Forbes: Ukraine’s Flying Aircraft Carriers
- KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine is reportedly refining its drone technology, developing what are described as "flying aircraft carriers," according to a report by Forbes.
- Reports of Ukrainian drones carrying and launching smaller drones first surfaced in November 2023.
- The development of Ukrainian drone carriers has been compared to China's approach to building naval aircraft carriers.
Ukraine Advances Drone Carrier Tech, Adapts to Battlefield Needs
Table of Contents
- Ukraine Advances Drone Carrier Tech, Adapts to Battlefield Needs
- Ukraine’s Drone Carrier Revolution: Q&A
- What are “Drone Carriers” and How is Ukraine Using Them?
- How Do Drone Carriers Work?
- When Did Reports of Ukrainian Drone Carriers First Surface?
- What is the Operational Range of Ukrainian Drone Carriers?
- How Does Ukraine’s Drone Carrier Development Compare to Naval Aircraft Carrier Development?
- What Are the Challenges of Operating Drone Carriers?
- What Drone Design Variations Are Being Used by Ukraine?
- What Are the Trade-offs Between Fixed-Wing and Propeller-Driven Drones?
- How Are Drones Used for Defensive Purposes?
- What New Equipment is Ukraine Using on the Front Lines?
- What’s Next for Drone Carrier Technology in Ukraine?
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine is reportedly refining its drone technology, developing what are described as “flying aircraft carriers,” according to a report by Forbes. These drone carriers are designed to deploy smaller drones behind enemy lines.
Emergence of Drone Carrier Tactics
Reports of Ukrainian drones carrying and launching smaller drones first surfaced in November 2023. Russian sources have as indicated that Ukrainian First-Person View (FPV) drones are engaging targets as far as 40 kilometers (25 miles) or more beyond the front lines. This extended range suggests the potential use of these “flying aircraft carriers” to deliver FPV drones to targets deep within Russian-held territory.
The development of Ukrainian drone carriers has been compared to China’s approach to building naval aircraft carriers. China launched its first carrier, the Liaoning, in 2012, but it took four years of trials and training before the vessel was declared combat-ready, Forbes noted.
Complexities of Drone carrier Operations
Operating drone carriers presents significant technical and logistical challenges. While deploying a single FPV drone requires only the drone and an operator, a larger drone carrying multiple smaller drones into enemy territory demands more sophisticated equipment and close coordination among a team of specialists, including multiple operators.
Drone Design Variations
Ukraine has showcased various drone designs, including both fixed-wing and multi-rotor configurations. These drones are capable of carrying varying numbers of FPV drones, ranging from one to six. The optimal configuration may involve a reusable drone paired with a single kamikaze drone, a strategy reportedly under development by the Birds of the Magyar unit, due to the complexities of managing multiple drones receiving signals from a central drone carrier.
Fixed Wing vs. Propeller Trade-offs
The choice between fixed-wing and propeller-driven drones involves trade-offs. propeller drones typically fly at lower altitudes (300-400 meters, or roughly 980-1300 feet), making them vulnerable to small arms fire and electronic warfare. Fixed-wing drones can ascend to higher altitudes, making them less susceptible to these threats but more visible to enemy radar systems, potentially increasing thier vulnerability to air defense systems.
Defensive Applications
beyond offensive missions, drones are also being used for defensive purposes, serving as aerial launch platforms for FPV interceptors tasked with hunting enemy drones. A large drone carrier can patrol at high altitudes, launching FPV interceptors when enemy drones are detected nearby.
“These are very early days for drone carriers. In the future, we can see moms carrying mixed load of intelligence and drones,”
Forbes
New Equipment for Ukrainian Forces
Separately, Ukraine’s armed forces have begun using Japanese Morooka PC-065B engineering vehicles on the front lines. These unarmored vehicles are used to construct bunkers and fortifications, providing protection for Ukrainian infantry against artillery and drone attacks.
Additionally, the Ukrainian army has reportedly received a new robotic complex: a wheeled robot armed with a machine gun, designed for reconnaissance, defensive, and assault operations.
Ukraine’s Drone Carrier Revolution: Q&A
What are “Drone Carriers” and How is Ukraine Using Them?
According to a report by Forbes,Ukraine is developing “flying aircraft carriers,” which are essentially drones designed to deploy smaller drones behind enemy lines. This marks a significant advancement in drone technology and tactical application.
How Do Drone Carriers Work?
Drone carriers function as aerial launch platforms, carrying and deploying smaller drones, especially First-Person View (FPV) drones. These FPV drones are then used to engage targets.
When Did Reports of Ukrainian Drone Carriers First Surface?
Reports of Ukrainian drones carrying and launching smaller drones first emerged in November 2023.
What is the Operational Range of Ukrainian Drone Carriers?
Ukrainian FPV drones, launched from drone carriers, have been reported to engage targets up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) or more beyond the front lines. This extended range underscores the strategic reach of these systems.
The development of Ukrainian drone carriers has been compared to China’s approach to building naval aircraft carriers. China launched its first carrier,the Liaoning,in 2012,but it took four years of trials and training before the vessel was declared combat-ready,as forbes noted.
What Are the Challenges of Operating Drone Carriers?
Operating drone carriers presents complex challenges. While a single FPV drone requires only the drone and an operator, a larger drone carrying multiple smaller drones into enemy territory demands:
- Complex equipment
- Close coordination among a team of specialists, including multiple operators.
What Drone Design Variations Are Being Used by Ukraine?
Ukraine is utilizing various drone designs, including both fixed-wing and multi-rotor configurations. These drones can carry different numbers of FPV drones, ranging from one to six. For example, a reusable drone combined with a kamikaze drone is a strategy reportedly under development.
What Are the Trade-offs Between Fixed-Wing and Propeller-Driven Drones?
The choice between fixed-wing and propeller-driven drones involves trade-offs, as outlined in the following table:
| Drone Type | Altitude | Vulnerability | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propeller Drone | Lower (300-400 meters) | Small arms fire, electronic warfare | N/A |
| Fixed-Wing Drone | Higher | Enemy radar systems, air defense systems | Less susceptible to small arms fire and electronic warfare. |
How Are Drones Used for Defensive Purposes?
Beyond offensive missions, drones are also employed defensively, serving as aerial launch platforms for FPV interceptors. These interceptors are tasked with hunting enemy drones. A large drone carrier can patrol at high altitudes, launching FPV interceptors when enemy drones are detected nearby.
What New Equipment is Ukraine Using on the Front Lines?
Along with drone technology, Ukraine’s armed forces are using:
- Japanese Morooka PC-065B engineering vehicles, used to construct bunkers and fortifications
- A wheeled robot armed with a machine gun, designed for reconnaissance and assault operations.
What’s Next for Drone Carrier Technology in Ukraine?
According to Forbes, “These are very early days for drone carriers. In the future, we can see moms carrying mixed load of intelligence and drones.” This suggests that future developments may involve even more sophisticated integration of drones for a variety of mission profiles.