Punisher (drone)
Ukrainian combat veteran-developed UCAV, in service since 2019.
The Punisher is a multifunctional unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) created in 2016 by Ukrainian combat veterans. Since 2019, the system has been supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with partial funding from private individuals. The Ukrainian Armed Forces officially contracted the UCAV Punisher on 18 August 2023.
The drone is designed for a range of roles, including medical and rescue operations, reconnaissance, and combat missions behind enemy lines. Specific tasks include aerial reconnaissance, direct action special operations, logistics and support for special operations, search and rescue, and psychological operations.
**Specifications**
The system has a crew of three on the ground (external pilot, operator, and technician), with no onboard crew. It measures 1.47 meters in length with a wingspan of 2.92 meters. Maximum takeoff weight is 7.5 kg, with a payload capacity of 2.5 kg.
Technically, it reaches a maximum speed of 55 m/s and a cruise speed of 28 m/s. Its operational altitude is 400 meters, with a range of 45 km. Launch preparation takes 10 minutes, and reloading takes 5 minutes. Drop accuracy is 4 meters, with a blast radius of 50 meters.
**Components**
Each system includes two striking and reconnaissance UCAVs, three sets of batteries, a catapult for launching, a Roda Lizard ground control station with an extra battery set, an antenna, a trackball and antenna cable (standardized per STANAG), a ballistic calculator, a set of modular components, transport cases, spare components, and a repair kit.
**Armament**
The Punisher uses a patented modular payload system with three types of containers. The UB-F1-75HE GAMECHANGER is a 75 mm high explosive fragmentation bomb (2.5 kg) for destroying troops, lightly armored targets, field command posts, radar, and electronic warfare stations. The UB-F2-75HEAT NUTCRACKER is a 75 mm cumulative unguided bomb (2.5 kg) for heavy equipment, fortified command posts, and watercraft. The UB-F3-75HEI BBQ is a 75 mm high explosive fragmentation cumulative bomb (2.5 kg) for troops, lightly armored targets, field command stations, radar, electronic warfare stations, and ammunition or fuel depots.
**Control and Features**
Each system is operated by a crew of three: an external pilot, an operator, and a technician. The manufacturer trains operators at official training centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Developer
- Ukrainian combat veterans
- Development start
- 2015
- First production and training
- 2016
- Supply to ukrainian armed forces start
- 2019
- Official contract date
- 18.08.2023
- Crews trained
- more than 100
- Drones used in combat by 2022
- more than 230
Lore & Background
The UCAV Punisher was developed starting in 2015 to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the Russian-Ukrainian war. Production and crew training began in 2016, and since then more than 100 crews have been trained to operate the system. By 2022, more than 230 drones had been used in combat operations. The drone has been presented at international exhibitions, including the Ukrainian pavilion at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2023 in London.
The Punisher is a reusable system with low operating costs, attributed to the reusability of scarce components and the low cost of manufacturing payload containers. It can be launched from a catapult up to an altitude of 400 meters quietly and without a heat trail, preventing detection by air defenses. The targeting and navigation system is separated between the drone and the ground control station, and navigation data is additionally protected in case of loss or capture.
The system includes two striking and reconnaissance UCAVs, three sets of batteries, a catapult, a Roda Lizard ground control station, antenna, trackball and antenna cable standardized according to STANAG, a ballistic calculator, modular components, transport cases, spare components, and a repair kit. Each system is operated by a crew of three: an external pilot, an operator, and a technician, with training conducted at official training centres of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Reader's Guide
The Punisher is significant as a multifunctional UCAV designed for aerial reconnaissance, direct action special operations, logistics and support for special operations, search and rescue, and psychological operations. It can also be used for medical and rescue purposes. Its patented modular payload system reduces costs and increases the number of missions, with three types of unguided bombs: the UB-F1-75HE GAMECHANGER (high explosive fragmentation), UB-F2-75HEAT NUTCRACKER (cumulative), and UB-F3-75HEI BBQ (high explosive fragmentation cumulative). All bombs are 75 mm in diameter, 550 mm long, and weigh 2.5 kg. The drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 7.5 kg, a payload of 2.5 kg, a maximum speed of 55 m/s, a cruise speed of 28 m/s, an operational altitude of 400 m, and a range of 45 km. Preparation for launch takes 10 minutes, reloading 5 minutes, drop accuracy is 4 m, and blast radius is 50 m. Its legacy lies in being a combat-veteran-developed system that has been fielded in significant numbers and officially contracted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Did You Know?
- The Punisher was developed by Ukrainian combat veterans starting in 2015.
- The drone can be launched from a catapult up to 400 m without a heat trail to avoid air defense detection.
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