Russia is in the process of developing the Vector-120, a high-powered portable munitions unit comparable to a drone. Russia’s Unmanned Aviation Design Bureau spearheads the initiative.
Vector-120 pilot production phase
The device design has reached the pilot production stage, with flight tests expected to take place beginning in 2024. The Vector-120 is notable for its ability to be launched directly from a soldier’s equipment using a single-use launch tube.
Although compact in size, the device can carry a 220-250 gram warhead, enough to overcome the destructive force of RGD-5 or F-1 grenades and even the RPG-7 grenade launcher, according to the design office.
The Vector-120 has the particularity of being able to take off from any position. After flying a certain distance from the launcher, it spreads its wings and begins its flight mission.
Vector-120 drone objectives
The device is designed to destroy lightly armored vehicles such as infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and armored trucks. It is also anticipated that the Vector-120 will be capable of eliminating enemy personnel.
The Vector-120 is not your average drone. Its launch tube has a resistant design, suitable for rough handling. It does not require a launching system to deploy and is equipped with a replaceable shrapnel-filled warhead. These metallic elements are not conventional but are made of high-strength metal and have a wide radius of destruction.
Comparison with America’s Switchblade drone
The Vector-120 can be considered a Russian version of the American-made Switchblade. It’s too early to make a full comparison, though, as the Switchblade has quite a track record on the battlefield.
The Switchblade is a lightweight drone, designed to be used as a loitering munition. It has a wingspan of just over two feet, weighs just six pounds, and is easy to deploy in the field. Its GPS guidance system allows it to reach a specific location and attack with pinpoint precision.
This drone from the United States operates with an electric motor, reaches a maximum speed of 85 miles per hour and has a range of up to 10 kilometers. It can stay airborne for 15 minutes, giving operators plenty of time to locate and engage targets.
Switchblade drone features
The Switchblade is equipped with a high-resolution camera and can transmit real-time video and data to the operator. In addition, it has a warhead that can be detonated on impact, allowing it to operate as a kamikaze munition.
The US army has used this drone in Afghanistan and Iraq, proving its effectiveness in neutralizing enemy targets.
In short, Russia continues to advance the development of its Vector-120 drone, while America’s Switchblade drone has proven its worth on the battlefield.
The Vector-120 is a portable, drone-like munition device being developed by Russia’s unmanned aviation design bureau. The device is expected to be able to be launched directly from a military kit using a disposable launch tube and has the power of an RPG-7 grenade launcher.
Both the Vector-120 and the Switchblade are tactical ammunition devices. Unlike the Switchblade, however, the Vector-120 can launch from any position and has an improved tube design to withstand rough handling. Although the Vector-120 compares favorably in terms of capabilities, the Switchblade has proven itself in combat and has more experience in actual combat situations.
The Vector-120 can carry a 220-250 gram warhead, which is packed with shrapnel-like elements made of high-strength metal. This warhead is replaceable and has a wide destruction radius.
The Vector-120 is designed to destroy lightly armored vehicles such as infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and armored trucks. It is also capable of neutralizing enemy personnel effectively.
The flight test phase of the Vector-120 is scheduled to begin in 2024, according to Russia’s unmanned aviation design bureau.
