A drone was used to test a new launch method from the sky
KettleTech Labs has demonstrated tests of a new system for launching the Hornet drone from an altitude of over 8 kilometers using a balloon. After release, the drone stabilized in the air and flew dozens of kilometers in gliding mode. This approach could significantly increase its operational range. This was reported by Defense Express.
KettleTech Labs has released a video of tests of an unusual launch system for the Hornet strike drone, in which the drone is lifted into the sky using a balloon and then released at high altitude, allowing it to take off not from the ground but effectively from an aerial platform.
The footage shows the balloon lifting the drone to an altitude of approximately 8,250 meters, after which an automatic separation occurs, and the Hornet immediately transitions to a stabilized flight mode, using aerodynamics to glide and gradually build up combat readiness.
After release, the drone flew about 42 kilometers and fell to the ground; at the moment of landing, it retained 95% of its battery charge, meaning that the main flight power source remained virtually unused and could have been deployed during the active phase of the mission. “At the moment of impact, the Hornet had 95% battery charge, meaning that after gliding, it could have continued flying with the engine running,” the report describing the test results notes.
According to available data circulating in open sources, the flight range of this type of drone can reach about 150 kilometers with a payload of several kilograms, and the total weight of the aircraft is approximately 15 kilograms, making it relatively light but potentially long-range.
When launched from a high altitude, such a system is estimated to increase the total strike range to 190–200 kilometers, opening up new possibilities for deploying such drones in challenging conditions and allowing them to be launched much farther from their base.
Russia can produce up to 150 missiles per month — aviation expert.
Russia attackedUkraine with 209 drones overnight; air defense forces destroyed 180 targets.
On the night of May 19, Russian troops once again attacked the Izmail district of the Odesa region. Port infrastructure facilities in Izmail came under fire.
