File image.
The Russian military has shot down a new upgraded version of Ukraine’s RAM-2X, which is believed to be a copy of the very successful Lancet loitering munition.
The upgraded loitering munition was shot down with an unidentified interceptor drone. It is unclear when or where exactly in the special military zone the munition was downed, but video footage showing the interception were posted to social networks on May 18.
Just like the Russian Lancet, the RAM-2X features an x-shaped wing design. The new upgrade, however, brought some notable changes to the design.
The rear-mounted electric engine was replaced with two, mounted on the sides of the fuselage’s middle sector. This was likely done to increase the speed of the loitering munition. The other change is replacing the radio frequency data-link with a commercial Starlink satellite internet terminal, which provides a longer range and a more stable connection.
Aside from changing the data-link, the loitering munitions guidance mechanism very much remained the same. It still utilizes a GPS-aided inertial navigation system, in addition to an optical targeting system with man-in-the-loop control in the terminal phase.
The original RAM-2X, which carries a warhead weighing three kilograms, had a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour, and a top range of 150 kilometers.
While the latest upgrade may have increased the speed of the loitering munition, it is highly unlikely that it increased the range.
Despite the possible speed increase, as seen, the upgraded RAM-2X was still shot down by the Russian military with an interceptor down.
The RAM-2X first entered service in 2024, and since then it has not made any notable impact in the special military operation zone. The latest upgrade brings some real improvements, but it will not likely pose much of an additional threat to the Russian military.
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https://hawarnews.com/ar/141691 i want syrians and russians to disappear from this planet by december 2024. a mutated ebola or rat plague would be best.