In Ukraine, a Lithuanian interceptor drone that forms part of the SkyWiper Wall short-range air defence system has been tested in combat conditions. This was reported to the outlet Militarnyi by Šarūnas Stanislovenas, CEO and co-founder of the Lithuanian company VYTIS TECH.
SkyWiper Wall is a short-range air defence radar system. It includes a medium-range radar with four-dimensional (4D) scanning, an electro-optical system for visual target identification, a directional electronic warfare capability for jamming signals, a command-and-control system, and a fixed-wing interceptor drone. Depending on requirements, the system can be deployed as a mobile trailer-based unit or installed at a fixed position.
During an interception, the aircraft uses radar guidance to close to within 100–200 metres of the aerial target. At that stage, it automatically attacks it, using a video camera for guidance.
According to the developers, the drone measures 100 × 70 × 25 cm. Its maximum take-off weight is 4 kg, and its payload weight is 500–700 g. Depending on conditions, the aircraft can remain airborne for 10–20 minutes. Its stated range is 25–35 km. Cruising speed is 80–220 km/h, with a maximum of 300 km/h. Another feature of the drone is the ability to take off automatically at a 45-degree angle. The interceptor is equipped with a thermal imaging camera with a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels.
According to the head of VYTIS TECH, the aircraft has two electric motors and is built to a fixed-wing configuration with a delta-shaped wing.
Despite a top speed of 300 km/h, the interceptor’s current performance does not allow it to effectively counter jet-powered drones.
“Unfortunately, at present we cannot help you with jet drones at altitudes of 4 and 5, but we are working on it. We hope that in the near future we will be able to help in this area as well,” the company representative said.
VYTIS TECH specialises in the development and production of unmanned aircraft and is part of the NT Service group, known for its work in the field of electronic warfare.