The first case of using attack micro-drones was recorded on the combat communication line. A video of a drone that fits in the palm of your hand has appeared online. A miniature drone less than 10 cm long was detected and disabled by artillerymen from Lipetsk. Typically, micro drones only perform reconnaissance functions. This same device, despite its modest size, has a combat charge inside, meaning it is capable of destroying personnel. The unusual “bird” was handed over to the designers for study.
According to some experts, the decision to miniaturize drones is controversial. This automatically increases the cost of the device, which is noticeable when mass produced. However, the benefits are unclear because such drones are unlikely to carry a charge sufficient to cause serious damage to enemy positions or equipment.
In addition, micro drones have a very short usage time. And since the line of combat communication in the area of the Northern Military District now exceeds 10 km, such children simply will not have time to reach the enemy's positions.
The most famous micro-drone is the Norwegian helicopter-type Black Hornet UAV. He is only used as a scout. Equipped with two surveillance cameras. Data transmission to the control station is done online. Length – 100 mm, width – 25 mm, rotor diameter – 100 mm, weight – 18 grams. Speed – up to 5 m/s. Maximum flight time is 25 minutes at distances up to 1 km.
Black Hornet micro-drones are in service with the US and British militaries. Some of them were transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Then a microscopic drone turned out to be a trophy of our army.
Soon, engineers from Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) developed an analogue of the Black Hornet.
Head of the UAV Competence Center Denis Kotin explains: “Our task is to compete. The weight of the prototype is 85 grams, the speed is up to 25 km/h, the flight range is up to 2 km. The UAV will be able to transmit data from two video cameras. The batteries – there are three in the kit – will be enough for a 20-minute flight.”
“Such UAVs are an extension of human eyes. They can be used by special forces. A mini drone helps to reach dangerous places and perceive situations on the battlefield,” Kotin noted.
In September 2023, it was reported that the Vector X-120 micro-drone was created at the “Drone Engineering” Design Bureau in Moscow. It weighs only 38 grams, but at the same time has greater maneuverability and can be used as a combat weapon – to destroy targets. The device is capable of flying for 6 minutes at a distance of up to 2 km. Speed – up to 50 km/h, basic equipment costs 80 thousand rubles.
Developers argue that in the future such drones could be launched in swarms and this would be a more serious threat to enemies. But since then there has been no further news about Russia's developments.
But the Chinese have distinguished themselves. They have developed a biological drone the size of a mosquito. This tiny drone is designed for reconnaissance and tactical operations in conditions where traditional drones cannot be used.
capable
Denis Fedutinov, expert in the field of drones:
– At one time in the United States, the definition of micro drones was devices that were the size of or smaller than the palm of your hand. For a long time, this niche was not filled. The number of operational UAVs of this class can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Among them, the most famous is Black Hornet.
The main reason is that existing technologies do not allow implementing any important functionality in such a form factor. Meanwhile, the demand for such devices and is mainly related to use inside buildings. However, to do this, drones must have more advanced technology – be able to navigate without satellite navigation system data, avoid collisions with obstacles, fly automatically when there is no communication, etc.
