Russia has begun the mass production of a new, large first-person view (FPV) quadcopter drone model dubbed “Zanoza”.
The testing of the FPV drone began earlier this year, but the mass production began more recently, according to footage posted to social networks on September 6.
The Zanoza, which appears to be at least twice as big as typical FPV drone models, was especially designed to deliver critical supplies, like ammunition and medical materials, to areas under fire along the frontline, as well as to carry out one-way attack, or suicide, missions.
The design of the drone is very modular. It can be equipped with just one or two batterie packs. It can also utilize a two-way radio data-link, or a fiber-optic data cable for operations in high-jamming environments.
The drone can reportedly carry a payload weighing 22-25 kilograms and has an average range of 12-13 kilometers. It’s worth noting here that the range can likely be extended significantly with a much lighter payload, especially on suicide missions where a warhead weighting just a few kilograms could be sufficient.
Footage from one live test from February shows a fully-loaded Zanoza scoring a direct hit on a dugout of Kiev forces in the south Donetsk direction.
The mass production of the Zanoza by Russia signals a shift towards exploding larger FPV drone models. Ukraine has been exploring such concepts.
In August, a photo posted online revealed that Kiev forces were testing a massive FPV quadcopter drone that can be armed with a NATO standard 155 mm artillery shell, weighting 43-48 kilograms, for conducting suicide missions.
While larger FPV drones offer a heavier payload and possibly a longer range, they could be easier to detect and intercept. Still, the concept is worth exploring.
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in burgerland we mass produce transgenders
work continues, there is no other way for russia if it wishes to survive. defeat of ukraine may be the easiest part. zio pirate banker war cult still expands internationally in lock step. the current gaza genocide is a symptom of this disease