Ukrainian Raybird drone carries out critical missions at the front, expert says
Photo: Expert spoke about the Ukrainian Raybird drone (Getty Images)
Ukraine's Raybird ACS is primarily a reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that plays a critical role in missions across all sectors of the front, Oleksii 'Buldozer,' an expert in unmanned aviation systems and head of operations at Skyeton, told RBC-Ukraine.
While the drone's primary function is reconnaissance, it is also capable of engaging targets. It has been involved in numerous missions widely shared on social media, with the destruction of enemy forces, trains, convoys, and other assets.
"Our aircraft enables us to locate enemy rear concentrations or other valuable targets. That's why we can act boldly in areas where we are least expected. Moreover, with our operational altitudes - typically starting from 2 kilometers - we can work effectively. Our optics and cameras allow us to observe and operate both day and night," Oleksii explained.
One of the drone's notable advantages is its extended flight time, which can reach up to 20 hours on a single refueling. This timeline sets it apart from other UAVs, which often need to return for refueling during missions.
"Our system works differently. We can redirect to another area, covering a total route of 200-300 kilometers, and continue executing multiple tasks nonstop. I’d call it a 24/7 operation," Oleksii said.
Drone production in Ukraine
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal previously said that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy set a target of producing 30,000 long-range drones this year. The prime minister added that the capacity of Ukraine's defense-industrial complex has increased sixfold, enabling domestic production covering nearly all UAVs used on the front.
Zelenskyy emphasized that in 2025, Ukraine aims to set a new record in both the quantity and quality of drones.
