Ukrainian Engineers Launch Sting Interceptor Against Shahed Drones
20 October, 2024 Ukrainian Sting drone-interceptor from the "Wild hornets" group.
2024. Ukraine. Photo: The Telegraph
Ukraine has developed the Sting interceptor to combat the Russian-Iranian Shahed drones. The Telegraph reported that the development was being carried out by the Ukrainian Wild Hornets group. The Sting is supposed to be a cheaper replacement for anti-aircraft missiles, which sometimes have to be used to intercept the Shahed.
The interceptor is controlled from a first-person view, like classic FPV drones. The Telegraph also published the first photo of a new drone developed by the Wild Hornets.
Ukrainian Sting drone-interceptor from the "Wild hornets" group.
2024. Ukraine. Photo: The Telegraph
It is claimed that this drone is capable of flying at speeds of over 160 km per hour and climbing to an altitude of about 3 km.
The Sting has a classic quadcopter design with a large dome extending upward from its center, housing a warhead and camera. It will be piloted from the ground using VR goggles that allow the operator to see exactly where he is flying. The development will have an artificial intelligence targeting system that will allow the pilot to aim at enemy targets.
Interceptor of the marss company (illustration for the news)
According to a representative of the Wild Hornets, the average cost of a Sting interceptor drone is ten times lower than that of a Shahed drone.
This will save scarce anti-aircraft missiles. Modified FPV drones are already being used in Ukraine against Russian reconnaissance and attack drones.
The moment of interception by the Ukrainian FPV drone, the Russian ZALA Z-20 reconnaissance drone. Photo: Sternenko
As a reminder, several companies in Ukraine are developing interceptor drones.
In September, it became known that the Ukrainian company Besomar had developed an aircraft-type interceptor drone.
Also in July, Ukrainian developers demonstrated flight tests of a jet drone designed to intercept air targets.