Luch Design Bureau plans to develop the first prototype of the Ukrainian Sokil-300 combat drone by the end of 2021. If KB Luch receives state funding, they will be able to lift UAVs into the air in the first quarter of 2022.
Kyiv. Ukraine. Ukraine Gate – June 18, 2021 – Technology
“It is designed, individual components are made for it and they are tested. I think that in the first quarter of next year Sokil-300 may rise into the sky, “said the designer.
According to Korostelev, the only thing that may prevent the implementation of such plans in time – the lack of necessary funds. The Ministry of Defense is not yet involved in financing the project.
“The Ministry of Defense buys foreign equipment and looks with fear at its own developments, as this may force it to reconsider its own line,” complained the general director of KB Luch.
He said that the prototype drone will be “very difficult” to make on its own.
“This is quite a lot of money for our company, we do not have working capital. I hope that public opinion will help. “
Korostelov also noted that representatives of other countries are interested in Ukrainian development.
According to the general director of KB Luch, the main feature of Sokol-300 is that it can work outside weather conditions. It is planned to equip the drone with a radar with a synthesized aperture, which will “scan the surface” regardless of weather conditions. An appropriate radar station has already been developed.
Korostelov noted that the model of the Falcon-300 presented at the arms exhibition in Kyiv is the final look of the future drone.
The model of the Sokil-300 reconnaissance and strike drone was presented on November 6, 2020. The drone will be able to carry four cruise missiles and stay in the air for up to five hours with altitudes up to 10-12 km, as well as have a combat range of up to 150 km and carry up to 300 kg of payload.
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Source: Ukrgate
