Unmanned aerial vehicles of light and middle class can be used for solving various tasks and therefore can pose a threat to important objects. Accordingly, specialized electronic warfare systems are needed to protect against drones. Such equipment is already being created in our country and abroad. To date, this direction has managed to show certain successes. A curious representative of an important class of specialized systems is the domestic REX-1 complex.
A promising portable electronic warfare system for work on UAVs was first presented in August 2017 at the international military-technical forum "Army". The REX-1 product was developed by the Zala Aero Group Unmanned Systems, which is part of the Kalashnikov concern. By the time of the first public display, the complex was ready for operation and could be used for its intended purpose. The new development in the field of electronic warfare naturally attracted the attention of specialists and the public.
Later, the developer company several times demonstrated its promising complex to the press, and also brought it to new exhibitions. Thus, within the framework of the Army-2018 forum, an updated version of the system was presented, finalized based on the results of tests and inspections. In the course of the modernization, the complete set of the product was changed, due to which it was possible to expand the range of tasks to be solved. In addition, the appearance of the system has changed noticeably. Previously available units now have different contours and are supplemented with new devices. At the same time, despite all the improvements, the overall architecture of the complex remained unchanged.
Last year, it was claimed that the REX-1 anti-UAV complex was developed by Zala on its own initiative. We spent only a month on design work. The work was accelerated by using the right approaches. In the design of the complex, some ready-made components of one kind or another are used, including recognizable ones. Unfortunately, at that time it was not possible to do with only the domestic component base, and the electronic equipment included parts of foreign production. However, the presence of imported components is justified by the results obtained.
The REX-1 complex is made in the form factor of a rifle / machine gun with a bullpup layout - if a similar terminology is applicable to electronic equipment. This layout is determined by the basic component of the product, borrowed from the existing model of sporting weapons. All electronic components are mounted on a plastic stock taken from an MP-514K air rifle. The latter is known for its unusual appearance and is well known to all fans of sports and recreational shooting. The sporting weapon stock was considered suitable for use in a special project.
The stock is deprived of all standard components, instead of which new equipment is installed. The front part of the box, which previously supported the muzzle section of the barrel, is now intended to install a set of radiating antennas and other means of influencing the target. Inside the box there are electronic control devices and the formation of radio signals. The plastic case also houses its own rechargeable battery, supplemented with a connector for connecting an external power supply.
Last year, the exhibition sample of the REX-1 system had emitters with a box-shaped body and trapezoidal radio-transparent covers. There were other antennas, lights, etc. next to them. A characteristic feature of the complex was the external placement of antenna devices, as a result of which they were connected to the internal equipment of the box using unprotected cables and external connectors.
The wrestling complex of the 2018 model is distinguished by the shape of the main units and the methods of their attachment. In particular, the antennas are now mounted on new brackets to ensure their correct positioning and targeting. The actual antenna devices now have circular cross-section housings. The housings themselves are reduced, while the size of the radio-transparent covers is increased. It also provides for the installation of three additional devices operating in the radio and optical ranges.
All modules of the REX-1 complex have their own purpose, and each of them is responsible for solving a specific problem. The modular design makes it easy to repair and upgrade the system. The damaged module can be quickly and easily removed from the stock and replaced with a new one. Updates can be done in a similar way. A set of modules allows you to influence the target in several ways at once, preventing its effective work.
The complex is proposed to be used against unmanned aerial vehicles of light and middle class. This technique uses radio control and telemetry facilities operating at known frequencies. Two modules are designed to suppress communication channels operating at frequencies of 2, 4 and 5, 8 GHz. The directional antennas of these modules block the drone's communications. Suppression of the radio channel of communication with the operator, depending on the type and model of the target, makes it difficult or impossible for its further work. Also directional antennas can work in other bands, including those used in civil communications.
The third module of the REX-1 complex emits interference at the frequencies used by satellite navigation systems. When this device is operating, the UAV loses the ability to accurately determine its location. Loss of communication with the remote control and the inability to navigate prevents most modern drones from continuing to work. The most likely outcome of the use of three electronic warfare modules is the landing or fall of the aircraft.
Also, the project of the Zala Aero Group provides for the use of optical-electronic suppression. With their help, the REX-1 complex is able to act on target optical devices, interfering with their work. There are two ways to influence the target using light and optical signals.
