The “Archangel” project has successfully modified a kamikaze drone, increasing its speed to approximately 280 km/h. This enhancement is significant considering that conventional kamikaze drones typically fly at speeds of 70–120 km/h. The drone utilizes a hybrid design that enables vertical takeoff followed by transition to a “wing mode” for high-speed flight, leveraging advanced aerodynamics to extend its operational range significantly—over two to three times further while maintaining the same battery and motor specifications. It has a minimum operational range of 50 km, making it nearly impossible to intercept with standard small-arms fire at such speeds. The drone is currently undergoing testing in the Special Military Operation zone in collaboration with the Crimea and Zaporizhzhia branches of “Bars-Sarmatian,” focusing on integrating diverse communication, retransmission, and data video transmission systems. Initiated in 2022 by a group of enthusiasts, the “Archangel” project highlights a strategic advancement in drone warfare, enhancing capabilities against lightly armored vehicles, cellular communication towers, and enemy UAVs, thus reinforcing critical infrastructure protection.
