Two short videos showing a Russian FPV drone assembly. In the second video, one of the people says they made a drone frame out of textolite, and don’t like the results.
Additional video from the same shop - note the square aluminum frame that is also tested.
One more video of an FPV drone test with an aluminum frame. t.me/projectArchang…
This is another Russian assembly shop for FPV drones. While many of these drones look similar, these assembly efforts are largely uncoordinated, with each efforts delivering some capacity, but ultimately not enough to make a real difference. t.me/c/1718212276/2…
Another Russian FPV workshop claims that aluminum frames are cheaper to produce than carbon ones. t.me/uav_tech/15304
Test flight of a Russian FPV drone with an aluminum square frame, an update to the post above.
Another FPV frame under construction by the same Russian drone assembly effort web.telegram.org/a/#-1711795532
Another Russian volunteer effort that claims to assemble a large number of combat FPV drones t.me/katya_valya_dn…
A meet up on building and flying small UAVs organized by Russian military volunteer organizations. Many of these DIY developments will end up in Ukraine. t.me/projectArchang…
One of the key Russian volunteer efforts training FPV drone pilots - sample training in this video. t.me/projectArchang…
Another cheap solution - a Russian FPV drone with a plywood frame. t.me/dronesrussia/2…
And another potential FPV drone frame made out of plywood. t.me/projectArchang…
Russian volunteers are testing an FPV drone with a 3kg (6.6 lb) payload.
A Russian FPV drone with 1.5 kg payload and 30min operational time. Unclear how many are made but the design is likely to be copied extensively if tests are successful.
Russia's "Project Archangel" military volunteer group is organizing UAV/FPV pilot training and drone manufacturing facilities across Russia. During a visit to Evpatoria, the organization noted a women's UAV battalion in training. Another visit was to Zaparozhie region where two such schools are operating. t.me/projectArchang…
Russian state media report about military’s FPV drone training: the course lasts 3 weeks, starting with 30 hours on a simulator. These drones are now called “assault unit’s ‘long hand’”.
An interesting choice of words - one of the Russian drone-building volunteer efforts said on its Telegram that "the pace of orders has more or less returned to normal, we are trying to reduce the time from drone requests to shipment." t.me/c/1718212276/2…
This either implies that this effort is now effective to build enough FPV drones on demand, indicating increased capacity - or there are fewer requests coming in at this time, which is less likely considering massive demand for this UAV type.
More from Russia's KatyaValya volunteer effort - this one involves setting up an assembly plant for FPV drone mass production. Again, this is one of many uncoordinated efforts across the country, working in parallel (but not in direct cooperation) with the domestic defense industry.
While this promotional video for FPV drones delivered to Russian military may look like CGI, there are in fact many efforts across Russia building such cheap, fast and deadly quadcopters. This particular project is part of the "Рой VOZмездия" (Revenge Swam) volunteer effort. t.me/uav_tech/16095
Two videos from Russia’s “Project Archangel” volunteer effort - modern equipment, computers, software and 3D printers are now commonplace. This is now the “war of volunteers and their tech arsenals.” t.me/projectArchang…
Another Russian volunteer effort claims to develop a light frame for an FPV drone that can carry up to 3kg for up to 8km. t.me/c/1718212276/2…
On the Russian volunteer's influence: "It is volunteer organizations that saturate the front with a large number of inexpensive but effective UAVs, that develop FPV use tactics, monitor changes in adversary tech, develop response solutions and transfer them to the front." t.me/dronesrussia/2…
Russia's Dmitry Rogozin: "It is extremely important to finalize a special procedure for (the MOD's) adoption of private military-industrial companies' and individual engineering teams' self-initiated projects. This is a huge, flexible and sensitive to the needs of the front potential of our engineering community." t.me/rogozin_do/4267
The KatyaValya volunteer effort mentioned above is launching mass FPV assembly. Again, such efforts provide key equipment, but clearly not in numbers needed daily at the front - and such efforts are uncoordinated with other volunteers. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
According to Russian state media, Project Archangel volunteer effort has developed an aircraft-type loitering drone with a distance of up to 25km. Developers claim it’s much cheaper than a Mavic or a Lancet UAV. This effort also includes developing large ISR drones.
And in line with previous reports and analyses, the Russian military is using DJI quadcopters most likely donated by volunteers to conduct ISR missions.
Russia's DroneZ store and Telegram channel are discussing a new, "more aerodynamic" FPV drone frame undergoing testing. t.me/c/1718212276/3…
Another Russian volunteer effort to build an FPV drone frame at a minimal cost. t.me/uav_tech/16502
Russian volunteers are testing a 7-inch aluminum FPV frame. t.me/c/1718212276/3…
The volunteers from the DroneZ Telegram channels are testing this quadcopter that will be sent to Zaporozhye region. t.me/c/1718212276/3…
On the Russian volunteer drone efforts and mass production, from a Russian Telegram channel: "One of the most active Ukrainian commanders spends his efforts on the transition from the "garage DIY" drone production to high-volume production. Soon..." t.me/dronesrussia/2…
"...they plan to build 20,000 FPV copters and 200 repeater drones per month. The problem for us (Russians) is not that such a quantity inevitably turns into quality. The problem is that strategic thinking and a cold calculation for a long confrontation are seen behind such work."
"...work. No one in Ukraine thinks "what will I do with this equipment after the war", because "after the war" may not come. An important point: it is impossible to mass-produce very unique, even the best products - you always have to think about how to launch serial production."
