Ukrainian engineers develop net gun to counter FPV drones
Photo: FPV drone (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian company BlueBird Tech has unveiled a new weapon for combating short-range drones. It is a networked device called Chipa, designed to intercept strike FPV drones at short range, according to Defence-Blog.
How Chipa system works
The device launches a special net that opens in the air and entangles the drone's propellers. As a result, the aircraft loses lift and falls before it can strike.
According to the developers, the net is approximately three by three meters in size. After firing, it unfolds and captures the approaching drone.
The effective interception distance is about 25 meters. At this distance, the operator can aim the device and launch the net to stop the drone.
Quick preparation for use
The company notes that the system is designed for maximum speed of deployment. To launch, the operator must remove the safety pin, aim the device at the target, and press the trigger.
The entire process takes only a few seconds, which is important in a situation where the drone is already in sight.
Advantages over other methods
Unlike firearms or electronic warfare devices, the Chipa device does not use radio signals and does not require jamming of control channels.
According to the developers, the system works mechanically and does not create radio interference during use. Thanks to this, the device does not reveal the operator's position using electronic emissions.
In addition, this method of interception reduces the risk of dangerous fragments flying off. When a drone is hit by small arms fire, fragments may fly off, whereas capturing the drone with a net allows it to be neutralized in a more controlled manner.
Last defense line against drones
The company calls Chipa a last line of defense tool. It is designed for situations where an FPV drone has already overcome other defensive measures and is approaching soldiers, equipment, or positions.
“In a situation where FPV drones have become one of the key means of attack, solutions for close-range interception are becoming critical. BlueBird Tech is constantly working to create effective means of protecting the lives of Ukrainian military personnel,” says BlueBird Tech engineers.
Why FPV drones become problem
FPV drones are now considered one of the most common means of attack in the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Initially, these quadcopters were used for racing and amateur flights, but later they began to be adapted for delivering explosive charges.
Low cost, high maneuverability, and the ability to fly at low altitudes make such devices difficult targets for traditional air defense systems.
In addition, drones are capable of approaching targets from unexpected directions and penetrating confined spaces.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that, as part of the agreement on drones, Ukraine is offering the United States not only the supply of unmanned aerial vehicles but also the transfer of certain technologies.
The European Union has completely depleted its stockpile of missiles for air defense systems in an attempt to support Ukraine amid ongoing Russian attacks. Further deliveries now depend heavily on the stability of the global market, which is overloaded due to the conflict in the Middle East.
