Russia turns FPV UAV into 'airborne self-guided torpedo'

Russia is testing the installation of guidance sensors for FPV UAVs in Ukraine, helping them attack targets without instructions from the operator.

“Several optical guidance systems for first-person view drones (UAV FPV) have been developed and tested at the front line. This technology has great potential, allowing to strike stationary and mobile ground targets, as well as flying vehicles,” Dmitry Kuzyakin, general director of Russia’s Center for Integration of Unmanned Solutions (CCBR), said today.

Mr Kuzyakin said that the pilot's task is to control the UAV FPV to search and mark the target in the area suspected to be controlled by the enemy. "After that, the pilot will switch the UAV FPV to 'airborne homing torpedo' mode, allowing it to track and fly to the target without any further commands," he said.

Russian reconnaissance troops deploy an FPV UAV carrying an explosive warhead in Zaporizhzhia province in October 2023. Photo: RIA Novosti

Current FPV UAVs have limitations, such as reduced visual and control signals, or even complete loss when descending at a distance from the operator. This forces the operator to get as close to the target as possible to maintain control, exposing them to enemy fire and UAVs, or risk missing the target.

Russian experts say that the self-guidance method will increase the safety and combat effectiveness of FPV UAV squadrons.

FPV UAVs are remote-controlled aircraft that are controlled by a handheld controller and a head-mounted display, giving the user a realistic view of the cockpit. They are made from cheap components and can be assembled right on the battlefield. Their range is around 15 km, depending on the size of the payload.

They are often equipped with armor-piercing shaped charge (HEAT) warheads from RPG-7 anti-tank guns or fragmentation explosives, allowing them to attack a variety of targets. Although less powerful than specialized suicide UAVs, FPV UAVs still pose a significant threat on the battlefield due to their compact size, making them difficult to detect and intercept.

Experts say Ukraine is lagging behind Russia in the use of UAVs on the battlefield due to a lack of operators, limited numbers of weapons and poor quality equipment. Yury Fedorenko, commander of the Achilles Company of the 92nd Assault Brigade of Ukraine, admitted last month that Russia has a huge advantage, possessing seven times more UAVs than its opponents on the front line.

Vu Anh (According to TASS, Reuters )

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