The first optoelectronic module is based on a high-power flashlight with a strobe function. A bright flashing light can negatively affect the UAV camera and interfere with the work of its operator, who receives a video signal on the remote control screen. For the same purpose, the second module is used, which includes a laser in the optical range. The directional beam should be illuminated and exclude normal operation of the camera. Some laser complexes of optoelectronic suppression are characterized by high power and are capable of incapacitating or damaging optical devices. Whether the REX-1 has such functions was not specified.
From the point of view of ergonomics, the anti-UAV complex is similar to small arms. The plastic stock has an integrated pistol grip, connected to the shoulder rest by means of a longitudinal bar. For greater ease of holding, the use of a "tactical" front handle, fixed on the Picatinny rail, is provided. A folding two-legged bipod is installed next to it. It is suggested to use a belt with two attachment points for carrying. The control is carried out using several switches. One of them is located at the place of the trigger.
Aiming the complex at the target drone is carried out using a "weapon" type sight. Prototypes shown in 2017 and 2018 carried collimator sights of various models. Pointing of the REX-1 is simplified due to the fact that the electronic and optical modules emit a signal in a certain sector. More accurate aiming is only necessary when using a laser.
The REX-1 complex in working condition has a length of 700 mm with a height of 240 mm and a maximum height of 160 mm. Weight - only 4.5 kg. A hard case is used to transport the product. The built-in battery provides 3 hours of continuous operation and can store a charge for 36 months. If necessary, it is possible to use an external power supply, which practically does not limit the operating time.
According to the developer, analog radio signals are suppressed using a directional antenna in a sector with a width of 30 °. The suppression range is 500 m. Directional suppression of cellular communication or Wi-Fi signals is provided at ranges of up to 1 km. The satellite navigation systems signal suppression module provides all-round coverage and operates within a 2 km radius. It is important that during operation the complex does not significantly affect the operator. In terms of the electromagnetic effect of REX-1 on humans, it is similar to a pair of working smartphones.
The Zala REX-1 anti-UAV complex is intended primarily for the army and security forces. Army units, structures of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, etc. can receive the task of preventing UAV access to specified zones. Complexes like REX-1 are able to eliminate the flight of drones without any risks to infrastructure, people or the environment. Radio-electronic or optical impact on the target "gently" prevents its effective operation and does not allow the enemy to solve his problems.
The possibility of supplying new complexes to foreign customers is not excluded. In August, it was reported that the REX-1 had passed the required inspections and received a safety certificate for export. The possibility of selling new systems to individuals and organizations was also mentioned. However, the complete set of devices is intended only for the military and security forces. Civilian customers will have to use the equipment in a reduced configuration and with fewer functions.
The REX-1 complex has already passed the necessary tests, and it was checked both by the specialists of the Zala Aero Group and by the military. At the end of September, it was reported that during the Vostok-2018 international exercise, Russian fighters tested the latest anti-drones at the training ground. It is possible that the Ministry of Defense, having studied the results of the recent exercises, will decide to put the new complex into service.
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It should be noted that the very fact of developing a new complex for countering unmanned aerial vehicles can no longer be loud news. Such equipment is being created in different countries, and some foreign samples managed to enter the market. Thus, each new development of this kind, including the Russian REX-1 complex, becomes just another example of its class.
Based on the available data, it can be assumed that the REX-1 product from Zala is indeed of interest to potential customers. Unlike a number of analogs of domestic and foreign production, REX-1 affects not only radio channels, but also target optical devices. This has an understandable effect on the results of work on the UAV. In addition, it becomes possible to influence other goals. For example, a stroboscope or laser can be used against any video system or manpower.
REX-1 has very good ergonomics, and in addition, it is built on the basis of ready-made components. Extreme ease of operation is declared: preparation for work and "shooting" at the target. All these factors can become advantages over competing products and affect the commercial potential of the project. There is no information on orders and deliveries yet, but there is every reason to expect that contracts for serial devices will appear in the near future.
According to various estimates, the Russian defense industry is the world leader in the field of electronic warfare. Practice confirms these estimates, and also indicates the fact that new successful developments are present in all major areas. Russian enterprises are capable of building not only large military electronic warfare systems, but also compact specialized systems.