"This means that many great designs created by our volunteers and now being used in Ukraine may not survive the scaling-up phase. This knowledge - in technology production - will soon be extremely in demand and even scarce."
What the comments above indicate is that many volunteers do not have capacity to truly scale up their ops, given the Russian MOD's emphasis on its own UAV products. See this thread:
From KatyaValya volunteer effort - "Due to our large (assembly) volumes, we are seriously considering working directly with China. The difference when taking into account our super discounts, is colossal. We are delving into the FPV topic and it is also directly related to China, which will also develop into a large-scale project in the near future." t.me/katya_valya_dn…
From Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort - "we just finished our largest (FPV) order for Zaporozhye region." t.me/c/1718212276/3…
More from the DroneZ effort - a small FPV quadcopter that can lift 4kg. t.me/c/1718212276/3…
More from Russia's KatyaValya FPV assembly volunteer imitative. As of now, even with all the publicity around such efforts, they are separate and uncoordinated. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
One Russian Telegram channel claims its volunteer effort trained FPV operators in just two weeks. Normally, such efforts require three week training. t.me/rokot_centr/14…
Russia's DroneZ volunteer efforts claim to deliver FPV drones to the front capable of carrying more than 3kg. t.me/c/1718212276/3…
Assembled FPV drones from Russia's Project Archangel volunteer effort. t.me/projectArchang…
Another Russian volunteer effort assembling “Sokol” FPV drones. t.me/uav_tech/16802
Russian state TV report on the KatyaValya FPV drone assembly volunteer effort: The sisters collected 30 million rubles to launch assembly, they have a small team of 10 volunteers who help daily. The broadcaster called this effort the "people's defense-industrial complex."
Full report by Russia's Rossiya24 TV on the volunteer FPV efforts. Highlights: Women pilots in training; Project Archangel FPV assembly; KatyaVlya FPV assembly; Tambov Bakery's FPV assembly, including testing and flight simulator; thoughts on drone export to the Middle East.
Russia's DroneZ volunteer efforts testing a DIY multirotor drone t.me/c/1718212276/3…
A Russian volunteer effort using multiple 3D printers for manufacturing drone and FPV parts and components. Such 3D printing assemblies are commonplace with many drone-related volunteer activity, and is present at the front as well. t.me/rokot_centr/14…
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort testing a quadcopter for military operations. t.me/c/1718212276/3…
DNR forces claim to test a new "Gadfly" (Ovod) FPV drone - apparently, the first batches have already entered the troops in the Avdeevka region. The drone costs about 40K rubles ($500). t.me/droneswar/7453
Russia's DroneZ volunteer project is preparing plywood frames for FPV drones - they consider plywood adequate for combat, given cheap production costs and durability. t.me/c/1718212276/3…
Russia's KatyaValya volunteer FPV assembly effort - in an earlier post above, they discussed working directly with China to get key components for mass-scale production. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Another Russian volunteer effort is testing a light FPV drone - "next testing stage involves dropping munitions." t.me/dva_majors/185…
"Russian UAV" volunteer group just announced that it is switching to round-the-clock FPV drone assembly. t.me/BPLAROSTOV/266
Governor Alexander Sokolov said that mass production of Vyatka quadcopter drones will start in his Kirov region: "The Molot Company has developed two UAV models - ZHMIL-17 and Vyatka. The electronics are developed by Kirov companies, and the designers and assemblers are local." t.me/uav_tech/17202
Russia's Project Krechet volunteer effort is testing a nine-inch quadcopter for bombing raids. t.me/carlzzon/101
Russia's Project Archangel volunteer effort in Crimea is teaching women how to pilot FPV drones in combat. t.me/projectArchang…
Russia's DroneZ volunteer project is continuing its FPV drone assembly for the war. t.me/c/1718212276/4…
Drones on demand: Russia's "Sudoplatov" volunteer project indicates that it has established a drone supply pipeline to trained pilots - all that is needed is to indicate the military base and unit #, and drones will be delivered in required quantities. t.me/vladlentatarsk…
Russia's "Project Archangel" volunteer efforts claims to train over 1000 FPV drone operators since last year for the war - the training lasts two weeks in one of 20 cities across Russia.
More from Sudoplatov FPV drone assembly volunteer effort - "we are working 24/7 without weekends." Noticing an uptick in Russian FPV strike videos. t.me/sudoplatov_off…
Screenshots from Russia's "Project Archangel" FPV drone assembly volunteer effort.
More screenshots from Russia's "Project Archangel" FPV drone assembly volunteer effort. t.me/projectArchang…
Russia's DroneZ volunteer project is assembling a growing number of FPV drones. Most components are from China. t.me/c/1718212276/4…
More from Russia's KatyaValya volunteer effort over the past 2 months - another large-scale FPV drone delivery. KatyaValya mentioned earlier they want to work directly with China to get drone components and parts. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Russia's KatyaValya volunteer effort's recent FPV manufacturing results - same as images above.
Russia's DroneZ volunteer efforts claims to test an FPV-type drone that can lift 5kg (11 pounds). t.me/c/1718212276/4…
Yet another Russian effort to mass-produce FPV drones - St. Petersburg-based design bureau developed "Hydrangea" (Гортензия) drone with a range of 3km and 2kg payload, with over 2,000 drones already delivered to the front. t.me/uav_tech/17890
The design bureau claims to manufacture 3000 of these Hydrangea per month, or 120 per day. The name may be an "homage" to Geran, a "flowery" name given to Shahed-136 drones Russia procured from Iran. This may be the most mass-scale Russian FPV effort to date.
