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UCAV Punisher is a multifunctional unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), [1] [2] which was developed in 2016 by Ukrainian combat veterans. Since 2019, [3] [4] [5] the system has been supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces partially funded by individuals. [6] UCAV Punisher [7] has been officially contracted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces [8] from 18.08.2023.
The UCAV Punisher can be used for medical and rescue purposes, as well as for reconnaissance and combat missions behind enemy lines.UCAV Punisher [9] was designed to perform such tasks as aerial reconnaissance, direct action special operations, logistics and support for special operations, [10] search and rescue, and psychological operations. [11]
General characteristics
Technical characteristics
Components included
UCAV Punisher is equipped with a patented modular payload system [4] reducing the costs and allowing to increase the number of missions. There are three types of payload containers.
UB-F1-75HE GAMECHANGER
UB-F2-75HEAT NUTCRACKER
UB-F3-75HEI BBQ
Each system is operated by a crew of three servicemen: an external pilot, an operator and a technician. The manufacturer trains operators at official training centres of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. [12]
This drone [13] has low operating costs, both due to the reusability of scarce system components and the low cost of manufacturing payload containers.
The drone can be launched from a catapult up to an altitude of 400 m quietly and without heat trail preventing its detection by air defences.
The targeting and navigation system is separated between the drone and the ground control station and the navigation data is additionally protected in case of loss or capture.
UCAV Punisher development started in 2015 to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the Russian-Ukrainian war. [14] In 2016 production and crew training began. Since then, more than 100 crews have been trained to operate the UCAV Punisher. [15] [16] By 2022 more than 230 drones were used in combat operations. [17] [18]
The drones are presented in international exhibitions such as the Ukrainian pavilion [19] at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2023 in London.
An unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), also known as a combat drone, colloquially shortened as drone or battlefield UAV, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance and carries aircraft ordnance such as missiles, ATGMs, and/or bombs in hardpoints for drone strikes. These drones are usually under real-time human control, with varying levels of autonomy. Unlike unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicles, UCAVs are used for both drone strikes and battlefield intelligence.
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