Russia attacks Ukraine with large Gerbera-2 drones: Intel reveals their specifications
Photo: Russia attacks Ukraine with large Gerbera-2 drones (video screenshot)
Russia has significantly upgraded its Gerbera drones, which can now travel up to 1,200 kilometers and carry a larger payload, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence reports.
It is noted that these drones were initially developed as decoys to overwhelm air defense systems. The first versions came in reconnaissance and kamikaze variants but remained relatively simple and inexpensive devices.
Gradually, their internal components began to approach those found in much more expensive UAVs, including mesh modems, costly cameras mounted on gimbals, and other equipment.
Recently, the enemy began using an enlarged version of the Gerbera. The new model has a wingspan of 3 meters and a fuselage length of 2.6 meters. Thanks to a new 63-liter fuel tank, the drone can travel up to 1,200 kilometers.
To maintain the aircraft's stability during maneuvers, the tank is divided into separate compartments inside. The two-cylinder, two-stroke engine is essentially half of the engine used in the Geran-2, whose production has been localized in Alabuga.
Photo: These drones were initially developed as decoys to overwhelm air defense systems (https://t.me/DIUkraine/9912)
The examined model was equipped with an OFZBCh-10 high-explosive fragmentation incendiary warhead weighing 10 kg, as well as separate bags containing an incendiary mixture. The drone can carry a warhead weighing up to 25 kg.
The Gerbera-2's electronics include an upgraded flight controller, a 12-channel Kometa antenna, a mesh modem manufactured by Shenzhen Sinosun Technology Co., Ltd., and a new video processing unit called Sosiska, built around a Chinese Coke Pi microcomputer.
The examined model had a dual IP camera mounted on the fuselage above the fuel tank and designed to detect interceptor drones. Versions equipped with forward-facing IP cameras and cameras mounted on three-axis gimbals have also been identified. Most of the components in the new Gerbera are made by Chinese and US manufacturers.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Russian jet-powered drones can travel long distances and reach Ukraine's western regions. Their range depends on their technical specifications, fuel capacity, and onboard equipment.
We also reported that Ukraine's air defense is increasing its interception rate against Russian jet-powered attack drones. The current average is nearly 60% of Geran-4 drones destroyed.
