Ukrainian National Guard Uses FPV Drones for Precision Munition Drops

16 April, 2024 Device for mounting the dropping system for FPV drone.

2023. Ukraine. A frame from a YouTube video of the Lazeruk channel

The 1st (Presidential) "Burevii" Brigade actively employs FPV drones for dropping explosives instead of opting for direct strikes. Recently, the "Horiv" Battalion pilots carried out 30 well-aimed attacks. "30 sharp drops and 3 successful hits of the FPV on tactical targets - this is the result of crews' work in just 2 days," the Brigade said.

In most cases, they use FPVs as kamikaze drones. Dropping systems for FPV drones are not widely adopted among servicemen. The point is that the FPV drone's frame is poorly adapted for dropping systems. For example, the widespread dropping systems used on Mavic 3 drones are not suitable for FPV drones.

Another issue is that the frames of FPV drones vary in characteristics. Therefore, technicians have to 3D-print specific adapters for different FPV drone models, onto which the dropping system can be mounted.

Device for mounting the dropping system for FPV drone.

2023. Ukraine. A frame from a YouTube video of the Lazeruk channel

Then grenades and other explosive munitions are attached to the dropping systems, which need to be dropped on the invaders.

Thus, the military aims to preserve their drones for potential future missions.

FPV drones of the Ukrainian National Guard drop an explosive device on the Russian invaders. April 2024. Ukraine.

Frame from the video of the 1st "Presidential" Brigade

Recall that in January 2024 it became known that Ukraine developed a new EFP-S ammunition for FPV drones, which is capable of penetrating armored vehicles.

It is used against lightly armored vehicles (self-propelled guns, IFVs, APCs), which are protected by slat armor and anti-drone systems.