Chechen forces' Akhmat group has an official video showing soldiers flying FPV drones in Ukraine. Unclear which volunteer group or a Russian company delivered these drones to them. t.me/droneswar/7737
Russia's DroneZ volunteer project is announcing its "standard" FPV model with the following specs: ▪️Brushless motor - a02806.51750kv
▪️Flight controller - Aocoda-RC F405 V2
▪️Processor - sim32f405
▪️Gyroscope - MPU6500
▪️Continuous current - 60 A / peak current: 70 A
▪️Receiver - ELRS 915hz / ELRS 2.4Gh2
▪️Propeller - Gemfan Fash 7040 7X4K3
▪️Flight time - 20 minutes
▪️Loading capacity — 1 kg
▪️Speed about — 100 km/h
DroneZ says such construction is "the best and quite budget-oriented option, which is sure to suit most. But each element can be varied, focusing on carrying capacity, flight time, or any other aspect." t.me/c/1718212276/4…
Russia's Project Archangel is testing an FPV drone with a plywood frame that can carry 2kg. Earlier, DroneZ project also started manufacturing such frames.
"Daily" FPV drone deliveries from Russia's Sudoplatov volunteer effort. This initiative is now working with VDV (Airborne Forces) to assemble these drones directly for the service.
Russia's Sudoplatov effort on FPV costs: "...A nine-inch drone designed for a 3 kg warhead and an average distance of 7-9 km, with proper logistics, should not cost more than 40K rubles or $440 - this includes remote control, goggles, antennas, etc." t.me/BPLAROSTOV/359
Re. FPV drone cost - this Ukrainian efforts used 6 drones in this attack that cost $2100 total, or just $350 per drone. A Russian effort quoted above notes that FPVs should cost no more than $440, so this is in the ballpark.
Another Russian DIY FPV effort that builds drones out of plywood: this drone was designed in March 2023, tested in May, used in combat in June 2023 and mass production is launched in July this year, with 300 delivered to the front so far. t.me/kb70ru/511
Rogozin's Tsar's Wolves organization claims it is done testing an "Archangel" interceptor drone: "...so far, in tests, we have achieved the destruction of drones with a single shot." t.me/rogozin_do/4523
Russia's Project Archangel claims in the video that due to a very large number of volunteers wanting to become FPV pilots, the organization has shortened pilot training from 4 weeks to just 2 weeks, "taking out theoretical content not relevant in combat." t.me/projectArchang…
On a related note, another Russian Telegram channel noted that "...we (Russian forces) will soon see an avalanche-like increase in strikes using this (FPV) weapon. The Lancet will be the long arm and a flagship kamikaze drone at operational depth, while the FPV drones will take over tactical depths. But the most important thing is a geometric progression in the growth of professional drone operators. Soon such FPV crews will be not only in Special Forces, infantry or UAV companies, but also among ordinary motorized rifle battalions."
From Russia's Sudoplatov "Judgment Day" volunteer effort: "To date, several tens of thousands of FPV drones have been ordered as part of the Judgement Day project. Hundreds of "birds" are assembled daily for uninterrupted transfer to the front. The total number is sufficient to hold out at a good pace (against Ukraine) along the entire front line until the main drone quantity arrives from the Ministry of Defense on a systematic basis." t.me/sudoplatov_off…
More from Sudoplatov "Judgment Day": "Initially, our FPV drone distribution went directly to each unit, after pilot training, given initially small delivery numbers. Now that the drone numbers are in the hundreds weekly, and will soon grow to thousands per week, it was decided..."
"...to change the distribution model - a pilot project has been launched with Sudoplatovtsy distributing drones to the Russian Forces via a recently created MOD special battalion for working with FPV drones. Our drone supply goes both to this special battalion's pilots and via its leadership to individual units downrange, depending on the level of pilot training and the current situation on the front line."
"In case of insufficient pilot qualification, mixed groups are temporarily created for "apprenticeship" with more experienced pilots directly at the front. This allows to reduce drone losses due to lack of experience and errors, and to also scale up pilot strike groups along the entire front line." t.me/BPLAROSTOV/368
More from Sudoplatov’s “Judgement Day” effort - next batch of FPV drones for the military. Earlier, this effort claimed it will soon increase its production from hundreds to thousands of FPV drones every week. t.me/uav_tech/18220
More news from KatyaValya volunteer effort - “we will soon travel to China.” Earlier, this effort indicated that dealing directly with China is easier in order to import lots of drone components. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
On a related note, drone racing is going to be an official Russian sport. So expect a lot more young people getting involved in racing FPV drones.
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort continues to test a 7" plywood FPV drone frame with a 2kg load: "In the near future, after some adjustments, we will produce a batch of these drones for the division operating in the Avdeevsky direction." t.me/c/1718212276/4…
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort on the FPV drone plywood vs. carbon frame: "The main plus for plywood is, of course, the budget price and the simplicity in production in comparison with carbon." t.me/c/1718212276/5…
"Carbon is an electrically conductive material. If your FPV drone model has exposed wires, it could cause a short through the frame. Carbon also blocks radio frequencies, for example, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz, so you can’t hide antennas in the frame, they have to stick out."
A Russian state TV on the soldiers using Sudoplatov volunteer effort's FPV drones - the one in the video features a high-explosive fragmentation charge. The soldier says they use a quadcopter to conduct recon first and review the video later to ID targets for FPVs.
