Russian producers of the military-industrial complex unveiled their latest drones and military helicopters during the HeliRussia 2024 show held in Moscow from June 10th to 12th. Among these new weapons, the highlight was the Belarusian-made Hunter reconnaissance-strike drone, which is armed with missiles and capable of destroying sea drones.
The state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport showcased the latest light multirole 305E guided missile as well as an updated version of the Ka-52 Alligator helicopter gunship at the exhibition. The upgraded Ka-52M helicopter is equipped with missiles from the Mi-28NM helicopter, which increases its destruction distance. It also features a stabilized optical-electronic system with an enhanced detection and identification range, as well as a new digital driver for precise aiming of the gun. Furthermore, the helicopter comes with onboard defense against all manpads and a new ballistic protection.
Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev informed our publication that the company had supplied helicopters to over ten friendly countries in 2023. He added that they have signed new contracts and their current order portfolio exceeds 170 helicopters. Deliveries are planned for over 20 countries, according to Mikheyev.
The Stratim Design Bureau presented a series of new combat drones, which were tested in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The displayed drones include the Rusak kamikaze quadcopter and the Tyuvik light wing that is equipped with a homing system during its final flight stage. The operator sets the target, and the drone switches to an automatic mode and hits the target without human intervention. The homing system enhances the destruction effectiveness several times over.
For the first time, the design bureau demonstrated Golub (Pigeon) bomber copter, which automatically identifies infantry – armed people in uniform using a neuro network. The drone carries a payload of 12 munitions or an 82mm mine and utilizes machine vision to focus on the target for a precise hit.
Another new drone showcased at the exhibition was Strepet, which is a convertible vertical takeoff and landing scout drone that features a fully Russian-made body. Most hulls for Russian drones are currently made in China. The airplane-type drone engages in reconnaissance, guidance, and fire adjustment. It has a range of a hundred kilometers and is undergoing tests but has not yet been used in the Ukraine conflict.
The Gorizont-Aero Company showcased a new airplane-type vertical takeoff and landing drone for a broad range of missions. The drone can deliver 10 kilograms of cargo to a distance of 100 kilometers and can be used in cartography, geodesy, reconnaissance, monitoring, and fire adjustment at a distance of 70 kilometers. It has a wingspan of 3.7 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg. Electrically-driven flight endurance is 180 minutes, and the cruising speed is between 80 to 100 km/h.
The Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) unveiled its Contour drone designed to guard ports and enterprises. The quadcopter carries a camera, loud speaker, projector, and thermal camera. Its neuro network can detect fires, report wrong car parking, and register unlawful intrusion on the territory.
The HeliRussia show also featured the Hunter reconnaissance-strike drone, which searches for and destroys sea drones as well as other slow-speed air targets, armor, and troops both day and night. The drone is equipped with avionics for automatic mission fulfillment and control of combat payloads. It is armed with a remotely controlled turret that features a 7.62mm machine gun and an uninterrupted loading system for 550 cartridges. Additionally, the drone carries eight missiles and 16 antitank bombs. The Hunter also includes a stabilized optical-electronic system, a sight with a ballistic calculator, and five round-view cameras.
The designer stated that the maneuverability, low rotor noise, and super-low altitudes of the drone make it invisible to adversaries.