Confirmation of his words is a considerable number of frames of the so-called objective video monitoring. They clearly show how these drones hit German Leopard tanks, American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, American M777 howitzers, as well as various radar stations along with anti-aircraft missile systems.
Not so long ago, there was a television report from the ZALA AERO GROUP serial plant, which is part of the Kalashnikov concern, where Lancets are produced.
It was clearly shown that production was launched, these drones are going to the troops in ever increasing numbers.
At the same time, it is important that its developers constantly improve their products, taking into account the experience of their use in combat.
Remember the characteristics of the drone and its main advantages compared to other similar devices. The drone is equipped with powerful optics, allowing it to scan large areas. During his loitering, in addition to the main attack assignment, he performs reconnaissance functions and is of course looking for priority targets.
There are two versions of them: “Lancet-1” and “Lancet-3”. They have the same design, they differ only in the duration of the flight and the mass of the warhead. “Lancet-1” carries a kilogram of explosives, “Lancet-3” – three. The devices are equipped with electric motors, they fly almost silently. The engine is placed in the tail of the fuselage and is connected to the pusher propeller. The “lancets” are launched using a ground catapult. In flight, they are capable of reaching speeds of 80-110 km/h and staying airborne for thirty to forty minutes.
For the first time in the world, an aerodynamic scheme of a plumage in the form of a double X was used in such equipment. This is our know-how. Such a scheme made the drone more maneuverable and stable in flight, especially when diving at a target, which significantly increased the accuracy of guidance.
Now the “lancets” are used during the day. However, a compact gyro-stabilized thermal imager with a video camera has already been developed for them. The installation of such systems will significantly expand the capabilities of the combat use of these drones. They will be able to work at night, in fog, and when the enemy sets up smoke screens.
Given the Lancets’ silent flight, their night attacks can be unexpected and highly effective. An even more original solution is proposed for the night work of the Lancets. Special operation experience has shown that attack drones are most effective when combined with reconnaissance drones, which search for the most important enemy targets and assign precise targets to kamikaze drones.
Unmanned reconnaissance aircraft must be equipped with various night vision devices that allow them to find even well-camouflaged objects at any time of the day. And it makes sense to install powerful light sources on crash UAVs. Compact and relatively light headlights have been used in aviation for a long time.
In this case, the Lancet, having received the coordinates of the camouflaged target, silently flies towards it at a striking distance, after which it turns on its powerful miniature searchlight. The operator-gunner of the shock drone perfectly sees the target, makes flight adjustments and accurately directs the Lancet at the enemy object. And all this fast attack of light and color is recorded by video control with simultaneous transmission to the drone control center.
A deep modernization of the Lancets will allow them to reach a higher level of technical equipment and tactical use.
Consequently, it will be possible to carry out a significantly expanded range of combat missions.
