Ukrainian drone Buntar-3 with artificial intelligence will soon be used by the army
The Buntar-3 reconnaissance system with built-in artificial intelligence and independent navigation will soon be mass-produced for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Here's What We Know
The Buntar-3 unmanned system has passed combat tests and received codification from the Ministry of Defence. The developers claim that the system is ready for widespread use at the frontline. The vertical take-off and landing drone can operate for up to 3.5 hours without interruption, and the range of stable communication reaches 80 km. The additionally installed optics allow it to effectively detect targets at a distance of 15 km.
A special feature of the system is the rejection of GPS: optical navigation and signal triangulation are used instead. This solution is designed to reduce the vulnerability to electronic warfare, which the developers took into account based on their experience on the front line.
"Unfortunately, we often see significant interference from enemy (and sometimes our) electronic warfare, which makes the mission impossible," the company says.
A key element was a software package with deep integration of artificial intelligence, in particular a system called Copilot. It helps the operator avoid mistakes and independently performs calculations for scenario planning of missions: it takes into account battery, wind, altitude, communication stability, return time and drone rotation.
The Buntar-3 reconnaissance drone. Illustration: Buntar Aerospace
Copilot also allows one operator to control several drones, see a complete picture of flights, telemetry, camera video, and timely reminders of important milestones. The system even has integration with the Signal messenger for quick viewing of files coming from related departments.
The basic set of the complex (control station + three drones with daytime cameras) will cost about UAH 10 million, and with day-night modules - UAH 14 million.
The company says it is ready to move to mass production. Contracts are already being prepared. The volumes are not disclosed for security reasons, but the team assures that they have the resources and the potential to scale up.
Source: Militarnyi
