The continuous advancement of无人作战 capabilities by the Chinese People's Liberation Army is not surprising, but the recent public disclosure of a micro-sized combat drone with an appearance resembling a thermos cup has still garnered significant attention. Compared to the widely used "穿越机" on the Ukrainian battlefield, this drone is hailed as having the highest payload coefficient among known unmanned aerial vehicles, capable of carrying three hand grenades, showcasing a technical breakthrough in the single-soldier equipment domain of the PLA.
According to the WeChat Official Account "CCTV Military," this micro-sized combat drone is similar in size to traditional wooden-handled grenades, weighs less than one kilogram, and is the only miniature drone fully equipped for all members of an infantry squad in China. Its coaxial dual-rotor design allows the rotor blades to fold, making it easy to carry, particularly suitable for individual soldier operations.
This drone features an extremely high payload coefficient, capable of carrying a load twice its own weight. It can carry three hand grenades at once, far surpassing similar equipment in terms of firepower output. With a total weight of less than one kilogram, soldiers can carry multiple units, even up to twenty, for missions. Its modular design enables it to perform reconnaissance tasks as well as directly participate in combat, making it a perfect combination of "reconnaissance scout and combat expert," or the smallest integrated reconnaissance-strike drone in the world.
Equipped with a neural network processor and artificial intelligence technology, this drone can autonomously execute tasks on the battlefield after pre-battle learning. In reconnaissance mode, it can silently fly to enemy positions, transmitting real-time intelligence on enemy troop deployments and equipment through high-definition cameras. In combat mode, it transforms into a "flying hand grenade," precisely delivering explosives to strike enemy targets.
The coaxial rotor design cancels out torque through two sets of counter-rotating blades, reducing energy loss and allowing the drone to carry a larger payload within the same volume and weight. For instance, the drone mentioned in the news can carry a load twice its own weight (such as three hand grenades), which is globally leading in the field of micro drones. The mention that this drone operates "silently" during reconnaissance missions indicates good noise control and infrared feature optimization, making it suitable for covertly approaching enemy targets to execute intelligence gathering or surprise attack missions.
Even more impressive is that this drone can be launched using a 35mm rifle-mounted grenade launcher, significantly extending the striking range of soldiers. In specific scenarios, it can also be assembled into quadcopter or hexacopter configurations to enhance overall lift capacity for more complex mission requirements, such as carrying heavier equipment or executing special tactical missions.
According to "Military Technology," a similar designed "Rainbow 817A" drone was showcased at the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024. This single-soldier drone, affectionately nicknamed "Flying Hand Grenade," attracted significant attention due to its low cost and ease of mass production. Military experts noted that its modular design and high cost-effectiveness make it suitable for large-scale equipment of grassroots troops, further enhancing the flexibility and firepower coverage of the PLA in modern warfare. From the information obtained at the Zhuhai Airshow, these drones can even enter buildings to execute combat missions.
The public release of this miniature drone marks another milestone in the PLA's development of single-soldier unmanned combat equipment. Its globally leading payload coefficient, intelligent combat capabilities, and flexible tactical applications not only enhance the operational efficiency of infantry squads but also provide new possibilities for future unmanned warfare. As such equipment becomes more widely deployed, the PLA's advantages in informatized and intelligent battlefields will be further consolidated.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516723464066122240/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's views. Please express your opinions by clicking the 'Like' or 'Dislike' buttons below.