Nizhny Novgorod engineers developed a vertical takeoff drone, "Duga"

      19 November 2025 16:42 Society

      Engineers at the Nizhny Novgorod company "Khimera", with the support of the People's Front's "Kulibin Club", have developed an unmanned aerial vehicle that takes off without using a catapult. Initially the company specialized in creating software for special communications, but decided to expand its activities and engage in UAV production. This was reported by 360.ru.

      One of Khimera's representatives, Sergey, explained that the new drone takes off like a quadcopter and, after reaching the required altitude, switches to airplane mode. The unmanned vehicle can cover distances up to 50 km and carry up to 1.5 kg of cargo.

      "If it's a reconnaissance [drone], the payload will be a camera and an additional battery; if an attack drone, then one battery and a warhead," Sergey clarified.

      So far, "Duga" has not been supplied to the zone of the special military operation, but the military have already highly praised this development. They noted that the absence of a catapult is a significant advantage in combat conditions, as its deployment can reveal the position. Vertical takeoff allows approaching closer to the enemy while remaining unnoticed.

      The new UAV's name was chosen in honor of a fiber-optic spool that Khimera also produces. Together with ground control stations and components, the company sends these devices to fighters of the special military operation, as well as to training centers for preparing drone pilots and operators.

      The People's Front's "Kulibin Club" selects and supports the best developments of domestic engineers.

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