Ukrainian nonprofit drone maker Wild Hornets has released footage of its STING drone undergoing high-speed testing, hitting impressive speeds and altitudes. In the video, the STING drone briefly reaches just over 127 mph [204 km/h] at an altitude of 1,400 feet [426 meters]—a striking performance for an interceptor drone.
Wild Hornets, in a post on X, remained tight-lipped about STING’s technical specifications but encouraged viewers to analyze the footage for clues.
“We won’t disclose the specs, but the video has hints: pay attention to the drone’s speed [bottom left], altitude [center], and throttle percentage [right]. For example, at 50% throttle, it hit 200 km/h at 1,046 meters [3,432 feet].”
These performance metrics are particularly impressive when compared to other drones designed for similar intercept missions. Typically, drones in this category, especially those deployed for counter-drone operations, are not known for their high speed or altitude capabilities.
Most drones used for intercepting other aerial threats, like the Shahed-136 loitering munitions, operate at speeds well below 100 mph and often at lower altitudes due to the constraints of their design and purpose.
The speed of the STING drone, exceeding 127 mph, places it in a unique position where it can effectively chase down and engage faster-moving targets. This capability is crucial in the context of modern warfare where the speed of aerial threats has been increasing, particularly with the use of drones like the Shahed-136 by Russian forces.
The ability to reach and sustain such velocities gives STING a tactical advantage, allowing it to cover more ground quickly and potentially intercept targets before they reach their intended destinations.
Moreover, the altitude of over 1,400 feet is significant for several reasons. Operating at this height not only provides a broader field of view for surveillance or targeting but also makes the drone less vulnerable to ground-based threats. It positions STING above many traditional anti-drone measures, which often have limited range or effectiveness at higher altitudes.
This height also allows for strategic positioning, offering a better vantage point for spotting incoming threats from a distance, thereby increasing reaction time.
Comparatively, other drones in similar roles might struggle to match these speeds or altitudes due to various factors such as design compromises for payload capacity, battery life, or the integration of complex targeting systems.
Photo: The Ukrainian drone interceptor Sting from the Wild Hornets group. 2024. Ukraine. (Source: The Telegraph)
Source: Bulgarian Military