers can rest on their laurels, however, as always, their work and talent cannot be appreciated. It is connected, first of all, with total underfunding. The same BARS, despite its obvious advantages, has not been put into serial production, so many tasks for the transportation of goods by air have not yet been solved.

Let's try to figure out what are the advantages of hybrid aircraft? The fact is that the design of the same "BARS" is a real integration of elements of three aircraft at once. Its body is made of the same materials as the aircraft body, but in its central part there is a technological area with several propellers. These propellers allow a strictly vertical movement of the hybrid machine. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with helium containers, which implement the principle of airship flight and allow the hybrid to be rigidly fixed on the ground during unloading. The "BARS" and models close to it have elevators, as well as lateral plumage, like a conventional aircraft. This allows him to effectively maneuver in flight.

Many may notice that an airship could also cope with the function of delivering equipment of a large mass to a predetermined point, however, an airship is much more difficult to control and is subject to the influence of flows. air masses which could easily lead to disaster. And the airship cannot effectively lower a large load - after the descent of a multi-ton structure, the airship can take off uncontrollably, as if large ballast is discarded. The hybrid aircraft is devoid of such shortcomings. In addition, aircraft such as BARS are equipped with an air cushion, which can allow it to fill a special capsule with water and then use it to extinguish fires or irrigate fields.

If the Russian idea is so far entirely focused on civilian cargo transportation, then the Americans plan to use their hybrid for military purposes. The Pentagon declares that it is already ready to acquire several Aeroscraft in order to later use it to deliver warheads and contingents to hard-to-reach areas.

Of course, one should not say that hybrid aircraft should be used as passenger transport. For this purpose, aircraft are better suited, because the speed of the hybrid is not higher than 200 km / h. But in terms of effective provision of remote construction sites, transportation of large loads through mountain ranges, and fire fighting, these machines will not be equal. Note that the carrying capacity of the hybrid is about 400 tons, which is 130 tons higher than the carrying capacity of the huge Mriya aircraft.

Let's hope that flying hybrids will soon begin to be delivered to various sectors of Russian civil aviation.