Punisher (drone) explained

UCAV Punisher is a multifunctional unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV),^{[1] [2]} which was developed in 2016 by Ukrainian combat veterans. Since 2019, the system has been supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces partially funded by individuals. UCAV Punisher has been officially contracted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces^[3] from 18.08.2023.

The UCAV Punisher can be used for medical and rescue purposes, as well as for reconnaissance and combat missions behind enemy lines.UCAV Punisher^[4] was designed to perform such tasks as aerial reconnaissance, direct action special operations, logistics and support for special operations,^[5] search and rescue, and psychological operations.^[6]

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: 0 onboard, 3 in ground station
• Length: 1.47 m / 4.99 ft
• Wingspan: 2.92 m / 9.69 ft
• The maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): 7.5 kg / 16.85 lb
• Payload: 2.5 kg / 5.5 lb

Technical characteristics

• Maximum speed: 55 m/s / 107 kn
• Cruise speed: 28 m/s / 39 kn
• Operational altitude: 400 m / 1312 ft
• Range: 45 km / 28 mi
• Preparation for launch - 10 min
• Reloading - 5 min
• Drop accuracy - 4 m / 13 feet
• Blast radius - 50 m / 164 ft

Components included

• 2 striking and reconnaissance UCAVs
• 3 sets of batteries
• Catapult for UCAV launching
• Roda Lizard ground control station with an additional set of batteries
• Antenna
• Trackball and antenna cable, standardized according to STANAG
• Ballistic calculator
• A set of modular components
• Transport cases
• Spare components
• Repair kit

Armament

UCAV Punisher is equipped with a patented modular payload system reducing costs and increasing the number of missions. There are three types of payload containers.

UB-F1-75HE GAMECHANGER

• Unguided bomb - FIST1 -75mm - HE/FRAG
• Diameter 75 mm
• Length 550 mm
• Weight 2.5 kg
• High explosive fragmentation bomb designed to destroy enemy troops, lightly armored targets, field command posts, radar, electronic warfare, and electronic warfare stations.

UB-F2-75HEAT NUTCRACKER

• • Unguided bomb - FIST2 -75mm — cumulative Diameter 75 mm
• Length 550 mm
• Weight 2.5 kg
• High explosive, unguided bomb designed to destroy enemy heavy equipment, fortified command posts. Can also be used against watercraft.

UB-F3-75HEI BBQ

• • Unguided bomb - FIST3 -75mm HE/FRAG, cumulative Diameter 75 mm
• Length 550 mm
• Weight 2.5 kg
• High explosive fragmentation, cumulative unguided bomb designed to destroy enemy troops, lightly armored targets, field command stations, radar, EW, and EW stations, as well as ammunition and fuel depots.

Unmanned system control

Each system is operated by a crew of three servicemen: an external pilot, an operator and a technician. The manufacturer trains operators at official training centres of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.^[7]

Features

This drone^[8] has low operating costs, both due to the reusability of scarce system components and the low cost of manufacturing payload containers.

The drone can be launched from a catapult up to an altitude of 400 m quietly and without heat trail preventing its detection by air defences.

The targeting and navigation system is separated between the drone and the ground control station and the navigation data is additionally protected in case of loss or capture.

History

UCAV Punisher development started in 2015 to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the Russian-Ukrainian war.^[9] In 2016 production and crew training began. Since then, more than 100 crews have been trained to operate the UCAV Punisher.^{[10] [11]} By 2022 more than 230 drones had been used in combat operations.^[12]

The drones are presented in international exhibitions such as the Ukrainian pavilion^[13] at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2023 in London.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Supruniuk . Iryna . UA DYNAMICS created the concept of a reusable airstrike drone PUNISHER . Techukraine . 4 October 2022 . 15 April 2022.
2. Tice, Brian P. (Spring 1991). "Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – The Force Multiplier of the 1990s". Airpower Journal. Archived from the original on 24 July 2009. Retrieved 6 June 2013. "When used, UAVs should generally perform missions characterized by the three Ds: dull, dirty, and dangerous."
3. Web site: SOF of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be armed with Ukrainian PUNISHER UAVs . Militarnyi - «Ukrainian Military Center» Public Organization . 4 October 2022.
4. Web site: UA Dynamics Punisher . military factory . 5 October 2022.
5. Web site: Eastwood . Brent M. . Why the Russian Military Hates Ukraine's Punisher Drone . 19FortyFive . 5 October 2022 . 15 March 2022.
6. News: Kramer . Andrew E. . Guttenfelder . David . From the Workshop to the War: Creative Use of Drones Lifts Ukraine . 4 October 2022 . . 10 August 2022.
7. Web site: Army Recognition . Discover new STE Punisher drone deployed by Ukrainian army . Army Recognition . 26 March 2024. 21 September 2023.
8. Web site: ANASTASIIA . HERASYMCHUK . The Punisher: An Impressive Drone Produced in Ukraine . Ukraine World International . 26 March 2024. 24 June 2023.
9. News: Rozovsky . Liza . Ukrainian Veterans Gird for Another War – and Family Is No Excuse . 5 October 2022 . . February 19, 2022 . en.
10. Web site: France 24 . The Punisher: Ukraine's homemade attack drone . france24.com . 26 March 2024. 23 May 2023.
11. Web site: Military Factory. UA Dynamics Punisher.
12. News: Brown . Larisa . 'Game-changing' drones helping Ukraine in battle for the skies . . March 2, 2022 . en.
13. News: Nersisyan . Leonid . Ukraine shows combat-tested armament at DSEI 2023 . 15 September 2023 . en.