KatyaValya Russian volunteer effort is ramping up FPV drone production. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
A Russian Telegram channel commented on the "professionalization" of volunteer drone efforts in three major areas: "First, a noticeable trend towards the transition from a simple purchase of things to the production of specialized products, "sharpened" for the needs of the front."
"That is, a thoughtful study of the experience and wishes of the (military) end user and manufacturing products for a specific request. Second, the systematization of the approach and a sharp transition to a qualified purchase of spare parts, materials and components abroad."
"This is primarily about (parts from) China and other countries of Southeast Asia. Third, the volunteer legal experience and qualifications have grown. Volunteers learned how to work with documents correctly: make requests, prepare reports, draw up accompanying papers for cargo, etc."
"They (volunteers) also provide legal support when needed. We can say that we all understood how to fight the domestic bureaucracy on its own territory. This skill is essential for the implementation of any systemic solution."
The point about fighting Russia's bureaucracy is an interesting one - there were instances of volunteers openly saying they don't want to work with Russian bureaucrats. It seems they are learning how to navigate that process.
More from Russia's Sudoplatov volunteer drone effort - this organization claimed earlier to rapidly increase its FPV drone assembly. Unclear if the drones in these images were assembled over the course of a month or sooner. t.me/sudoplatov_off…
Another Russian volunteer efforts that builds «Упырь» ("Ghoul") FPV drone are reporting the start of a large-scale delivery of this drone to the front. t.me/voenacher/49753
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort is reading its FPVs for combat - earlier, this initiative tested different drone frame types. Unclear how long it took this effort to build the drones in the photo. t.me/c/1718212276/5…
Russian state TV report on the volunteer drone efforts like Project Archangel, along with profiles of several Russian women FPV pilots. Re. Project Archangel: "The goal is to train the FPV drone instructor, pilot and an engineer." smotrim.ru/video/2660817
Russia's Izvestia state TV report on an FPV combat unit - the soldiers are flying a modified FPV that is nearly silent while in flight, use the repeater for signal strength, and fly the drone for the first several hundred feet at a very low altitude, along forest paths.
This appears to be yet another volunteer initiative - Russia’s state TV visited an assembly effort for “Gastello” FPV drones. Currently, they are only 30% full of domestic parts, and “are made based on lessons from the front”.
From February 2023 - this volunteer efforts from St. Petersburg, Russia, claimed to assemble 100 such FPV drones per month. This effort later moved to Wagner Center. If this initiative is still around, its likely to assemble more drones by now. t.me/bdrkka/1638
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort deigned an FPV drone lineup called "Sokol" (Falcon) - 5 and 7 inch frames, drones can carry .5-1.5kg (1.1-3.3 lbs). They are now used at the front. Project Archangel volunteer effort is also training on these FPVs. t.me/c/1718212276/23
Russia's Sudoplatov volunteer effort is reporting its progress in centralizing and professionalizing their efforts: "(Our) VT-40 drone is one of the most optimal FPV models in terms of price/quality ratio, and allows operators to work with different 1.3-3 kg ammunition at an average distance of 7-10 km or more."
More: "In a short time, it was possible to organize the supply of a sufficient number of drones and all the necessary equipment to a large number of ready-made FPV groups across units and combat arms along the entire front line. A separate special battalion has been created to work with FPV drones and UAVs." t.me/BPLAROSTOV/475
"The process of forming new (drone) groups continues, including a large number of ready-made groups who joined the "Judgement Day" project after additional verification through the Sudoplatov channel. At this stage, the supply of VT-40 FPV drones, as well as the necessary equipment, takes place as part of the "Judgment Day" non-commercial project free of charge."
"Mass deliveries of FPV drones with the MOD's assistance are also starting. Training centers for future pilots have been opened. The distribution of drones takes place centrally with unified control and coordination, which makes it possible to..."
"...establish an effective supply of the most trained drone-operating groups, and to optimize many processes. We can now state that mass and systemic use of FPV drones by the Russian Armed Forces has begun."
Russia's Project Krechet" volunteer effort is testing two FPV drone types - with a fiberglass and a standard carbon frames. t.me/carlzzon/118
Russian state media on the Ovod (Gadfly) FPV built by volunteers - "A second, updated version of the Gadfly FPV drone is launched into small-scale production."
Another Russian FPV-assembling volunteer effort is claiming substitution of domestic microelectronics in their drones, such as this flight controller. and t.me/zsvyazist/59
t.me/dronesrussia/2…
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort video featuring their 5, 10 and 13 inch FPV frames - "the smaller the drone, the better handling and maneuverability, the larger it is, the more its carrying capacity." t.me/c/1718212276/5…
More on Ovod (Gadfly) volunteer-developed FPV drone - Russian media reports that a "neural network-based homing system was developed for this drone to attack both static and dynamic targets with a 90% accuracy, allowing operator to use in in automated mode."
Governor of Russia's Astrakhan region announced at #ARMY2023 the start of "Lotosnik" FPV drone manufacturing (at 500 drones per month) for the war. This FPV can carry a 3kg warhead. t.me/babushkin30/34…
A few weeks ago, KatyaValya volunteer effort reported they will travel to China to establish direct links for importing quadcopter/FPV/UAV components and other key items. They are in China now, touring drone factories and enterprises. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Potentially significant news for many volunteer organizations in Russia working on combat drones and FPV projects: Kalashnikov intends "to fully support talented drone developers in order to further involve them in the production process," implying assistance to a variety of initiatives. t.me/makers2fron/12…
One of many typical requests to Russian volunteers via Telegram for FPV and quadcopter drones. Such requests used to be only about getting DJI Mavic drones - now FPVs are in massive demand.
