The Dnepr group of troops has created a multifunctional strike and transport UAV Perun, capable of delivering cargo weighing up to 200kg, performing reconnaissance and search functions, participating in casualty evacuation, using ATGMs, as well as dropping landing groups behind enemy lines. The Russian Ministry of Defence told about the UAV running on Russian software.
The Perun multifunctional unmanned aerial system was created by a military man with the call sign Solza. Thanks to his considerable experience in combat operations, he had a good understanding of what a UAV in demand by units at the front should be. As a result, the UAV is not only multifunctional, but also capable of remaining stealthy and protected from the enemy’s electronic warfare equipment. The UAV runs on battery-powered electric motors, the drone does not heat up, so it cannot be recognised by thermal imaging cameras and allows for safe movement at night. The Perun uses more than 15 communication channels for control, whereas most drones typically only have four.
Solza developed the idea while on the frontline in a war zone. To build the first drone model, he sold his motorbike and spent the remaining premium from the fighting for Bakhmut. According to the fighter, despite the fact that few people did not believe in his success, he managed to bring his project to life and bring it to a working product. The Perun developer is sure that his drone will also be the best solution for evacuating the wounded. This can be done with the help of special stretchers or an ordinary cable.
The first flights of the Perun drone will take place in August-September 2023. A team of developers from Aerotechnologies LLC and a group of testers carried out in the field cargo transportation, landing of a fighter and evacuation of a wounded man. The tests were successful. The complex showed excellent flight characteristics and reliability of all systems.
Initially, the development attracted the attention of logistics services responsible for supplying fighters on the front line. Thanks to Perun it was possible to significantly increase the efficiency of food delivery. The volume, which previously required at least 13 FPV drone flights, can now be delivered in one flight.
The combat potential of the drone was tested at the range. An anti-tank missile system with guided missiles was installed on the Perun, firing both from the ground and in the air. The missile was guided by an operator using a remote control panel. In further tests it is planned to equip Perun with a machine gun and installations for launching unguided aircraft missiles, which will further expand its tactical capabilities.
Perun is a thunder god, god of war, patron of the prince and the princely army in Slavic mythology. Perun’s name means “striking”. The footage of the Perun tests demonstrated by the Ministry of Defence confirms its high efficiency and versatility in various combat and logistic operations. To operate the drone, the operator must have previous experience with UAVs, and training will take at least three weeks.