'Vampire postman' in sky: Military shows how drones assist soldiers in Ukraine's Vovchansk
Photo: The military showed how the “delivery service” works near Vovchansk (Getty Images)
In the Vovchansk direction, Kharkiv region, drones have taken on a role beyond just combat assistance. They now act as "postmen" for Ukrainian soldiers. Thanks to the Vampire bombers, servicemen are able to receive essential supplies and letters from their families, reports the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
A soldier from the Hart brigade, with the call sign Marcel, is a senior in his unit. One of his duties is packing parcels to be delivered to comrades at their positions. However, due to the tense situation on the Vovchansk front, delivering provisions, water, and medical supplies by car is extremely risky.
"That’s why drones are entrusted with this task. This is where the versatility of the Vampire bomber comes into play. Just as successfully as it drops ammunition on the heads of the enemy, it also delivers treats to our guys," said the border guards.
Before a scheduled Vampire flight, the soldiers send a list of their needs. Marcel does his best to meet them. The essentials always include bread, canned goods, water, butter, sugar, tea, and hot water bottles. For an extra energy boost — sweets. On bath days, dry shampoo and fresh underwear are added.
"And the drone also brings letters from their families. The unit maintains constant communication with them. Since soldiers can’t speak to their families at their positions, they’ve found this way to stay in touch. While on combat missions, it’s very important for the guys to know what’s going on at home and to read warm words of support. And for their families, it’s reassuring to know that their defender is safe," emphasized the Border Guard Service.
There is also a way for feedback — the Vampire is equipped with a spool of rope with a carabiner attached at the end. It can carry both a return letter and items such as batteries and power banks, so "Marsel" can recharge them and return them on the next flight.
Details about Vampire drones
The Vampire drones are Ukrainian-made, with some parts produced using 3D printing, which reduces their cost. The Vampire is a large hexacopter capable of lifting a payload of up to 15 kg to a height of up to 400 meters.
The drone can drop thermobaric, cumulative, and fragmentation-fuel explosives.
