The Ministry of Defense has provided details about the Stalker fiber-optic FPV drones from TechEx. What are their features?
The Ministry of Defense has provided details about the Stalker fiber-optic FPV drones from TechEx. What are their features?
«FPV drones on fiber optics have found their role and mission in Russia’s war against Ukraine. They have a unique advantage that other types of drones do not have: guaranteed resistance to electronic warfare», the Ministry of Defense notes.
The Stalker drones were codified earlier this year and the Defence Forces have already flown hundreds of sorties with them. This gives developers feedback for improvements from frontline operators. TechEx is currently focused on scaling up production of two models, the StalkerXO-10 and StalkerXO-15.
The Stalker XO-10 is a 10-inch fiber-optic drone suitable for destroying enemy equipment and personnel in forward positions. It is designed for use in conditions of dense electronic jamming.
«Maneuverable in flight and fast in preparation for takeoff. Designed for pinpoint strikes, where every second counts,» the Ministry of Defense describes the drone.
Stalker XO-10 has the following parameters:
The Stalker XO-15 is a 15-inch drone with increased range and combat load. This allows it to effectively destroy fortified targets in the enemy’s tactical depth.
«If the XO-10 is better suited for striking targets on the front line, the XO-15 can be used to strike targets in the supply line, attack rear command posts, positions of self-propelled and towed artillery, air defense and electronic warfare complexes,» the Ministry of Defense notes.
Stalker XO-15 has the following parameters:
It should be noted that both models have a 6S3P power module and the ability to equip with various types of cameras. They can also be supplemented with modern UAV control and guidance systems.
Among the features of the Stalker line, a record low spool weight for Ukrainian fiber-optic drones also stands out. In addition, they received a layout that has become a standard for this FPV class: the upper part of the frame is completely free for combat load and the battery is in the lower part of the frame in front. This allows for increased stability in flight due to the correct weight distribution relative to the drone’s center of mass.
TechEx has developed its own technology and equipment for fiber optic winding, control system, control signal transmission, and telemetry. The company is currently testing increasing the range of drones to 20 and 25 km.
Let us recall that this winter, the Ministry of Defense codified and approved for operation in the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine the «Witcher» drone. This is a high-speed UAV capable of catching up with enemy wheeled vehicles.
