VR-Technologies, part of Russian Helicopters, has conducted the first flight of its unmanned tiltrotor testbed aircraft at the Skolkovo Innovation Centre, the company announced on 17 February.
The project to develop the aircraft is a part of Russian Helicopters’ Speed programme. The unmanned tiltrotor is being designed to conduct missions including aerial photography, medical supply transport, oil and gas facility monitoring, and environmental tasks.
A tiltrotor design has been selected for the project as it allows the aircraft to make vertical landings and take-offs on restricted landing pads while transporting cargo or passengers.
Alexander Okhonko, chief executive officer, VR-Technologies, said: ‘The development of the unique aircraft started in 2015. Since then, we have achieved significant results and have already started the first stage of flight tests.’
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
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