Ukrainian Naval Drone Hits Russian Mi-8 for First Time
31 December, 2024 A Russian Mi-8 helicopter in the sights of a Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone.
31.12.2024. Source. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine
For the first time in the world, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have destroyed an air target using a naval drone. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported that they had used a Magura V5 naval drone for that purpose. The combat operation was conducted on December 31 by the DIU's Group 13 special forces unit.
The Ukrainian naval drone was equipped with missile launchers. The successful downing of the helicopter took place during a battle with the Russians in the Black Sea near Cape Tarkhankut.
The Russian Mi-8 helicopter was shot down by R-73 air-to-air missiles. The missile is propelled by a solid propellant engine, and active maneuvering is provided by the spoilers of the gas-dynamic control system.
A Russian Mi-8 helicopter crashes into the Black Sea after being hit by a R-73 missile from a Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone.
31.12.2024. Source: The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine
"Another similar enemy helicopter was hit and managed to reach its home airfield," the DIU added. Magura naval strike drones equipped with such missiles have already been used during combat operations in the Black Sea, and this has become a serious fear and risk factor for Russian aviation.
The R-73 short-range air-to-air missile can be launched from land and sea platforms thanks to its special features.
R-73 guided missile
It is not known how the missile is mounted; it can be assumed that an adapted P-72 launcher (APU-73-1) is used.
It can be assumed that the launchers are not rotatable and do not have a stabilization system, and that the drone's oscillations can be compensated for by its increased weight. Most likely, the missile is guided by launching the missile's homing head, which independently searches for and locks onto a target.
A Ukrainian naval drone.
Source: Russian media.
At the same time, in early December, naval drones of the Security Service of Ukraine attacked Russian aircraft and boats in the Kerch Bay using a machine gun.