Russian professionals have built an aviation unmanned aerial vehicle called the MM-1, created with conventional foamplast. Its remarkable feature is its invisibility to radio-electronic warfare systems.
Specifics of this development were shared with TASS by a spokesperson from the innovative technology center, TsAGIStart, situated within the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute’s technology park, named after esteemed Professor N.E. Zhukovsky.
The construction of the MM-1, according to the TASS representative, utilizes ordinary foam, making it an economically feasible production. A significant feature of this drone is its optimal radio transparency, ensuring the absence of parts that could generate interference. Furnished with an ability to elude detection by electronic warfare systems, the MM-1 has the potential to successfully navigate around enemy radio-electronic barriers, the source reassured.
No Metal Parts
The aircraft design is predominantly void of metal parts, housing only the motor and a limited number of screws. If any interference issues arise due to these screws, the developers are prepared to launch a model featuring fiberglass screws.
This innovative device was unveiled to the public on October 6, during the conference on “Development of the Industry of Unmanned Aviation Systems: Instructions, Challenges, and Solutions” hosted at the TsAGI technology park.
A TsAGIStart spokesperson shared with the media that the MM-1 drone is capable of reaching speeds up to 100 km/h while carrying a payload of up to 5 kg. The device operates on a first-person view [FPV] basis, boasting a front-facing camera.
The First Russian-Made FPV Drone
As indicated by BulgarianMilitary.com, Russia has predominantly used FPV devices, mainly foreign-manufactured, in Ukraine until now, making MM-1 the first Russian FPV drone of its kind.
Ukraine, on the other hand, has been using a variety of both indigenous and imported FPV drones against Russian army positions within its territories. Noteworthy is the fact that the foreign UAVs most utilized by Ukraine are of Polish origin. Irrespective of whether the UAVs are Ukrainian or Polish, their design configurations are essentially alike, this is based on the frontline analysis.
The Security Service of 🇺🇦Ukraine showed footage of a test of “cardboard” kamikaze drones, which were used to attack the Khalino airbase in the Kursk region on the night of August 27.
The video shows that the drone contains a small warhead, but it has a large amount of small shrapnel that quite densely covers an area of several square meters.
Currently, the MM-1 has been produced in a single unit.
“We plan to produce five more devices shortly. Before that, a series of additional tests for range and flight duration are lined up. The aim is for MM-1 to cover a distance of 100 km within approximately one hour,” stressed the TASS source.
Looking to the future, a TsAGIStart representative shared the potential for a cardboard UAV. “Although we have considered developing drones made from cardboard, we have decided to concentrate on one project at a time,” the representative told TASS.
What is Foamplast?
Foamplast material is a type of foam made from plastic polymers. It is commonly used in various industries for insulation, packaging, and cushioning purposes. The material is lightweight, flexible, and has excellent thermal and sound insulation properties.
Foamplast is typically produced by expanding plastic beads using heat and pressure, resulting in a foam-like structure with a cellular network of interconnected voids. This cellular structure gives foamplast its unique properties, such as low density and high compressibility.
Foamplast is a RF Challenge
Radiofrequency [RF] devices, such as RFID [Radio Frequency Identification] systems, rely on electromagnetic waves to communicate and exchange information. These devices work by sending and receiving radio signals to identify and track objects or individuals. However, foamplast material poses a challenge for RF detection due to its composition and physical properties.
The cellular structure of foamplast material acts as a barrier to radio waves. When radio waves encounter foamplast, they are absorbed, scattered, or reflected by the numerous air-filled voids within the material. This scattering and absorption of radio waves make it difficult for RF devices to accurately detect or read signals from objects or tags that are covered or surrounded by foamplast material.
Additionally, the plastic polymers used in foamplast can also have a shielding effect on RF signals. Some plastic polymers, especially those with high conductivity or metallic additives, can block or attenuate radio waves. This further hinders the ability of RF devices to detect foamplast material.
Source: Bulgarian Military