{"id":8686,"date":"2025-08-10T12:09:48","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T09:09:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stage.thedefender.media\/?p=8686"},"modified":"2025-12-08T15:20:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T13:20:32","slug":"black-mirror-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stage.thedefender.media\/en\/2025\/08\/black-mirror-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Mirror #19. Ground mother drone Argus, VTOL Sova-20, hydrogen-powered UAV, and other novelties of Russian miltech"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Russian military-industrial complex continues to develop new technologies aimed at waging a protracted war. This week, the focus has been on a ground platform with \u201csleeping\u201d drones for conducting an ambush, technologies for identifying UAVs by sound, the unmanned complex Krestnik-M for combating surface objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These and other new Russian miltech developments \u2014 in \u201cBlack Mirror\u201d #19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ground platform with \u201csleeping\u201d drones<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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\"Ground<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u2018Mother UGVs\u2019 are now appearing on the other side, too (just days ago, Ukrainian company IRV unveiled the Karakurt UGV at IRON DEMO 2025, capable of carrying and launching up to six FPV drones<\/a>). This week at the Archipelago 2025 tech event in Skolkovo, Russia showcased the Argus ground platform, equipped with so-called \u201csleeping\u201d drones. One operator can bring such a platform to the application area and leave it in an ambush. The ground control station includes a feature that allows for creating a \u201cdrone swarm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any drone from Argus can be put into deep sleep mode and then turned on by one operator from a remote control. Thanks to the deep sleep board, drones can be in standby mode for many days. At the same time, some drones can perform the communication relay function or carry sensors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VTOL Sova-20<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Tomsk Research and Production Centre for Drones has completed the development of the new VTOL Sova-20. The device is now being prepared for flight tests. In the future, it is planned to deliver medicines, equipment, and other critical cargo to remote settlements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UAV is equipped with a hybrid power plant and can transport up to 40 kg of payload over a distance of up to 1,000 kilometres. It can take off from any flat area measuring 10×10 meters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Drone\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Acoustic UAV detection system<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Saratov Polytechnic University has developed a module that identifies drones using acoustic signals in background noise and changing operating scenarios. The new system can \u201cwork effectively in conditions of urban noise and poor visibility and adapt to new drone models.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hybrid approach was used for production, combining time-frequency sound analysis methods with deep learning algorithms using AI. The system consists of an audio preprocessing module, a neural network classifier based on convolutional and recurrent layers trained on a dataset of UAV sounds, and a web interface for recording audio via a microphone, visualising the results in real time, and classifying drone types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system was trained using data augmentation techniques, such as noise and speed changes and transfer learning. The developers say the new solution integrates into existing infrastructure and works on standard equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russians want to simplify aerial photography with drones<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Currently, drone operators must obtain a license from the Federal Security Service to work with state secrets, then give the materials to the \u201csecurity forces\u201d for verification. In time, all this takes about two months, and under such conditions, the shooting loses its relevance. Now the Russian Ministry of Transport wants to simplify these procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russian market participants believe that it is possible to establish no-fly zones where the military needs them and cancel the mandatory coordination of the shooting results in other places. Also, landowners can be allowed to shoot their land without approval, provided that the results are used for \u201cpersonal purposes,\u201d and the approval of the Ministry of Defence should be obtained only in case of transferring the results to other persons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optical transmitting and receiving modules for drones<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Russia will develop optical transmitting and receiving modules for base stations and drones to solve the problem of limited range, vulnerability to interference and channel overload when controlling UAVs. Such a tender for 19.8 million rubles with the codename Thread-4 from the Ryazan RDRTU appeared on the state procurement portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project involves developing and manufacturing optical communication line modules for drones operating with increased optical losses and solar flares. The optical channel is more protected from radio interference and does not require licensed frequencies. Thanks to such technology, it is possible to significantly increase the range and stability of communication between UAVs and base stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The appearance of such modules will allow for the mass use of drones in the same area without mutual interference, which will at least reduce the risk of losing control of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hexacopter Korvet heads into serial production<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A video has surfaced showing tests of the Russian hexacopter Korvet by the company \u201cRusskoye Oruzhie.\u201d The Wikipedia page for the drone states that production began as early as 2024, but serial manufacturing is only now planned to commence. The drone will be capable of carrying a 15 kg payload, including munitions or other cargo, and can reach altitudes of up to 600 metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n