While some Russian volunteer efforts like KatyaValya travel to China and import components and drones directly from the country, other efforts like Rokot-Tsentr complain about not having access to same parts and being forced to buy them at higher prices in Russia.
FPV vyZOV, another Russian volunteer effort, is building FPV frames out of wood to develop a drone model that costs as little as possible. t.me/FPV_vyZOV/309
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort is using commercial 3D printers and other tech to manufacture its drones. t.me/c/1718212276/5…
KatyaValya Russian volunteer effort continues to ramp up FPV drone production. They recently got back from China - one of the trip goals was to establish a components supply chain directly to this effort. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
More from KatyaValya's volunteer effort and their trip to China - of special interest is the VTOL-type drone. Apparently, this was not what they were acquiring this time, but indicated that many such drones are already at the front. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
From Rogozin's Tsar's Wolves effort: the video claims that its "Shturm" quadcopter uses AI to drop bombs on a target after an operator identifies and designates such targets. Similar claims were also made by other quadcopter assembly efforts. t.me/rogozin_do/4696
Back in July, I posted on this thread about a Russian effort that claims to manufacture "Hydrangea" (Гортензия) FPV drone in large quantities - it is now apparently used in the field. t.me/sashakots/41920
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort is sending FPV drones capable of carrying up to 3.5 kg. t.me/c/1718212276/6…
What is the impact of Russian volunteer orgs profiled in this thread? KatyaValya effort stated that their cumulative acquisitions and purchases (drones, thermal imagers, FPV classes, CUAS equipment, etc.) just for the summer is equivalent to 200 million rubles ($2 million).
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort is testing a 9 inch FPV drone capable of carrying up to 3kg. t.me/c/1718212276/6…
Russia's Project Archangel volunteer effort is displaying its latest FPV-type drones - some with a distance of up to 20km. t.me/projectArchang…
There is no replacing a Chinese-made DJI Mavic quadcopter for the Russian volunteers - multiple groups are displaying their stocks for the upcoming weeks. and t.me/kcpn2014/1823
t.me/katya_valya_dn…
This entire thread has highlighted KatyaValya volunteer effort as one of the key Russian volunteer initiatives - see earlier posts. Who do they work with at the front? Here is their list of Russian military units that got their supplies in August-Sept 2023 (more below):
"7th division: 56th regiment, reconnaissance battalion, 104th tank, 247th regiment; 42nd division - we delivered to the division command (in August they distributed DJI Matrices to the 291st, 70th and 71st regiments);"
"810th brigade - they asked for FPV drones; Rosgvardia Training Center; 101st DPR Regiment; Podolsk intelligence officers; 126th Coast Guard Brigade; and Zaporozhye commandant’s office." These deliveries included drones, thermal images, clothing, camo nets and other supplies.
Russia's Rokot-Tsentr volunteer efforts is taking orders (assuming for a free drone delivery) from military units for its Sokol-1 FPV drone model with a 12km range. The effort claims work on EW countermeasures for this drone. All components are Chinese. t.me/rokot_centr/17…
Russia's Sudoplatov volunteer effort's latest FPV drone delivery - this one is a VT-40 model widely distributed at the front. t.me/UAVDEV/3902
Russia's regions are also starting to manufacture FPV and small strike drones - these are from Habarovsk Region: "3 types of attack copters and a UAV reconnaissance signal repeater designed to work in Ukraine. Two more drone types are in development." t.me/kravchuk_offic…
Russian developers are unveiling "Kvadrosim" flight simulator for quadcopter and FPV drones that enables operators to fly in a number of scenarios, including EW countermeasures. t.me/dronesrussia/2…
One of Russian volunteer FPV assembly efforts is showcasing how such drones are the new, low-cost precision weapons - by flying into open tank hatches. t.me/voron_zov/1903
Russia's Sudoplatov volunteer effort released a video of their FPV and kamikaze drone assembly in one of their workshops - a new kamikaze fixed-wing drone is shown starting at 1:44. t.me/uav_tech/21127
Russian MOD's "TV Zvezda" media outlet shot a special about the use/importance of FPV drones in the Russian military. This short segment shows "Project Archangel" volunteer effort's tests to use FPV drones in an aerial ramming against other quadcopters. t.me/zvezdanews/130…
More: Alexander Osadchuk, MOD's Head of the Main Directorate for Innovative Development, talks about FPV advantage in range/precision/price. Later in the video, the MOD officials said their role is not to interfere with all the FPV R&D - rather, it is to "help spread lessons learned across the military."
Russian state TV on the Hydrangea (Гортензия) FPV drone that is now used more and more at the front by the Russian military. The drone is assembled in growing numbers in St. Petersburg, Russia. t.me/projectArchang…
Another Russian volunteer drone assembled in Moscow donated to the front - it looks like an ISR quadcopter. Unclear if this is the only version and how many are actually made. t.me/uav_tech/21313
Russia's Sudoplatov volunteer effort's next FPV drone batch. More and more evidence points to an increase in FPV assembly and manufacturing across the entire Russian volunteer community. t.me/uav_tech/21320
Russian state media reports that the Special Forces at the Svatovo-Kremennaya region are using "Ghoul" (Упырь) FPV drone built by volunteers, and that these Russian military units adapted to flying it in the wooded area by using foliage as natural camouflage to approach targets at lower altitudes and speeds for precision strikes."
