DIU: Russia adapts Molniia drone for aerial reconnaissance
This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, according to Ukrinform.
As noted, the Russian military previously used the Molniia FPV drone, which was launched from a special catapult and guided to the target by an operator.
Later, they began to use the Molniia-2 modification with two engines on the wings, a redesigned fuselage, increased flight range, and a reinforced warhead.
Today, a new adaptation of the same drone, designed for aerial reconnaissance, has been recorded – Molniia-2R. Russian developers have integrated a Raspberry Pi 5 microcomputer into the device, as well as a Chinese Mini PC F8, branded by the Russian brand Raskat (limited liability company NOVYI IT PROEKT) with a licensed Windows 11 operating system installed.
In addition to the FPV camera, the drone received an additional Chinese SIYI ZR10 camera with 10x optical zoom and three-axis stabilization, which significantly expands its surveillance and correction capabilities.
A Starlink satellite terminal is installed on board the Molniia-2R to transmit video signals from both cameras, telemetry, and control commands.
An interactive diagram, components, and electronic components of the Molniia-2R drone are available on the War&Sanctions portal.
As reported by Ukrinform, intelligence has released details of a new modification of the Russian Heranium-2 drone, equipped with an R-60 air-to-surface missile.
