Ukraine received the first LUNA NG unmanned aerial system
8 December, 2023 LUNA NG unmanned aerial system. Photo credits: Rheinmetall Ukraine has received a state-of-the-art Luna NG unmanned aerial system as part of military aid from Germany.
The German government reported on this on its website. On Friday, December 8, the government website revealed the contents of a new military aid package for Ukraine. This package includes reconnaissance drones, weapons, vehicles and first aid kits.
The new package includes:
- LUNA NG unmanned aerial system;
- 10 Vector reconnaissance drones with spare parts;
- 70 HK GMG 40 mm automatic grenade launchers;
- 250 155 mm artillery shells;
- 6 border protection vehicles;
- 8 Zetros trucks;
- 100,000 first aid kits and medical material.
HK GMG 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. Photo from open sources
The state-of-the-art German Luna NG unmanned aerial system was purchased for Ukraine by the German government. The LUNA NG unmanned aerial system comprises a ground control station, the launch catapult, optional net equipment for catching the drones when they land, as well as equipment for rapid repair and several unmanned aerial vehicles.
The entire system is mounted on a MAN HX truck. The drone has a modular design and can be equipped with electro-optical and infrared surveillance equipment.
LUNA NG system on a launch catapult. Photo credits: Rheinmetall
The fuselage is made of lightweight yet durable carbon fiber.
Highly reliable systems and robust construction ensure the drone's operation in adverse weather and climate conditions. In addition, its design provides for the installation of radar reconnaissance and electronic warfare equipment. Due to their ultralight high-stability design, LUNA NG drones can remain aloft for over 12 hours.
Moreover, when fitted with optional StaCom equipment, they have a datalink range of up to 300 kilometers.
LUNA NG system on a catapult. Photo credits: Rheinmetall
The drone's maximum takeoff weight is 100 kg, the flight speed is 80-150 km/h, and the flight range exceeds 150 km. In April this year, Rheinmetall presented the Luna-based unmanned aerial system called the Rheinmetall Combat Drone.
The Rheinmetall Combat Drone drops kamikaze drones.
Photo credits: Rheinmetall.
Drones equipped with munitions are loaded into the inner container of the UAV.
After detecting the targets, these UAVs are launched and accurately aimed.
Combat Drone visually records the target using an optical module.