Russia's Drone-Z volunteer effort advertises its carbon and plywood frames for FPV drones. t.me/c/1718212276/7…
The Russian state media is starting to pay a lot of attention to volunteer efforts assembling different FPV drone types: this story about Gortensiya (Hydrangea) drone mentions a thermal imager that now enables this FPV to conduct nighttime attacks.
Russia's KatyaValya volunteer effort is shipping a growing number of FPV drones to the front. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Specialists from Russia's "Heavenly Warrior" training center for drone operators in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region are using 3D printing to design and produce parts for homemade munitions, frames for drones, and tail sections for munition dropped from drones. t.me/uav_tech/21506
More from KatyaValya Russian volunteer effort - hundreds of FPV drones were transferred to the Russian intel troops. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Russia’s RIA state news program on Project Archangel FPV pilot school. Note a square plywood drone frame in the video - these pilots say it’s more stable in flight. t.me/projectArchang…
A Russian volunteer effort assembling drones for combat is experimenting with a 5kg "cargo", one of the largest FPV-type hauls. Note the square drone frame design. t.me/uav_tech/21771
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort is testing FPV drones capable of lifting 3kg. t.me/c/1718212276/7…
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort's quick report from a Russian soldier who gives positive marks to a plywood FPV frame that this effort promotes and manufactures. t.me/c/1718212276/7…
Russia's DroneZ volunteer efforts is mass-producing a munitions drop system designed for DJI Mavic 3 drones. It can now be acquired in large quantities. t.me/c/1718212276/7…
Russian Telegram channels are reporting a new FPV drone delivered to the Russian forces in Ukraine that is built by Nizhny Novgorod's Regional Industrial Company (RPC) with local government subsidies. t.me/glebnikitin_nn…
Seeing this on Russian Telegram channels - it appears that several key volunteer efforts like Project Archangel have selected a specific FPV drone frame by @KB70RU in this video for mass production - 800 frames daily. Electronics and optics are still acquired from China. t.me/uav_tech/21960
Russian Telegram channels are reporting a new FPV drone design - a X-shaped wing is attached to an existing frame for "an increase in range and a smoother flight while maintaining maneuverability." Unclear if this is a one-off or part of a larger batch. t.me/UAVDEV/4210
More photos of the "X-wing" FPV drone design in the video above.
In what has become a common theme in this war, small drone design and assembly efforts are operating right at the front. At 3:00 in the embedded video, this Russian volunteer effort is assembling loitering drones that can carry a 4kg warhead. t.me/uav_tech/22005
A few still from the video above - the "budget Lancet" looks like a very cheap version that nonetheless can fly the distance. Unclear what its combat results are in actually destroying equipment. But the point is now volunteers can build lethal drones very cheap and very fast.
The camera on this kamikaze drone is towards the tail section, while the explosive charge - an RPG warhead or another munition - is inserted/affixed into the pipe at the front. It wont fly far, but can use GPS coordinates to get to target, according to the designer in the video.
The video shows what looks like another DIY FPV version made from styrofoam - for ISR and combat. This particular drone will have a two battery pack for a flight of up to 1.5 hours. There are other drones/FPVs assembled at this shop as well.
A long video from the "Sudoplatov - Judgment Day" volunteer effort (one of the largest in Russia) advertising its FPV drone assembly, production and pilot training capabilities. Its main FPV drone can range up to 15km carrying a 3kg munition. More details in posts below.
This "Sudoplatov-Judgment Day" effort claims to manufacture more than 1000 FPV drones daily across its 20 enterprises, with 5 engineering centers providing solutions based on the feedback from the front, with most components "import-substituted" by now.
There is an MOD representative at the Sudoplatov assembly location who says that this effort's FPV drone is the most "optimal" without equals in the field, and it can be "mass-produced" across Russia.
The FPV drone in question is shown during test flights, with large stacks of assembled drones in the background.
Lots of shots of FPV drone stacks in the video. This is a signature Sudoplatov trait - earlier images posted in this thread also feature the assembled FPV mass production.
Most importantly, the MOD representative in the video said that after volunteers and their private supporters demonstrated how this works, "the MOD took over the effort." Unclear what that means. Also, this effort operates high-tech (imported?) machinery - see images.
