Armata tanks will be equipped with reconnaissance drones to ensure all-around scanning of the terrain for the crew. The drone, designed by the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), will be able to stay in the air for a very long period of time as it will have no on-board power sources. The UAV will receive power via a flexible cable directly from the tank.
The drone was called “Pterodactyl.” The new lightweight UAVs is made of composite materials to ensure its durability and lightness. The cable-powered drone will be able to fly around the tank in a radius of 50-100 meters. It will also be able to ascend in the air for tens of meters. The portable radar and thermal night vision device will serve as the eyes of the “Pterodactyl.”
The most important part of the UAV – the cable system – has already passed tests at the laboratory of the Institute and fully confirmed all specified characteristics. Cable power gives the UAV a very serious advantage as it will be able to stay in the air for an indefinite period of time. Additionally, the UAV will have no battery that can therefore be replaced with additional useful equipment.