The launch of Switchblade on 6 April 2018 during a Robotic Complex Breach Concept assessment and demonstration at Grafenwoehr, Germany. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers, U.S. Army).
A Russian aviation design bureau is developing a tube-launched loitering munition dubbed Vector-120, TASS reported on June 29.
The unnamed design bureau told the news agency that engineering efforts and pilot production of the loitering munition are underway.
“We plan to enter the flight test phase as early as 2024. The device will be launched from a disposable launch tube in the serviceman’s gear,” the bureau said.
The design bureau said that Vector-120 will carry a warhead weighing 220-250 grams, with a destructive power comparable to that of RGD-5 and F-1 hand grenades or an RPG-7 anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade.
The design concept of the Vector-120 is similar to that of the American-made Switchblade loitering munition, which is in service with Kiev forces, according to the developer. However, unlike the Switchblade, the Vector-120 can start from any position.
“The item can be launched without visible smoke, fly to a certain distance from the launcher, unfold its wings and carry out the flight mission,” the design bureau said.
The Russian military already operates several types of loitering munitions and suicide drones, like the KUB-BLA and the Lancet which were developed by the ZALA Aero Group as well as the Geran-1 and 2 which are said to be copies of Iranian Shahed-131 and 136.
The high flexibility of the Vector-120 will provide a new capability for the Russian military. The loitering munition will likely be used mainly against lightly armored vehicles, supply trucks, surveillance and jamming equipment as well as frontline positions.
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