RuAviation

In early December, the first batch of new Hortensia 10 FPV drones with increased payload will be sent to the special operation zone, TASS reports.

In November 2022, the design bureau from St. Petersburg created the combat drone “Hortensia”, which became the first mass-produced FPV drone sent to the front on an industrial scale. “Hortensia” is suitable for different combat tasks, such as reconnaissance and ammunition drop, it can also be used as a kamikaze drone. The developer claims to have delivered more than 3,000 UAVs to the frontline. The company has its own repair base in the special military operation zone. The drones are assembled entirely in Russia.

The line is represented by FPV drone models Hortensia 7″, Hortensia 10″ and Hortensia 10″ with thermal imager, which significantly increases their functionality and scope of application. The Hortensia 7 drone can carry a munition weighing up to two kilograms, while the Hortensia 10 drone can carry a munition weighing up to 5 kilograms, with a flight time of 6.5 minutes and a range of up to 9 kilometres, which is enough to deliver a munition to a previously scouted enemy site. The first batch of 500 vehicles will arrive in the war zone on 5-7 December.

The Design Bureau also noted that their instructors with combat experience in the use of Hortensia drones are providing counselling to military personnel on the operation of these vehicles. They are also training UAV operators at the unit’s deployment site. This ensures the effective use of Hortensia drones in the special operation zone.