RuAviation

The first trials of the fiber-optic FPV drone “Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky” launched from the unmanned vessel Skorlupa have been completed in the Black Sea. The tests were conducted by Nizhny Novgorod’s Research and Production Center “Ushkuynik” as part of the development of maritime unmanned platforms with secure, hardwired control channels.

Skorlupa is an unmanned boat equipped with a fiber-optic control system and designed for serial production. The platform can operate independently for reconnaissance and patrolling, or serve as a mobile launch and control base for other unmanned systems. This configuration extends the operational range of drones beyond the shoreline and allows command units to operate directly from maritime or river environments.

“We initially designed more than a simple ‘tethered drone’; we developed a universal fiber-optic control system adaptable to any environment. With ‘Knyaz Vandal,’ the goal was to deliver a complete product, including operator training, technical support, and feedback channels. Skorlupa is already in serial production, with hundreds of units manufactured monthly,” said Alexey Chadaev, CEO of NPC Ushkuynik.

Russian Fiber-Optic FPV Drones: Operational Scale and Operator Training

During trials, the FPV drone was deployed from the vessel’s launch compartment and operated via the fiber-optic line. The absence of a radio channel reduces vulnerability to electronic countermeasures and limits the risk of detection by radar systems. The platform is designed for coastal, inland waterway, and maritime operations.

From an engineering perspective, key parameters include fiber-optic link stability in rough waters, current effects on control, and operational range limits. These factors define the tactical envelope for real-world deployment.

Integration of the Skorlupa maritime platform with fiber-optic FPV drones aligns with the structure of Russian unmanned forces. Industry sources indicate that fiber-optic FPV drones account for 60% or more of certain Russian military UAV units.

Production of Skorlupa and operator training enable deployment in both maritime and riverine environments. Overall, the system provides a scalable and adaptable solution capable of performing a wide range of tasks in constrained coastal and maritime zones.