Footage on social media shows that the modified grenades are thrown at unsuspecting Russian soldiers. In one clip, the RKG-1600 actually falls through the open hatch of a vehicle used by Moscow troops.
“Almost impossible to see or hear from the ground”
Octocopters – so named for the eight engines and propellers of the aircraft – also carry cameras, which means that operators, who often hide hundreds of meters away, are able to choose exactly their targets.
The small size of the drones makes them almost impossible to see or hear from the ground, especially at night and for the crew of an armored vehicle.
Although the radio control link is vulnerable to jamming by Russian electronic warfare equipment, such systems must be aimed at the drone and are also likely to be operated by soldiers in vehicles or buildings.
Aerorozvidka (meaning “air reconnaissance” in Ukrainian) is an example of a “military launch community” that emerged as a result of the latest Russian attack.
Growing up from a group of drone volunteers and IT enthusiasts, the equipment became a military unit much later. He claims to have destroyed dozens of Russian tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and command posts since the start of the war.
The use of 3D printing is new to military operations and is likely to remain limited to basic forms for some time.
However, as the strength of the available materials improves, which means that the manufactured parts are better able to withstand extreme pressure when the weapon is operating, it is believed that the technique will be used in more complex systems soon.
Cost benefits of 3D printing
In addition to the obvious tactical usefulness, military innovation will also have an economic impact.
With an octocopter drone costing about $ 10,000 and an RKG-1600 expected to be under $ 100, this is a very cost-effective way to fight a larger army. Each Russian BMP-3 costs about $ 800,000.
This is just the equipment. The cost of the crew – in training and morale among the wider forces – will be many times higher than the cost of replacing the vehicle.
Modified grenades show how innovations on the battlefield can be deadly. The new breed of weapons achieves results disproportionate to the time and cost required to produce them.
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