A team of OSINT analysts led by Andrew Perpetua examined over 20,000 open-source applications of Ukrainian interceptor drones. They found out which models are capable of hitting even jet fighters.
A team of OSINT analysts led by Andrew Perpetua examined over 20,000 open-source applications of Ukrainian interceptor drones. They found out which models are capable of hitting even jet fighters.
The study notes that among the 22,054 interceptions of various models of Russian UAVs, there were only 1,257 episodes involving long-range Shahed drones. Of these, 10 were hits on Shahed-238 jets, also known as Geran-3.
The researchers noted that they cannot yet publish a full analysis due to security restrictions. However, they concluded that the proportion of jet-powered "shaheeds" is currently only 0.045% and that Ukrainian drones are capable of effectively intercepting them.
Among the 10 recorded Shahed jet hits were:
In December, it became known that the Ukrainian company "Wild Hornets" STING interceptor drone shot down a Shahed 238 for the first time . This drone has a jet engine, which significantly increases its speed compared to the Shahed 131 and Shahed 136, whose speeds are estimated at about 190 km/h.
It is also painted black, probably to reduce the drone's visibility at night. The model used by the Russian army is called the Geran-3 and is powered by a Tolou-10/13 engine, which gives it a flight speed of 550–600 km/h and a range of 2,500 km.
Late last year, the Ukrainian Independent Design Bureau showed off the Grom-17 pulsating jet engine for various types of UAVs, which costs just $800. It can accelerate drones to speeds of up to 450 km/h.
