STM shared the test footage of its new Kargu FPV kamikaze UAV with anti-personnel warhead, signifying a change in direction for rotary-wing kamikaze UAVs.
In the test, Kargu FPV hit the mannequins representing human targets through a thin metal sheet thanks to the anti-personnel warhead with steel balls.
Kargu FPV, despite its name, is a radically different design compared to the baseline Kargu kamikaze UAV. The most notable differences include a smaller, simpler, and lighter frame (3.65 kg MTOW) compared to the refined frame of KARGU (7.6 kg to 7.8 kg MTOW). This will render STM’s Kargu FPV easier and considerably cheaper to manufacture.
Features of Kargu FPV
To stand out from other FPVs being deployed, Kargu FPV was fitted with some additional features taken from the Kargu UAV, which include data-link with jamming resistance, automatic target recognition, autonomous dive mode, and adjustable fuse for the 1.3 kg warhead.
Unlike Kargu, Kargu FPV’s optics are in a fixed position to save weight and reduce complexity.
The FPV kamikaze UAV can reach a range of 10 km with an operational ceiling of 5500 m. The endurance is 20+ minutes for use as a kamikaze UAV, while this extends to 44 minutes for the observation role by removing the warhead assembly.
Future of STM's Kamikaze UAV Line
STM Kargu is not only a new product but also represents a change in STM’s direction: from Kargu, which was designed with a refined but large and what might be described as a more complex frame, to Kargu FPV with a simple frame and the ergonomics of FPV control.
STM underlined that Kargu FPV is the first member of its FPV family, which means more kamikaze UAV types with FPV controls will come.
To come to what might be next, an anti-armour variant of Kargu FPV is likely, as STM previously tested a shaped charge anti-armour warhead on Kargu UAV. This is because Kargu FPV and Kargu use common warheads, as seen in the test.
Additionally, STM might adapt its multi-purpose RF payload for Kargu FPV, which can be used as a passive seeker against enemy radars and a beam-riding navigation device.
