An Orlan-10 drone being loaded with with munitions pods. Via Twitter.
The Russian military has developed Orlan-10 tactical reconnaissance drones to carry out airstrikes with unguided munitions.
On May 13, TV Zvezda released a video report showing an Orlan-10 drone being loaded with small unguided munitions before a combat mission against Kiev forces in an unspecified part of Ukraine. The drone was modified to carry up to four munitions. Every two munitions are loaded into a container pod.
The small HE-FRAG [High Explosive Fragmentation] warheads were reportedly especially designed to target vehicles and manpower.
While the munitions are not guided, they could be effective against large targets like artillery positions, unprotected ammunition depots as well as gatherings of troops and military equipment.
The Orlan-10 has a flight duration of 16 hours and a range of 140 kilometers. The drone can be equipped with several types of sensors to carry out a set of different missions including reconnaissance, 3D-mapping, electronic warfare and communication relay.
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Orlan-10 drones have been supporting the Russian special military operation in Ukraine since it start. Several drones of this type have been shot down by Kiev forces, so far. However, more than 1,000 are known to be in service with the Russian military.
The low cost of the Orlan-10 makes it suitable for reconnaissance missions over high-threat areas Ukraine. With the new upgrade, Orlan-10 drones can now also deliver strikes to targets in these areas.