Earlier, I posted about Russia's small-scale "OKO" Design Bureau's efforts to develop "Privet-82" loitering drone. This effort is now gaining steam and manufacturing capacity - Privet-82 was certified by the Russian MOD for use in Ukraine. t.me/kb_oko/99
Russian volunteers and the military who use FPV drones are testing the hand throw launch seen earlier in a Chinese promo video for a military FPV application. They report that such a launch can actually work. t.me/uav_tech/22192
A Russian video is displaying drone materials supplied by the VORON volunteer effort for learning and drone assembly. There are many such facilities across Russia at this point. Voron is not connected to other larger efforts like Project Archangel or Sudoplatov. t.me/voron_zov/2126
Russia's FPV-vyZov volunteer effort on the need for drone operators to hide better: "Notice how the backlight of the (drone control) goggles and remote control is visible at dusk (and in the rain) from a regular Mavic (M3). What to do? Maskirovka. Ideally: equipment covers. But paint, electrical tape, and anything else you have in everyday use will also work." t.me/FPV_vyZOV/486
Starting to notice similar launch pads for FPV-type drones deployed across Russian forces, to make it easier to attach a grenade/munition and to avoid hand launches. A test launch in this image has the water bottle instead of an RPG warhead. t.me/ncbs18/426
Russian state TV report about KatyaValya volunteer effort and its latest haul - DJI drones, video monitors, thermal imagers, optical sights and anti-drone guns to be sent to the front: "Some of this is imported directly from China." t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Russia's Sudoplatov volunteer effort is once again in the Russian state media - key to this news segment is the fact that new drones can be assembled at the front and most parts can be 3D printed right there as well. t.me/projectArchang…
Same news segment - Russian soldiers affixing a 5kg monition to their FPV drone say that they now have "counter-FPV batteries" to target Ukrainian drone pilots the way artillery has counter-battery tactics. t.me/projectArchang…
Full Russian state media news segment about Sudoplatov effort - note a new kamikaze drone at 01:35, as the Russian soldier says the key effort is geared towards maximum drone automation while in flight; 15 drones are manufactured daily to specific requirements.
More from the news segment above - Sudoplatov volunteers disassemble captured Ukrainian drones to note latest adversary developments; at 4:13, the soldier describes the munition dropping mechanism; different FPV frames are used, include a square shape; pilots have a minimum 100 training flight hours before deploying.
This news report (above) notes that there are now Russian FPV pilots going through Sudoplatov training as well. The woman interviewed has a callsign "Phoenix." The report shows another pilot, callsign "Radio Operator", saying that there are now many women at the front who want to pilot FPVs.
I initially missed this part in the latest "Taking Additional Sweeping Measures Against Russia" list of sanctioned Russian entities - the "Veche" volunteer organization that provides a lot of support to the Russian military is on the list. Its the first such sanctioned volunteer effort. state.gov/taking-additio…
More on "Veche"
And another post I did earlier on this organization
Russia's KatyaValya volunteer effort continues its massive deliveries of FPV drones to the front. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Russian volunteer organizations are contemplating launching FPV aerial drone carriers, with a heavy quadcopter/multirotor drone carrying smaller FPVs to an extended range - unclear if this video is Ukrainian or Russian - starts at 0:32. t.me/UAVDEV/4554
What started off as a volunteer-designed effort is now present across the Russian front - "Upyr" (Ghoul) FPV drone is profiled in the Russian state media as a "widespread weapon funded with volunteer and citizen donations."
Russia's "Project Archangel" volunteer effort's interview with "Radistka," the first woman FPV operator. She says that she has not yet encountered other women piloting FPVs in combat - other Russian women volunteers are flying DJI Mavic drones. t.me/uav_tech/23130
Russia's "Voron-FPV" volunteer effort showing how FPV pilots are trained to hit small targets. t.me/voron_zov/2384
Russia's "Gortensia-10" FPV drone built by a volunteer organization with a similar name will deliver 500 improved versions to the front - the drone can carry a 5kg warhead, fly up to 9km and will have an onboard thermal imager.
Russia's National Center for Unmanned Systems volunteer organization is developing a 13-inch Hornet (Шершень) heavy FPV drone that can carry between 7--10kg of explosives. t.me/ncbs18/488
Russian state news broadcast about the Izhevsk, Russia-based National Center for Unmanned Systems - the drone instructors say people with the video gaming and computer experience can learn FPV drone piloting the fastest during a 10-day training course. t.me/ncbs18/469
Russia's OKO Design Bureau that manufactures Privet-82 FPV drone announced several upgrades based on combat experience: simplified onscreen display to minimize incoming info; the ability to switch to different flight modes; a simple toggle switch to release munitions; t.me/kb_oko/111
More on Privet-82 FPV upgrades: new wing for increased rate of climb to make it easier to safely climb out of range of small arms fire after takeoff; new video repeater; 50 meter cable extension for drone launch from protected spaces; new directional antennas for a stable signal; a new camera module; and several other upgrades for a counter-EW operation. t.me/kb_oko/112
On the total influence of Russian volunteers in this war - Putin said that the "...MOD can do without this aid, but its impossible to stop now. Regular citizens contributed 10 billion rubles ($112 million) worth of assistance." Starts at 1:30 t.me/projectArchang…
Russia's KatyaVlaya volunteer effort displaying a monthly fundraising haul - quadcopters with night-vision equipment, radios and FPV drones. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Russia's FPV-vyZOV volunteer effort is showing how small "skis" are attached to the drone for operations in winter conditions - to ease the drone landing in a snow. t.me/FPV_vyZOV/690
Russia's kb70ru design bureau published the following graphics of plywood FPV drones it is designing and delivering - from the smallest training drone to the largest 10-inch frame. t.me/kb70ru/1407
Russia-aligned "Republican UAV Center" based in the Donbas published the following video on selecting and installing open-source firmware on commercial drones. t.me/uav_tech/23904
More from Russia's Oko Design Bureau that built Privet-82 loitering drone - this UAV is now used in Donbas. t.me/kb_oko/114
An end-of-2023 honest assessment from one of the Russian volunteer efforts: "...our state has not, cannot, and will not learn to work with private developers in the foreseeable future - the state is not very keen on such interactions. Why? Because there are a lot of state-owned design bureaus that have to be kept busy (designing and building drones and FPVs). t.me/UAVDEV/4739
Russia's Lunay Telegram channel is reporting the testing of a (self-initiated) "heavy FPV bomber drone" that this effort wants to put into mass production. t.me/Lunay14/13906
Russia's Project Archangel is testing a 10-inch heavy FPV drone - note the night vision capacity at the end of the video that is now also part of other Russian FPV assembly efforts. t.me/uav_tech/24486
Russian volunteers who assemble FPVs often discuss "cannibalizing" their own and fallen Ukrainian drones - this Russian FPV drone is apparently assembled from parts of other UAVs. t.me/FPV_vyZOV/785
Russia's Voron FPV volunteer project is developing a drop system for 5 munitions at a time for their quadcopters and multirotors. t.me/voron_zov/2611
Russia's "Aero-Hit" enterprise based in the Far East claims to manufacture a 1000 Veles FPV/ISR drones, with "infrastructure prepared to manufacture 10,000 per month." t.me/projectArchang…
Russia's FPV VyZov volunteer effort is displaying a 10-inch FPV drone with two cameras. Note the frame configuration. t.me/FPV_vyZOV/826
Russian volunteers are referencing a new "Ace" FPV drone from the "Design Bureau-73" that can strike targets at up to 16 km, implying that it is made in smaller numbers. t.me/uav_tech/24901
A Russian battalion in the Donetsk region is building and repairing drones near the front line - note the 3D printers and the assembly that builds "tens of drones daily" - start at 01:53. t.me/projectArchang…
Russian Telegram channels are reporting a successful
Ukrainian missile strike on the Sudoplatov volunteer project’s drone pilot training range - with fatalities.
