Ukraine's newest maritime drone Magura V7, which recently shot down a russian fighter jet for the first time in history, was officially presented along with its specifications.
The new development was presented by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine. In addition to the Magura V7, the Magura V5 and the Magura V6P, a multifunctional platform, were also presented.
Read more: 27 Sorties in One Night: How Ukraine’s Vampire Drone Hunts russian Assault Troops
The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine also noted that Group 13 has destroyed over $500 million worth of russian ships, vessels, aircraft, and helicopters. Among the destroyed assets are the Project 22160 Sergey Kotov patrol ship, the Project 12411 Ivanovets missile corvette, and the Project 775 Caesar Kunikov large landing ship. In total, nine vessels were destroyed, along with two Su-30 fighter jets and two Mi-8 helicopters.
Magura V7 is a larger platform compared to Magura V5. The new maritime drone is 7.2 meters long, with a base weight of 1,300 kg and a full operational weight of 3,400 kg. Larger dimensions allow the drone to carry more fuel, increasing its operational range. The range is 870 km with an endurance of 48 hours, which can be extended up to seven days using an additional generator. The fuel capacity is 1200 liters.
It also supports larger weapons systems, with a payload capacity of up to 650 kg. In addition to its role as a maritime air defense drone, the Magura V7 can function as a kamikaze drone to destroy enemy ships, serve as a logistics platform, and conduct patrols and anti-submarine warfare missions using its environment monitoring system.
The Magura V7 also has improved seakeeping capabilities. The permissible wave height is up to 1.25 meters (corresponding to sea state 3), and the maximum speed, powered by a 270-horsepower diesel engine, is at least 39 knots (72 km/h).
The communication and control system of the Magura V7 is based on previously developed solutions. The drone operator's console was also shown.
Integration of AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles is achieved via a hardpoint mounted on a launch structure. Thanks to the missile's wide infrared homing field of view, horizontal targeting is achieved by rotating the drone itself, which significantly simplifies and reduces the weight of the launcher design.
A Magura V7 variant with a machine gun combat module was also demonstrated. It is worth noting that maritime drone operations should now be regarded as a system, requiring close coordination between different types of drones with distinct functions.
A single swarm may include kamikaze drones, supported by anti-air naval drones for protection against air attacks, and others armed with machine guns or different weapons to defend against russian ships.
As Defense Express reported russian Katran USV has become a big threat to Ukraine's Magura sea drones.
Read more: Analysts on Ukraine's Magura V7 Drone Size and the Challenge of Firing AIM-9 Missiles
