STING interceptor drones from the Ukrainian company Wild Hornets have been integrated into the MAGURA MV11 maritime unmanned vehicle. The company Wild Hornets reported this.
The published video shows the MV11 sea-drone carrier taking the STING interceptors out into the open sea and launching them. Inside the carrier UAV, the interceptors were housed in special launch tubes. Wild Hornets also confirmed that Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (HUR) has long been using STING systems launched directly from MAGURA sea drones.
In a comment to the outlet Militarnyi, the company said work on integrating STING into the MAGURA carrier drone began quite some time ago, but at the military’s request the details were not publicly disclosed for a long period.
At the same time, in April it became known about the first shoot-down of a Shahed by a STING interceptor launched from a maritime unmanned vehicle.
Wild Hornets noted that one of the key components of integrating STING into maritime unmanned vehicles was the Hornet Vision digital communications system, which uses an antenna with 360° omnidirectional coverage. This makes it possible to maintain a stable link without using an additional rotating mechanism required for directional antennas.
“In other words, it can simply be installed on the carrier platform and provide a stable connection without the need to develop an additional rotating mechanism, as is the case with directional antennas. It was upgraded to operate in particularly harsh conditions,” the company said.
Another important element was the Hornet Vision Ctrl remote-control system. It enables operators to control interceptor drones remotely from hundreds of kilometres away from the launch site and provides low signal latency.
STING is an interceptor drone designed to destroy Russian kamikaze drones such as the Shahed, Geran and Lancet, as well as reconnaissance drones.
MV11 is the largest member of UFORCE’s MAGURA family. It differs from earlier models primarily in its role. While other systems in the line were used mainly as strike or reconnaissance sea drones, the MV11 was developed as a multi-purpose carrier platform. It can transport other unmanned systems and launch them directly from its deck. The drone can also deliver fuel and equipment for them.
UFORCE plans to use the platform for reconnaissance and surveillance, and to support amphibious operations. According to the company, the MV11 can carry out these tasks around the clock and in a range of weather conditions.
Read alsoThe Evolution of Maritime Drones