PD-2

PD-2
PD-2
Role Reconnaissance UAV
Type of aircraft
National origin Ukraine
Manufacturer Ukrspecsystems
First flight 2019
Primary user Armed Forces of Ukraine
Produced 20+

UkrSpecSystems PD-2 is a Ukrainian multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It is designed for air reconnaissance and for combat use as a carrier of bombs with warheads weighing up to 3 kg.[1] The aircraft can take off from a runway, or be equipped with removable modules for vertical take-off and landing.

History

From the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014, the Armed Forces of Ukraine saw the need for unmanned aerial vehicles, primarily for reconnaissance. Volunteers purchased civilian drones, which they used as-is or modified for military use.[2]

The People's Project volunteer organization was established to help the Ukrainian military in eastern Ukraine. In attempting to import modern UAVs, the organization faced reluctance from some foreign companies to sell their devices. As an alternative, the unmanned aerial vehicle PD-1 [uk] was developed in cooperation with UkrSpecSystems. "PD" stands for "People's Drone".

In 2020, UkrSpecSystems developed the PD-2 drone, which is a deep modernization of the PD-1 with increasing payload, communication range and other improvements. It can climb to 3,000 metres and fly for up to 10 hours. It has a modular construction that allows additional motors to be fitted to convert it from runway take off to vertical take-off and landing.[1]

Components and features

  1. Two reconnaissance UAVs;
  2. ground control station;
  3. a mobile control center equipped on the basis of a new all-wheel drive customized chassis;
  4. components and spare parts.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Оновлений БПЛА PD-2 оснастили сучасною гіростабілізованою платформою українського виробництва". Defense Express. 8 November 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  2. ^ Вячеслав Масний (2019-02-21). "Українські військові дрони: від склянки з гранатою до ударного хайтеку". Ukrinform. Retrieved 2022-05-06. Як Україна розвиває власні військові безпілотники та технології боротьби з ворожими
  3. ^ "«Повернись живим» передав ГУР безпілотний комплекс PD-2". MILITARNYI. 2023-05-26. Retrieved 2022-05-26.