Ukrainian combat FPV drone manufacturer Wild Hornets has unveiled a new version of its Sting drone, designed to intercept Russian-Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones. The upgraded “Shahed Hunter” can fly twice as long while maintaining its impressive speed, according to the developers.
In a video shared on social media, the drone can be seen flying at 200 km/h at an altitude of 1,046 meters, with the throttle at only 50%. While the developers are keeping the exact technical specifications under wraps, they emphasized the drone’s remarkable speed and efficiency.
This isn’t the first time the Sting drone has made headlines. Wild Hornets first showcased it last fall, revealing its ability to fly at over 160 km/h, reach altitudes of around 3 km, and utilize VR goggles for precise piloting. The drone also features an AI-powered targeting system that helps the pilot lock onto enemy targets.
The Sting drone has been compared to a fighter jet from Star Wars due to its sleek design and powerful capabilities. It’s significantly cheaper than the Iranian Shahed-136 drones it’s designed to intercept, making it a cost-effective solution for Ukraine’s defense against drone attacks.
Similar drones are already being used to intercept Russian reconnaissance drones, which gather intelligence for artillery and missile units. However, the Sting is the first drone specifically designed to target and destroy the Shahed kamikaze drones launched by Russian forces.
Russia is estimated to produce over 6,000 Shahed drones annually at a factory in Tatarstan. With Russian troops launching anywhere from 30 to 80 of these drones towards Ukrainian cities almost daily, Ukraine’s air defense units are facing immense pressure. The Sting drone offers a valuable tool to combat this threat and conserve expensive surface-to-air missiles.
Despite the advancements, Wild Hornets still relies on public donations to fund the production of Sting drones. They are calling for continued support to scale up production and effectively counter the Shahed drone threat.
Source: DEV.ua
