In one of the most emblematic chapters in recent history, the Russian invasion On Ukrainian territory, Ukraine demonstrated creativity by using cardboard drones in a recent operation against Putin's nation.
These low-cost devices, supplied by Australia as part of a £15.7 million deal, have impressed with their remarkable performance.
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An innovative idea
(Image: disclosure/Sypaq)
You drones cardboard systems, known as the Corvo Precision Payload Delivery System (PPDS), are manufactured by the Australian company Sypaq.
These devices are designed for military, law enforcement, border security, as well as applications in emergency services, food security, asset inspection, and search and rescue.
A notable military operation took place on August 27, when Ukrainian forces used these drones in an attack on an airfield in Kursk, in western Russia.
The attack caused significant damage, including damage to a Mig-29 aircraft, four Su-30 fighters, two Pantsir anti-aircraft missile launchers, weapon systems and a surface-to-air missile defense system S-300.
The design principles behind these cardboard drones include factors such as production cost, airframe material, weight, payload, range, deployment, and ease of use.
Furthermore, the reliability of the operating software and the ability to operate in various weather conditions are significant advantages of this technology.
Various features and low cost
The devices are equipped with high-resolution cameras, which provide real-time images and allow precise targeting of ground forces and heavy weapons in specific areas of the field battle.
These devices can carry payloads of up to 5 kg and have an impressive range of 120 km. Furthermore, they have high resistance to adverse weather conditions and a cruising speed of 60 km/h.
They have fixed wings, which results in greater energy efficiency. This allows flights at higher altitudes and simple launch, either by catapult or manually.
The low cost of these drones, valued at US$3,500 (approximately R$17,000), makes them an affordable option for military missions. Additionally, the use of cardboard in their construction acts as camouflage, hiding them from enemy forces.
Now, the expectation is that the proven success of these cardboard drones in Ukraine boost low-cost technologies like this, making them even more prominent in future military missions.
See below a video showing details of the invention: