"Ukraine's Shaheeds": video of Ukrainian UAV's successful missile launch released

By: Elena Shcherban | 12.02.2023, 15:34

Serhiy Pipko, a senior researcher at the Chemistry Department of the Shevchenko National University of Ukraine and head of the student design bureau for experimental rocket science at the National Aviation University NAURocket, published today on his Facebook page a video of the first successful rocket launch of a drone. "Ukraine's first UAV rocket launch was successful! Ukraine needs missiles!" - he wrote.

According to him, drone rocket launch has several advantages. Firstly, it is not necessary to assemble and disassemble the catapult, the launch can be made from a very short guide or without a guide at all, from the spot. For example, from the back of a pickup truck or truck, stopping for just a minute. Secondly, drones can be launched in a salvo, several at a time. That is why the drone has already been nicknamed the "Ukrainian Shaheed", as that is how Iranian drones are launched. Third, the UAV can be launched at a steep angle to the horizon or even vertically. This means it can be launched from a trench, a forest, or a city. Finally, the rocket engine can accelerate to any speed, not to the minimum, as with a catapult.

However, after a while Serhiy Pipko deleted the video and the Facebook post, so it is better to wait for official confirmation.