Scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) are actively developing intelligent control systems for Spectator unmanned aerial systems.
NASU President Anatolii Zahorodnii said this in an interview with Ukrinform.
According to the academician, these advanced control systems allow Ukrainian drones to operate autonomously, without being affected by radio interference or other external disturbances.
“The Spectator can independently select its flight altitude and identify targets – these are very advanced functions, incorporating elements of artificial intelligence. These capabilities are already integrated into the Spectator M-1M model, which is currently in production,” Zahorodnii said.
As the Spectator is primarily a reconnaissance drone, its developers have prioritized silent operation.
“Our scientists have developed a hydrogen fuel cell, a silent converter that transforms chemical energy into electricity,” Zahorodnii explained.
He also highlighted NASU’s role in training drone operators, noting that the academy’s certified training centers have prepared 3,700 operators who now serve on the front lines.
In 2015, recognizing the need to strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry, NASU launched a research program focused on improving the country’s defense and security. The program was coordinated with key ministries, the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the General Staff, Zahorodnii said.
According to him, since then, about 30 military innovations have been implemented and another 50 are currently being tested.
“Starting in 2022, we have scaled up these efforts through general funds allocated to the Academy. Our scientists are developing materials for infrared missile warheads, advanced rockets, and technology for manufacturing shell bodies designed to produce a maximum fragmentation upon detonation We also proposed lightweight but durable mobile shelter modules to protect against bombing,” he said.
The Spectator-M1 UAS, an improved version of the previous Spectator drones developed by JSC Meridian named SP Koroliov, was adopted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2019.
Designed for day and night reconnaissance, the Spectator-M1 can fly at altitudes of up to 3,600 meters, with a maximum speed of 120 km/h and an operational speed of 70 km/h. It can stay in flight for more than two hours and has a flight range of up to 150 km. The system transmits digitally encrypted video data, ensuring secure communication.