The Ukrainian government recently carried out a deep strike targeting Russia’s strategic industries using a locally-made ultralight sport plane that was converted into an explosive drone. The drone, which was based on an Aeroprakt A-22 model, was used in an attack on the Alabuga Special Economic Zone industrial campus located 600 miles from the Ukrainian border. This attack is believed to be the first of many using this new drone type.
The conversion of the A-22 into an explosive drone showcases the potential of this aircraft for further attacks. The A-22 is simple, reliable, and affordable, making it an ideal candidate for drone conversion. With a cost of just $90,000 per copy, the A-22 drone can travel 600 miles through Russian air defenses with high accuracy and deliver potentially hundreds of pounds of explosives. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to other military equipment, such as the American-made Javelin anti-tank missile.
The scalability of the A-22 drone production suggests that more attacks using this technology may be attempted in the future. The recent attack on the Alabuga facility reportedly injured 14 people and damaged either the drone factory or a nearby dormitory for workers. Despite the potential risks, the A-22 remains an attractive option for military applications due to its affordable cost and effectiveness as a drone.
The A-22 is a popular choice among hobby pilots for its rugged nature, easy handling, and cruising capabilities. With a top speed of 126 miles per hour, the A-22 is not as fast as traditional cruise missiles but offers a cost-effective alternative for long-range strikes. The drone version of the A-22 is equipped with autonomous controls that allow it to function as a slow cruise missile without the need for a pilot to return it to base.
The transformation of the A-22 into a killer drone likely involved installing autonomous controls similar to those used by the U.S. Air Force in converting a Cessna 206 light plane into an unmanned aerial vehicle. The system allows for autonomous flight and control without permanent modifications to the aircraft. The A-22 drone, while slower than traditional cruise missiles, offers a cost-effective alternative for long-range strikes in comparison to other military equipment.
Overall, the use of the A-22 drone in the recent attack on the Alabuga facility highlights the potential for future attacks using this technology. The affordability, scalability, and effectiveness of the A-22 as a drone make it a viable option for military applications. While it may not match the speed of traditional cruise missiles, the A-22 offers a cost-effective alternative for long-range strikes against strategic targets.
