Ukraine unveils ultra-light antennas for combat drones
Ukraine has developed ultra-light antennas for drones (photo: blue-bird.tech)
BlueBird Tech has unveiled the new Yagi-Uda Lite 750 and Yagi-Uda Lite 915 ultra-light directional antennas for strike drones, the company said in a press release.
The main feature of the new antennas is the combination of high gain (up to 9 dBi) and extremely low weight. Depending on the model, the antennas weigh just 75–85 grams, making them an effective solution for drone relay systems, ground stations, and remote communication systems.
According to BlueBird Tech, the new Yagi-Uda Lite series was developed with a focus on mobility, rapid deployment on the battlefield, and operation in environments where stable long-range communications are required.
Photo: BlueBird Tech
How the antennas work
According to BlueBird Tech, the new antennas use a Yagi-Uda directional radiation pattern, concentrating the signal in a specific direction. This extends the range of communication systems while reducing interference and improving data transmission quality.
The Yagi-Uda Lite 750 operates in the 730–840 MHz band and is optimized for 750 MHz, while the Yagi-Uda Lite 915 covers the 870–1000 MHz range and is optimized for 915 MHz.
Photo: BlueBird Tech
Thanks to their compact size, low weight, and durable design, the antennas can be integrated into unmanned systems as well as fixed and mobile communication platforms without adding significant weight.
On July 14, Ukraine's military demonstrated the Barracuda drone system in combat for the first time, showing it operating alongside other unmanned platforms during strikes on Russian positions.
The Ukrainian Navy said that coordinating multiple types of unmanned systems allows forces to detect and engage enemy targets more effectively.
Separately, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) recently announced that it is developing a new system for naval drones that would enable them not only to destroy enemy targets but also to intercept sanctioned vessels in the Black Sea and escort them to port for confiscation.
