Ukrainian company Defender Dynamics has completed the development of a line of Foton copters designed to destroy enemy drones. The drones are equipped with an automated system for detecting and destroying targets, which works on the basis of lidar. The developers told Militarnyi about this.
The Foton models have aluminum frames ranging in size from 7 to 11.2 inches. 7-inch copters are equipped with one to six barrels, depending on the payload. One loaded barrel weighs 500 grams. The drone can fire from all barrels simultaneously or in turn. The barrels and software are the company's own development.
The automatic attack system works as follows: the operator launches the drone into the area of the likely target location, then activates the "kill" mode. The copter independently detects the object, determines the distance using lidar and fires. Manual firing control is also provided. The drones are compatible with digital, analog, thermal and twilight cameras. The attack zone is up to 5 meters, the minimum is 0.5 meters.
Foton uses 12 gauge — it is possible to use shot, buckshot or other types of ammunition. The barrels are made of titanium, which ensures lightness and durability. The drones have already passed flight and shooting tests, in particular on FPV drones with a diameter of 10 inches.
The main targets of the Fotons are FPV drones, reconnaissance drones such as Mavic, Matrice, Autel. The company plans to integrate the system with aircraft UAVs to combat the Zala, Orlan, SuperCam models. The first samples for combat use are currently being prepared.
By the way, recently, soldiers of the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Transcarpathian Brigade demonstrated the operation of the Nemesis drone, which carries up to 12 kg of explosives and is controlled via the Internet.