Researchers at Penza State University have patented the device as a new means of intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles. Essentially, it is a special projectile loaded into a mortar and fired toward an airborne target.
The interception itself is not intended to destroy the drone through an explosion or direct impact. Instead, the device deploys a net around the target.
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At a pre-programmed point along its trajectory, the projectile's front section opens and releases three metal cylinders. Propellant charges inside the cylinders then ignite simultaneously, pushing them apart and stretching a net between them into a triangular shape.
If a drone becomes entangled in the net, parachutes are deployed from the same three cylinders. These are intended to ensure a relatively soft landing, theoretically allowing the captured UAV to remain intact.
The concept could therefore offer russian forces two potential advantages. It could reduce the risk of debris or explosions caused by conventional interception and, more importantly, allow an intercepted Ukrainian drone to be recovered for technical examination.
The russian developers claim an interception range of up to 1 km. The mortar-based system could reportedly be deployed either in a stationary position or mounted on a mobile platform. Before firing, the launcher’s fire-control system would detect and track the target before calculating the trajectory required for interception.
The patent does not specify which classes of UAVs the device is intended to engage. However, it is difficult to imagine such a system being effective against large and heavy Ukrainian long-range strike drones.
Its effectiveness against smaller targets also raises significant questions. Much would depend on the capabilities of the launcher, particularly its detection, tracking, and fire-control systems.
Intercepting fast and maneuverable FPV drones could be especially challenging. Hitting such a target at a distance of several hundred meters is already difficult, and the system would need to accurately calculate the projectile's trajectory and deploy the net at precisely the right moment.
The patent also mentions a possible future version that would use compressed air or springs instead of propellant charges. Such a design could make the device reusable while retaining the ability to intercept very small drones.
The developers also see potential civilian applications for the compressed-air version. Specifically, they suggest that ornithologists could use it to capture birds without harming them.
However, this proposal raises perhaps even more questions. Catching a bird by firing a net-carrying projectile from a mortar, even one powered by compressed air, does not automatically sound like a particularly safe method for the animal.
From the Defense Express side, we urge readers to join a fundraiser for a solution that is already proving effective: the One United Fundraiser, organized by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to support interceptor drones.
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