In 2019, the Russian industry presented the first domestic helicopter-type unmanned aerial vehicle designed to intercept small targets. According to the latest reports, the Wolf-18 interceptor drone has successfully completed flight and "combat" tests, and preparations are now underway for new tests. Based on the results of future state tests, the real prospects of this development will be determined.
Exhibit at the exhibition
The Wolf-18 project is being developed by Prom Composite and NPO Almaz from the Almaz-Antey VKO Concern. The finished sample was first demonstrated at the Army-2019 forum. Then some characteristics and main features of the product were revealed. No test successes were reported.
Recently, the National Exhibition and Forum of Civil Aviation Infrastructure NAIS-2021 was held in Moscow. At this event, "Almaz-Antey" for the first time showed the UAV "Wolf-18" modified version. The updated product specifications were announced, and in addition, important news about the progress of the project sounded.
The developers claim that the interceptor drone has recently passed flight tests. All the features of the product's operation in the air were checked. In addition, Volk-18 carried out a test interception of small UAVs. Already this year, it is planned to conduct state tests, which will determine the future of the new development.
Technical features
"Volk-18" is a helicopter-type UAV with four propeller-driven groups. The appearance of the product is determined in accordance with the tasks to be solved and taking into account a specific set of units. As the project developed, the exterior of the drone did not change, but the internal units underwent a major update. In addition, new control principles have been developed and implemented to simplify the use of the interceptor.
A promising UAV is made in a carbon-fiber housing of a complex shape. A volumetric fuselage is provided to accommodate controls, batteries and "weapons". Four propeller groups are mounted on two T-shaped units. Electric motors with a peak power of 550 W with two-blade propellers with a diameter of 400 mm are used.
The length and width of the product without screws does not exceed 600 mm, the height is 400 mm. Takeoff weight - 6 kg, of which 2 kg of payload. The battery charge is enough for 30 minutes of flight with patrol and target interception.
A transparent fairing is provided in the nose of the fuselage, under which several optoelectronic devices are located. In the course of a recent upgrade, new optical devices with improved performance have been introduced. Provided an overview in the sector 20x25 degrees. The on-board electronics provides a video signal to the operator's console.
The modernized "Volk-18" received a new control system that allows it to work both on commands from the console and in automatic mode. The latter allows the drone to independently go into a given area, conduct observation and identify targets, as well as aim at them and intercept them. In this case, the operator has only the decision to attack.
There is a hinged cover for the weapons compartment under the nose fairing. Below it there are three devices for launching grids. Shooting is carried out at the command of the operator or automatically, but with his permission. In case the ammunition is used up, the possibility of ramming the target is provided.
Small-sized "Wolf-18" does not impose special requirements on the means and conditions of transportation to the place of use. Its preparation for the flight does not take much time and is not difficult. At the same time, independent patrolling and automated interception of targets are provided. Thus, in terms of the totality of its characteristics, the interceptor drone can be of great interest to a wide range of operators.
Threat response
The widespread adoption of UAVs and the development of technologies observed in recent years are leading to the emergence of new risks. The combat potential of army reconnaissance and strike aircraft is well known. The experience of recent conflicts also shows the fundamental possibility of carrying out attacks using inexpensive civilian UAVs. Accordingly, the topic of protection against drones is becoming more and more important and necessary. Means of protection against such threats are needed by the army, as well as by the security and civilian structures.
Currently, several main ways to combat UAVs are proposed, which are implemented in a variety of projects from different countries. One of them provides for the neutralization of the target using contact non-lethal means. It is to this class that the new Russian "Wolf-18" belongs.
In the main interception mode, "Wolf-18" uses a net shot. The latter should cover the target, interfering with its further flight. In the case of a helicopter-type UAV, the mesh entangles the propellers and stops the motors. Unmanned aircraft are threatened not only by engine stalling, but also by jammed steering surfaces. After such an impact, the aircraft cannot continue its controlled flight; he plans or falls - and breaks. Apparently, the "Wolf-18" is capable of sending both light and medium-sized UAVs to the ground. It "hits" the propeller, which allows you to intercept targets larger than the interceptor itself.
Mesh interception has obvious advantages, although it has some requirements. The braided "striking element" effectively solves its task, and a miss when fired does not threaten the surrounding objects. At the same time, it requires a fairly high pointing accuracy. In addition, the intercepted object falls uncontrollably, which carries some threat.
As follows from the latest news, the Volk-18 project has successfully solved the problem of detection and guidance equipment. Moreover, after modernization, the interceptor drone is able to work automatically and successfully perform all its functions.
First but not the last
Currently, in our country, the development of various complexes for combating unmanned aircraft, using a variety of operating principles, continues. The upgraded version of the Volk-18 UAV is the first domestic development of this kind, combining a direct effect on the target and the possibility of automatic operation.
The Wolf-18 interceptor has passed flight tests and has shown its ability to intercept small air targets. This year it is planned to start state tests, after which the product will be able to go into series and go into operation in different structures. Probably, the starting customer will be the armed forces showing great interest in air defense systems.
The successful completion of work on "Wolf-18" may become an incentive for the further development of the direction of automated drones-interceptors. New samples of this kind, developed by different organizations, may be shown in the very near future. The trends in the development of unmanned aircraft clearly show that such equipment will not be left without tasks - and will certainly find its customers.
