Ukraine’s Fire Point, known for kamikaze UAVs and new missile developments, is planning to integrate FPVs, MANPADS, and guns into the FP-1 kamikaze UAV.
Following the widespread use of its FP-1 kamikaze UAV for long-range attacks, Fire Point is looking for defensive routes that focus on countering other UAVs through alternative payloads, as reported by Defender Media from an interview with Fire Point CEO/CTO Iryna Terekh
Aiming for a cheap and reusable C-UAS platform, Fire Point is considering the integration of interceptor UAVs, MANPADS missiles, and even machine guns on FP-1.
Interceptor UAVs employed against kamikaze or scouting UAVs have started gaining popularity with low production burden and a forgiving manoeuvre window. The lightweight also makes them more suitable for deployment on smaller platforms.
On the other hand, MANPADS, while more expensive, yield quicker results, and it is understood that they are more likely to be employed against aircraft. Previously, Russia has integrated Igla missiles and even fighter-launched R-60 missiles on some of its Geran-2 kamikaze UAVs to deter or shoot down intercepting aircraft. With this philosophy in mind, a FP-1 with missiles accompanying a kamikaze could pose a problem against Russia’s intercepting helicopters a risk in a similar manner.
Finally, guns, while offering more persistence, can be tricker than even putting a missile on a UAV. The primary problem posed by gun-armed UAVs is the recoil force that can disrupt the stability, which requires new measures. A notable example with such measures is ASİSGUARD’s SONGAR multi-copter UAV that uses recoil dampers and a flight control system that accounts for recoil during firing.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
