Click to see full-size image. (Screengrab\Telegram)
The Russian military has begun to use FPV interceptor drones to take down Ukrainian multirotor drones over the special military operation zone.
Video footage posted to social networks on May 17 showed at least eight Ukrainian multirotor drones being downed with interceptors. Several of the targets were Baba Yaga-type attack drones.
Baba Yaga is a nickname used to refer to a series of large multirotor attack drones which Kiev forces have been using since the start of the special military operation.
These drones are usually equipped with a thermal imager and a two-way datalink, sometimes based on a Starlink satellite internet terminal. They are typically armed with multiple mortar-sized unguided munitions, with some models capable of carrying a payload weighing up to 15 kilograms.
The Russian military expanded the use of FPV interceptor drones in recent months, with different models, some based on quadcopters and others with fixed wings, being spotted in the special military operation zone. It is unclear which type was used to down the Ukrainian drones seen in the footage.
All types of FPV interceptor drones very much operate in the same way. The drone first flies towards the pre-set coordinates of its target. While making the final approach, the operator takes control of the interceptor and utilizes its first person view camera via a two-way data link to guide it to directly hit the target.
However, not all models have warheads, as some interceptors rely on kinetic energy, meaning they smash into the target at high speed.
FPV interceptor drones have proven to be a cheap alternative to anti-aircraft missiles, which are also more complex to manufacture and operate.
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this doesn’t seem all that practical. i imagine it being painfully difficult to crash one drone into another mid-flight.