Geopolitics
Polish “FlyEyes” of the Ukrainian Artillery [VIDEO]
Polish WB Group FlyEye UAVs are paired with the Turkish Bayraktar systems in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Nonetheless, the former UAV is overshadowed by the latter. The Polish platform has been frequently used in easternmost Ukraine, often being targeted by the Russian EW assets. So far, none of the UAVs operated by Ukrainians has been lost. Currently, the FlyEye platforms are effectively used for directing artillery fire.
The recording here shows imagery captured by FlyEye, that is used to designate targets for the Ukrainian artillery: here, a Russian unit hiding within an industrial compound. One can see the Russian vehicles here. Shelling, meanwhile, is done by the Ukrainian tube-artillery assets. Most probably the above include the Giatsint-B or Msta-B 152 mm guns.
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The FlyEye UAVs have now been used by the Ukrainian Army since 2015. Due to the high resilience exhibited towards electronic countermeasures, instead of being used in artillery units, they are often employed by the Ukrainian SOF. Currently, the FlyEye is used as an artillery recce asset more and more frequently.
#Russia'n army base hit by #Ukraine's artillery pic.twitter.com/GPQVmyrD49
— C4H10FO2P (@markito0171) March 19, 2022
The Ukrainian MoD, referring to the information provided by the WB Group claims that FlyEye UAVs can fly at a speed between 50 and 170 kph, at an altitude of up to 4,000 meters for at least 3 hours. The C2 system embedded onboard allows the UAS to operate 30 to 50 kilometers away from the control station.
The reconnaissance data is being transmitted in real-time, while a precise surveillance system allows for daytime and night operations, and also provides fairly accurate positioning data for the UAV and the observed object. This, in turn, makes it possible to immediately adjust the firing solutions and base further adjustment referring to the actual point of impact.
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Ukraine also extensively tests the teaming concept, between the FlyEye UAV and the Warmate loitering munitions. Both the aircraft, as well as the warheads, in 3 different versions, have been manufactured by a local, Chernihiv-based CheZaRa company.