Ukraine war
With the cardboard drone against Russia: why Ukraine is now relying on cardboard planes
Light, cheap and versatile: In the fight against Russia, Ukraine also makes use of cardboard planes.
© Sypaq
Ukraine has not yet received combat aircraft. Meanwhile, completely different flying objects help in the fight against Russian invaders: drones made of cardboard.
The Australian company Sypag provides Ukraine with powerful air support. But instead of missiles and fighter planes, it supplies drones. Unlike the giant Tupolev combat devices or the high-tech DJI multicopters, these are inexpensive disposable drones made of waxed cardboard.
Ukraine uses the so-called “Corvo Precision Payload Delivery System(PPDS) also engaged in combat, according to Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasil Miroshnichenko. Across from “3AWHe explains: “They are already being used by Ukrainian soldiers for various missions, including deadly ones.” According to Sypag boss David Vicino, the planes should primarily serve humanitarian purposes, such as the quick delivery of medical equipment, food and water to remote areas territories.
Ukraine receives 100 drones per month
The company says Ukraine is currently receiving 100 copies of the PPDS each month. The planes are delivered as a compact kit that “reminds me of a piece of furniture from Ikea,” which Miroshnichenko said in a TV interview by “7 newsUpon arrival, the cardboard pieces are assembled with rubber bands, resulting in a “low-tech” drone with “high-tech” tracking systems, they say.
The PPDS can be started either by hand or from a ramp. It uses a small front propeller to drive it and is said to have a range of up to 120 kilometers. As far as the payload or the possible armament is concerned, manufacturers and the military are equally silent. With its 1.80 meter wingspan, the PPDS should also be suitable as a dummy, explains the Australian news broadcaster. It is also useful for enlightenment.
Can be used multiple times, provided the drone survives the flight
According to media reports, the drone flies completely autonomously after the route has been programmed on a tablet before take-off. If you find it and it is not destroyed, the drone can be used multiple times. If this does not succeed, the financial damage is limited. What exactly a PPDS costs is unknown.
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The Australian Ministry of Defense is currently examining whether the cardboard drone is also suitable for its own army. However, according to Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles, the requirements are different from those of Ukraine.
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