Ukrainian company TAF Industries has presented an updated version of the «Kolibri 13″ FR1» relay carrier. Key changes include a switch to a digital communications channel between the operator and the platform, an upgraded signal relay system for strike drones, and the introduction of several frequency configurations. TAF Industries brand manager Viktor Kolomiiets told the publication Militarnyi during the Future Forces Forum event in the Czech Republic.
The key innovation is a digital link between the operator and the carrier. From now on, platform control commands and the video feed are transmitted via a single digital channel. According to the company representative, this improves crew safety, as digital video cannot be intercepted to determine the pilots’ location.
TAF Industries says the improvements are driven by ongoing interaction with the military. According to Viktor Kolomiiets, the process involves identifying unit needs, developing an appropriate solution, conducting joint testing, and then refining the design based on the results obtained.
The updated relay is also intended to transmit control commands to FPV drones while they carry out combat missions. At the same time, the link between the carrier and the strike drone remains analogue for now. Developers are currently working on a transition to a fully digital system.
To receive the video signal from the strike drone, a horn antenna is used, mounted at the front of the carrier. Its design makes it possible to filter out extraneous radio noise and ensure reception of a cleaner video signal, the company representative noted.
The relay is available in several configurations that differ in video-link frequencies for the long and short legs. For the long leg, the ranges include 6000–7200 MHz and 7000–8000 MHz. The customer can choose the required frequency configuration when placing an order.
The «Kolibri 13″ FR1» has a modular design: the relay equipment is installed on the carrier as a separate unit. The updated platform has already been codified, allowing the military to purchase it using eBaly.
TAF Industries is a Ukrainian defence technology company that develops and manufactures unmanned and robotic systems. Its product portfolio includes more than 30 solutions, including strike and reconnaissance UAVs, interceptor drones, fibre-optic controlled unmanned systems, ground robotic complexes, relay drones, and artificial intelligence-based solutions.