Drone dive bombers in Ukraine / Russian conflict

Thousands of small consumer quadcopters are undertaking recognisance operations providing information for every infantry squad and artillery battery. Included in this mass of drones is the Black Hornet which looks just like any other drone but reports from a Ukraine operator indicate that the stealthy nano-copter, able to move around inside buildings, has a uniquely valuable role.

Measuring slightly less than 17 cm from nose to tail, the Black Hornet is a miniaturized version of a helicopter. While it has a flight time of only 25 minutes, the tiny drone is capable of delivering live high-definition visible and thermal video to its operator. It is also designed to operate in highly contested and GPS-denied environments, making it ideal for reconnaissance and surveillance operations near adversaries as it can reportedly fly to within nine metres of enemy troops without being heard. Its size also makes it almost invisible although it would be visible from 50 m away when flying against the sky. Against buildings or vegetation, it was difficult to spot at 20 m.

The drone, its charger and its controller fit into a case that then easily fits into a standard military pouch. The Black Hornet can be controlled with one hand, and its autonomous navigation features allow it to react to changing environments and even return to its dock with minimal manual supervision.

The camera is not as good as the DJI models which have 720 x 1280 resolution streaming video as standard, the latest Hornets have upgraded cameras and the drone’s daylight camera could be swapped with a thermal imager for nighttime operations, enabling it to fly when others cannot.  

In terms of employment, the operator says that the Black Hornet’s main value is for close-range reconnaissance. The tiny drone can scout out the interior of buildings or look into trenches or other positions just ahead of the assault. This ability to go in first makes it a lifesaver, preventing deadly surprises to the attack force.

Drones in Ukraine are evolving in a way that parallels the development of early aircraft in WWI. General-purpose biplanes gave way to different types dedicated to air-to-air combat, ground support and heavy bombing. The Black Hornet corresponds to a light reconnaissance aircraft, and its ability to operate near troops, while being handier and more portable than other drones, makes it a valuable tool.

While it may be expensive by the standards of consumer drones, it’s still one of the more affordable pieces of military hardware. In exchange, the military gets detailed information on the best way for the American military to use its nano-drones in 21st-century warfare.