Drone expert talks about the Hortensia drone

FPV-drone of multi-rotor type "Hydrangea" is distinguished by its resistance to the enemy's electronic warfare (EW) means, as the control is provided by means of optical fiber. However, this technology is not a novelty. Maxim Kondratyev, the founder of the unmanned aviation training center, corresponding member of the Russian Engineering Academy, told Izvestia on December 24.

The development of the new drone was reported to TASS earlier in the day by the Hortensia design bureau. The organization also added that the drone is equipped with a universal payload attachment system.

"The Hortensia design bureau has been around for quite a long time, almost since the beginning of the special military operation. Therefore, this is not the first multi-rotor type drone <...> in their development. As for this particular drone, which controls via fiber optics, it is not a fundamentally new drone in terms of technology," Kondratyev commented.

According to him, this device is only a modification of the existing FPV drone "Hortensia" - this bureau already has serious developments, tested in the special operation zone, said the interlocutor of the publication.

"[Now] just took an existing FPV drone and replaced the control channel from radio control to fiber optics. And they have achieved, like [the drone] 'Prince Vandal of Novgorod,' the complete absence of the influence of the enemy's REB means: neither trench, nor stationary, nor mobile - no REBs affect this drone. It flies in spite of everything," the expert explained.

He also added that this drone is already mass-produced, accordingly, the line of drones "Hortensia" will continue its development with fiber optics.

Earlier, on December 23, Kalashnikov Concern reported the development of an improved version of the Kub kamikaze drone. It was noted that the range and combat power of the new guided munition significantly exceeds the performance of previous models of the line.

Before that, on October 21, the Kalashnikov Concern reported on the upcoming delivery of the Kub-E guided kamikaze drones abroad. The first export contract was signed by Rosoboronexport and the foreign customer.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.