The Ukrainian military received AQ 400 Scythe long-range unmanned aerial vehicles
16 December, 2023 AQ 400 Scythe kamikaze drones, December 2023. Photo credits: Terminal Autonomy The Ukrainian military has received the initial batch of new AQ 400 Scythe drones.
This is evidenced by the photos published by Terminal Autonomy, a company that was previously known as the startup One Way Aerospace. In an official statement, the company also announced the successful completion of procurement aimed at mass production of these long-range kamikaze drones. The company currently has an initial production capacity of 100 AQ 400 Scythe units per month.
However, in the future, it plans to scale up to 500 units.
AQ 400 Scythe kamikaze drones, December 2023. Photo credits: Terminal Autonomy
The AQ 400 Scythe represents a long-range drone (750km) designed for launch from short runways or catapults.
AQ 400 Scythe kamikaze drone, December 2023. Photo credits: Terminal Autonomy
The specification of the drone: takeoff weight - 100 kg, of which 32 kg is the payload (expandable to 43 kg by reducing flight range).
The wingspan is 2.3 m, and the cruising speed is 144 km/h. The AQ-400 Scythe kamikaze drone project was unveiled in the spring of this year. The Ukrainian drone is characterized by quick assembly, mass production, and low cost.
According to the Defence Blog, Terminal Autonomy obtains components for the production of kamikaze drones from various small facilities and engineering firms specializing in the production of unmanned platforms.
AQ 400 Scythe kamikaze drone, December 2023. Photo credits: Terminal Autonomy
Although the company procures certain components beyond Ukraine, the project prioritizes a maximal localization of production within Ukraine's borders. As previously reported, Ukraine received a state-of-the-art Luna NG unmanned aerial system as part of military aid from Germany.
LUNA NG unmanned aerial system.
Photo credits: Rheinmetall
The newest German Luna NG unmanned aerial system was purchased for Ukraine by the German government.