The Ukrainian Mariupol Design Bureau has introduced the Mara strike drone, which can fly on a balloon. Such a system is capable of covering a distance of up to 1,000 km at an altitude of over 10 km, and when close to the target, the drone can detach and continue flying under the control of the operator.
The Ukrainian Mariupol Design Bureau has introduced the Mara strike drone, which can fly on a balloon. Such a system is capable of covering a distance of up to 1,000 km at an altitude of over 10 km, and when close to the target, the drone can detach and continue flying under the control of the operator.
This was reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Mariupol Design Bureau.
After being dropped from the balloon, Mara can fly up to 60 km. In addition, the drone can cover an additional distance in glider mode. The balloon itself, Balun, is equipped with navigation, data transmission, ballast control, and drone drop systems.
According to the designers, the high altitude of the Balun makes it difficult to shoot down with cheap means, including interceptor drones and anti-aircraft guns. Therefore, the Russians may need a much more expensive air defense missile to shoot down the drone.
"The key thing about our product is its price and effectiveness. We have repeatedly tested the tool in combat conditions. We have confirmation of both effective damage and enemy attempts to counter the balloons," the designers said.
The cost of the Mara and Balun complexes is up to $6,000. The bureau claims that this is the cheapest solution known to them for medium and long-range strikes.
Serial production of the "Mara" is planned to begin in mid-October. In parallel, the bureau is working on the reusable jet interceptor drone "Everest", which is planned to be launched into serial production in November.
Previously, dev.ua wrote that the Ukrainian company Kvertus presented the Aero Azimuth electronic reconnaissance complex, which also uses a balloon.
