Closure Switchblade 300: Russia is preparing a new shock drone "Vector-120"

Russian designers assure that their complex will be more convenient than the American in use. They should not be afraid yet, since the development has just begun, and the first trials are planned for 2024. In Russia, they develop a Dron-Kamikadze Vector-120, trying to copy the design of American switchblade. Details by the Russian information agency TASS were reported at the Study and Design Bureau "Unmanned aircraft".

According to the source, engineers are now working on the project and establishing the production of some unmanned nodes, planning to start flight tests in 2024. The peculiarity of the UAV will be a starting tube, which a soldier can easily carry with him. The same principle is used in Switchblade Switch from Aerovirant from the United States.

The developers assure that "Vector-120" will be better than its American competitor, as it will be able to start from any position and without visible smoke, it is enough to take a disposable tube and shoot, as from a grenade launcher, though externally, though from the inside of the building. The drone will then straighten the wings and fly in the right direction.

OKB is called the rapid deployment of a great advantage over Switchblade-"Vector-120" allegedly does not require any preparation for launch. It is worth noting that Switchblade uses compressed air compressor, which pushes out a "smart" ammunition from the starting installation. How the Tubus "Vector-120" works-until it is specified. OKB representative added that the Vector-120 is planned to equip a warhead weighing from 220 to 250 g.

This number of explosives allegedly exceeds the battle power of the RGD-5 and F-1 hand grenades, approximately responding to the shot with RPG-7. The explosion radius is intended to be increased due to the scapnel elements. New Kamikadze drones are proposed to use for the defeat of live strength and light armored vehicles, such as APC, BMP, armored vehicles.

"We will not be swollen on the tanks, but with accurate and quality management, a good pilot will be able to connect the drone in the upper defense of the tank motor compartment," the source said. The switchblade 300 weighs even less - 2. 7 kg, including the starting unit and the transfer cover. It is equipped with a shrapnel type ammunition, the explosion capacity of which is equivalent to 40mm.

Basically, Dron Kamikadze lasts in the air for up to 10 minutes, but in 2023 Aeroviant released a modification of Switchblade 300 Block 20, which received an increased range and duration of flight. This was made possible by the installation of lithium-ion batteries of larger capacity from Amprius Technologies. Aerovirant also developed more powerful Switchblade 600 drones that use the Armed Forces.