Ukrainian UAV already flies at 60 km (video)
The Ukrainian design bureau Medoid is actively working on creating an analogue of the Russian UMPK - a guided air bomb with a planning module. The kit is already being tested and demonstrates the ability to hit targets at a range of up to 60 km, and in the near future it is planned to increase this distance to 80 km. This was reported by Defence Express.
According to the design bureau, the appearance of the module deliberately repeats the Russian UMPK in order not to waste time on additional design, but the filling is completely Ukrainian. Most components are manufactured in Ukraine, including the navigation module. At the same time, tests are underway to integrate new equipment from a leading French company to improve EW resistance.
What is a CAB?
A CAB is a corrected aerial bomb, i.e. an aerial bomb equipped with control and planning modules that allow it to be dropped outside the range of enemy air defences. In its basic form, a CAB is a conventional unguided bomb with an additional set of wings for planning, a tail stabilisation unit and a navigation and control module.
Modern KABs turn free-fall bombs into precision-guided weapons. The bomb is able to fly at a distance of 40 to 100 km, depending on the height of the drop. Navigation is usually based on GPS signals or satellite analogues.
The Russian analogue is the UMPK (Universal Planning and Correction Module) kit, which is actively used to target Ukrainian positions. Western analogues are JDAM-ER (Joint Direct Attack Munition), AASM Hammer, SDB GBU-39.
The main advantage of the KAB is its cheaper production compared to cruise missiles, long range and relative ease of integration into existing aircraft. For Ukraine, the development of its own KABs is critically important, as the need for such munitions is estimated at hundreds per day, and the supply of Western analogues is limited.
What has already been done
- The first drops were carried out from a Su-24 frontline bomber in horizontal flight.
- The system was tested for range, flight stability and the operation of planning mechanisms.
- Potentially, the range can reach up to 100 km when dropped from an altitude of 10 km - it all depends on the tactics of use.
What's holding the project back
The main problem is funding. According to Oleh Vostrykh, a representative of the design bureau, the cost of one such kit is approximately UAH 1,200,000 (about $25,000). The Ukrainian Armed Forces need at least 100 bombs a day, and this need is not met by Western models such as JDAM-ER, AASM Hammer, or GBU-39.
Medoid Design Bureau has already set up a charity fund to raise funds to complete testing and launch mass production.
Why it is important
Own production of long-range bombs will not only partially remove dependence on Western supplies, but also significantly reduce the cost of hitting enemy targets. The Ukrainian CAB is already in operation and ready to go into production - all that remains is to find the money to make this project fully operational.
Source: Defence Express
