Cutting-edge military equipment and hardware – some of it too secret for the public eye – was featured at the Russian Defence Ministry’s Innovation Day fair in Moscow. Androids, UAS prototypes, and thin impenetrable armour were revealed to visitors.
More than 260 design bureaus, research institutes, and student labs presented their pet projects during the Tuesday fair. The ground-breaking technologies were often described as bearing hallmark Russian features – smart, reliable, and robust.
While the America is considered to be world’s UAS leader, boasting a fleet of combat UAS, each of these machines are costly for the country’s military budget. Such limitations did not hinder Russian students from the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), who designed a low-cost, easy-to-use unmanned attack helicopter.
The rotorcraft UAS prototype, (photo above) dubbed “Raven-333” in the MAI, has a simple robust design, but it can actually be turned into a deadly remote-controlled machine equipped with a Kalashnikov assault rifle and grenade launcher. It also comes with thermo visors, gas, and hyperspectral sensors to detect targets within a 10km radius.
Russia’s prominent jet manufacturer, MiG, also presented its latest UAS model “Skate” – named after the marine animal. It is said to be an improved stealth aircraft with combat capabilities. “Skate” is catapult-launched, and does not need a remote pilot, as the built-in software allows it to operate in automated mode. The design bureau says it is at the same time working on detection technologies which would enable the Russian army to intercept any UAS species in its airspace.
Source: RT