Baba Yaga (aircraft)
Ukrainian bomber drone
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Baba Yaga is the Russian nickname for a number of Ukrainian heavy bomber drones used in the conflict following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[1][2] Several models are referred as Baba Yaga, including Aerorozvidka R18, Kazhan, Nemesis and Vampire.[3][2][4]
Bomber drone
Russian Armed Forces (captured)
| Baba Yaga | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type | UAV Bomber drone |
| Place of origin | Ukraine |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2022–present |
| Used by | Ukrainian Armed Forces Russian Armed Forces (captured) |
| Wars | Russian invasion of Ukraine |
Nickname
Gallery
Drone calibration
Suspended bombs
Operators- Video of destruction by Russian FPV quadcopter
Construction
Baba Yaga are large multirotor drones, with four, six or eight rotors.[3][6][7] They are equipped with an infrared (thermal imaging) camera and able to carry up to a 15-kilogram (33 lb) rocket warhead.[1][2] Chechen soldiers of the Russian Armed Forces claimed that one of the modifications was equipped with claw-like devices, which were used to abduct wounded soldiers.[8]
Baba Yaga originated from an agricultural octocopter.[9] Russian-state media reported use of the drones in the eastern Donbas was based on heavy agricultural drones, and were nicknamed Baba Yaga after "a ferocious old woman".[9]
Use
Baba Yaga was used both as a bomber deploying "mortar-sized munitions" and also as a "mother-ship" drone equipped with a signal repeater, anti-jamming equipment, batteries, and directional antennas.[9] Its ability to function as a signal repeater extended the battery life and range of secondary drones.[10] The drones have been used primarily at night during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[11]