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The Ukrainian drone RZ60 was first developed around four years ago. Now, it also has a rocket-assisted launch functionality.
The news about the successful testing of the auxiliary propulsion technology that enables the extremely fast launch of this UAV has attracted a lot of attention from the public. Especially after it became obvious that this experiment was supposed to be somewhat secret.
Rocket-assisted launch of RZ60.
The video demonstrating the launch of the upgraded drone has been posted online by a member of the engineering team responsible for this development. Later, the video and the post were deleted – but the material has already been disseminated across the internet by different media platforms.
UAVs with a similar propulsion technology exist. However, as Defense Express notes, this is the first successful rocket-assisted launch of an aerial drone developed in Ukraine.
The rocket launch testing was led by Serhii Pipko from the National Aviation University and head of NAURocket design bureau.
Serhii Pipko personally noted in his blog that additional propulsion mode brings several advantages for any UAV. For example, it is possible to launch the drone from a very small platform (or possibly no platform at all), without the need for a specialized catapult. The launch is faster. Steeper launch angles can be used, allowing it to take off in locations near forests or even from trenches. Plus, the drone can be smaller.
From a technical perspective, RZ60 is quite a capable model. It can reach maximum flight speeds of up to 290 km/h (180 mph). It can fly at a maximum altitude of up to 6 km (3.7 miles), and remain airborne for up to 60 minutes.
The maximum flight range is about 300 km (186 miles), but its tactical range is limited to 40 km (25 miles). The maximum payload isn’t large – around 3 kg.
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