Ukrainian unmanned and aerial vehicles, their development, technical characteristics and combat use in the conflict with Russia are considered.
447 
Ukraine is actively using long-range strike unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to defend its territory and deliver pinpoint strikes on key enemy targets. In this article, we analyze how Ukrainian kamikaze drones are changing modern military strategies, review their technical characteristics, compare them with the Iranian Shahed and other analogues, and explore the future prospects of this innovative technology. Find out how Ukrainian OWA-UAVs are helping in the fight for freedom and independence.
Russia’s use of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, including the Iranian Shahed, against Ukraine has been well documented. These drones, known as single-action unmanned aerial vehicles (OWA-UAVs) or informally as “kamikaze drones,” are used in large-scale attacks in conjunction with more expensive cruise missiles. The primary role of the Shahed is not only its offensive capability, but also its ability to overload Ukrainian air defenses, creating favorable conditions for the successful use of cruise missiles.
Ukraine is also actively using this type of drone. Similar to Russian tactics, OWA-UAVs are used to support cruise missiles in large-scale operations. In addition, Ukrainian drones are used to strike at strategic targets deep inside Russia. Such targets include oil storage facilities and airfields that are key to military infrastructure. These attacks also contribute to increasing war awareness among the Russian population. In addition, they force Russia to disperse its air defense systems, diverting resources from the front lines.
The article focuses on Ukrainian OWA-UAVs capable of striking deep-rear Russian targets, and is based solely on publicly available information.
In April 2024, a twin-barrel design was photographed crashing in the Oryol region of Russia. A few days later, photos of another one emerged. The design matches one that was revealed in an interview with Ukrainian media in October 2023. Russian reports indicate a 40 kg fragmentation warhead consisting of 25 kg of tetryl high explosive surrounded by 15 kg of steel balls. Russian sources later named the model FP-1.
The Dart 350 was developed by the British company Modini. It is a compact jet drone with a canard-type design and a triangular tail. It is equipped with a GT-500 turbine from the same company, which provides a thrust of about 50 kg. The anti-radar modification of this drone is called the Dart 250EW. The wingspan is 2.9 meters, the maximum load is 25 kg, the flight range is over 250 km, the fuel reserve is about 33 kg, and the speed is up to 432 km/h (120 m/s).
On December 9, 2023, at least two drones of this type were found crashed in Russia, and another in March 2024. They have a very simple layout with a simple tubular fuselage. The tail surfaces, both vertical and horizontal, are the same, indicating that it was designed for cheap production and ease of assembly. The aft fuselage is made of hollow pipe, and plastic bottles are used as fuel tanks. The warhead was strapped under the nose just behind the piston engine. This is one of a new breed of Ukrainian OWA-UAVs, optimized for low-cost manufacturers.
On February 7, 2024, images of a downed jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) appeared on Russian social media. The aircraft is likely a one-way attack drone (OWA-UAV). It has a “flying wing” design similar to the Iranian Shahed-136 loitering munition that Russia has used in attacks on Ukraine. The warhead of the drone is equipped with shrapnel to increase the striking effect, and the engine is a German P400-PRO jet. The structure of the aircraft includes molded fiberglass, wooden ribs, a carbon frame and honeycomb, indicating a high level of manufacturing.
In September 2023, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the “Bober” type were used in an attack on a Russian air defense system in Yevpatoria, Crimea. These drones, developed in Ukraine, have a flight range of up to 1,000 km and are capable of carrying a payload of up to 20 kg. After their successful use in Crimea, the “Bobers” have been repeatedly used to attack strategic targets in Russia, demonstrating high effectiveness in deep operations.
The drone is powered by a single Chinese-made 12 hp DLE 120 piston engine in a pusher configuration. The engine is mounted high with a distinctive fairing in front of it. The wings include flared wing roots and small end plates. The tail is a twin-spur with tapered vertical stabilizers with horizontal tail on top.
A large drone with a design similar to a “barraging munition.” Its wingspan is 4 meters, its length is 2.7 meters, and its warhead weighs 14 kg. Other characteristics remain unknown.
On June 27, 2024, an image of a crashed jet-powered drone was shared on Russian social media. The design is reported to be powered by a single commercially available SW140B turbine.
On January 29, 2024, a Ukrainian drone crashed into an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, Russia, located about 900 km from Ukraine. Few details are known, but conclusions can be drawn about its design. The drone has a box-shaped fuselage, a front (tractor) propeller, a V-shaped tail, and anhedral (downward-facing) wings. According to Russian sources, the drone is about 1.5 meters long, has a wingspan of 3 meters, and the weight of the warhead is 10 kg.
In the summer of 2024, several crashes of unmanned aerial vehicles with double tail fins were recorded in Russia. The appearance of these drones resembles the developments of the American company Aevex Aerospace, in particular the FP-1 model. However, there is no official confirmation of their origin. The design of the drones is probably made of carbon fiber.
An example of an accident in Russia (above) and a graphic from the Aevex Aerospace website (below).
Both Ukraine and Russia have used balloons. Overall, weather systems are likely to favor Ukraine in the area, allowing for very high altitude attacks. They can be extremely difficult and expensive to intercept. However, the main problem is navigation, as balloons are largely dependent on the wind.
The Ukrainian models spotted are sausage-shaped, float vertically, have a control unit, a GPS tracker, and a bomb suspended from the bottom. A water bottle is also attached to the cord. Despite their crude appearance, these models are likely constantly being improved.
447 
489 
1064