Russian promising attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) “Thunder” will be able to control a flock of ten drones “Lightning” in reconnaissance and strike configurations. Details of the possible use of these products are disclosed by TASS, referring to the Kronstadt group.
“Returned drones are reconnaissance drones. Strike drones, as in the case of loitering ammunition, are kamikaze,” the company told the agency.
According to the interlocutor, a constant exchange of data is possible between the “Lightning”, which, among other things, involves a change in the task being solved by a specific UAV. “The transfer of leadership roles and interchangeability. At the same time, thanks to artificial intelligence, the task is performed by a group without constant communication with the carrier aircraft,” the company noted.
In March, TASS, citing a source, said that Thunder would be capable of carrying X-38 air-to-surface missiles and a new product 85 aircraft guided missile, as well as KAB-250 and KAB guided bombs -500.
In the same month, the agency, citing a source in the military-industrial complex, announced that Thunder would be able to manage a flock of ten Lightning bolts.
According to open sources, “Thunder” will receive four suspension points (two – under the wings and two – inside the fuselage). The takeoff weight of this UAV will be 7 tons, payload weight – 1.3 tons, flight range – 800 kilometers.