Video of the strike on the Sudoplatov UAV training grounds.
Russia's DroneZ volunteer effort is experimenting with FPVs with the shifted center of gravity to demonstrate that no changes take place in the drone's flight characteristics. t.me/c/1718212276/1…
Russian volunteers are testing a drone with a net to combat larger Ukrainian multirotor drones. t.me/xronikabpla/64…
Another Russian start-up effort based in Ulyanovsk (near Kazan) is manufacturing "Piranha" FPV drones and related drone equipment. They take part in the annual ARMY expo, and their drones are likely with the Russian forces in Ukraine. piranhafpv.ru
Russia's main TV network profiled Rokot-Tsentr - one of the largest volunteer organizations that have emerged in 2023. The organization builds FPV drones, train pilots and provides other supplies to the front via massive volunteer network. t.me/rokot_centr/23…
Russia's Pазработчик БПЛА (UAV Developer) volunteer talks about visiting at least ten drone assembly factories across Russia, with each assembling around 10K drones per month for a total of at least 100,000 FPVs per month "that he is aware of." t.me/UAVDEV/5406
Its not just drones - Russian volunteer efforts like KatyaValya are also purchasing vehicles for the Russian forces, such as the "Buhanka" vans and Gaz Niva SUVs. The cars in the video cost many millions of rubles. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
One of the Russian volunteer efforts I profile on a regular basis, KatyaValya that is based in Donbas, is displaying their recent purchase of DJI drones and Starlink terminals. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Russia's Project Archangel volunteer effort is advertising "Piranha" FPV drone used in Ukraine. Another in about a dozen or so FPV types assembled by volunteers and used by the Russian forces. t.me/projectArchang…
To the point about where Russian volunteers groups and front line soldiers get 3D printers to manufacture drones and drone components - in this Russian state media story, the government of Tuymen region donated 3D printers to the front.
A Russian effort that supplies "Ghoul" FPV drones to the military is now shipping a thermal imager-equipped version; it is also "improving a quick change of frequencies that helps bypass EW," and is working on computer vision "so that a drone can take guidance and reach the target on its own."
Russia's KatyaValya volunteer effort that I profile on a regular basis in this thread is continuing its DJI drone acquisition - 125 drones in this photo. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Russia's volunteer effort that manufactures "Ghoul" drones notes that every assembled FPV gets flown for up to 3km top determine any issues before sent to the front. t.me/vysokygovorit/…
Russian volunteers from FPV Vy-ZOV effort are refitting their FPV drones for aerial ramming/crashing of Ukrainian drones - essentially, making them look like drones used for indoor activities. t.me/FPV_vyZOV/1190
Russia's DroneZ volunteer efforts continues to purchase Chinese-made DJI quadcopters for the Russian forces. No end in sight for such acquisitions. t.me/c/1718212276/1…
Russia's KatyaValya volunteer effort is displaying Starlink terminals they recently acquired for the Russian military. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
Russia's Sudoplatov volunteer effort is continuing deliveries of commercial quadcopters to the Russian forces in Ukraine. t.me/sudoplatov_off…
Russia's Sudoplatov volunteer effort is now assembling a fixed-wing FPV-type drone by 3D printing many key parts: "In two days, one 3D printer can print all drone parts, then they are assembled and the drone is equipped with electronics and is programmed." t.me/UAVDEV/6127
More photos of the fixed-wing FPV-type drone assembled by Sudoplatov effort via 3D printers. t.me/UAVDEV/6127
Russian volunteers are displaying more Starlink terminals somewhere at the front. t.me/xronikabpla/68…
Russian volunteer effort that assembles "Pirahna" FPV claims to manufacture 300 of these drones per day.
A video from the Russian volunteers assembling "Ovod" (Ghadfly) FPV drone capable of carrying a 3.5 kg warhead. t.me/projectArchang…
Russ’s KatyaVlaya volunteer effort does not seem to experience issues with getting DJI quadcopters and Starlink terminals for the Russian forces. t.me/katya_valya_dn…
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