Ukraine uses An-28 aircraft to launch interceptor drones — Defense Express
P1-SUN model drones can be launched from an An-28 aircraft (Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)
Ukrainian forces have, for the first time, used a light transport aircraft as a platform to launch anti-aircraft drones, according to video footage analyzed by Defense Express.
system, marking what analysts describe as a first-of-its-kind application of aircraft as drone carriers.
Up to six interceptor drones can be mounted under the aircraft’s wings, with operators positioned onboard to control the unmanned aerial vehicles during flight, Defense Express reported.
The aircraft retains its onboard machine guns, allowing it to engage targets using both gun systems and interceptor drones simultaneously.
The An-28 is well suited to serve as a “flying battery” for drones due to its ability to take off from unprepared airstrips and its relatively compact size, analysts said. The aircraft has a wingspan of 22 meters and a fuselage length of 12.98 meters.
It can carry up to 19 personnel, including drone operators, and has a maximum speed of 355 kilometers per hour with a flight range of up to 1,900 kilometers. These characteristics allow it to loiter for extended periods while intercepting Russian Shahed-type drones.
The Surveyor drones within the Merops system can reach speeds of up to 285 kilometers per hour and use kinetic warheads to intercept targets, Defense Express reported.
The P1-SUN drones have an operational range of up to 15 kilometers, can intercept targets at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters, and have a flight endurance of approximately 15 to 17 minutes.
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