The AQ 400 Scythe is a long-range UAV (up to 750 km) designed for launching from short runways or catapults, capable of carrying a payload of up to 32 kilograms (expandable to 70 kg by reducing the flight range).
AQ 400 Scythe flies distances as long as 750 km
The Ukrainian military received the first batch of new AQ 400 Scythe unmanned aerial vehicles.
Terminal Autonomy, formerly known as One Way Aerospace, announces the successful completion of a procurement to support the combat deployment of the AQ 400 Scythe system.
In an official statement, the company said that this event, which is marked by an initial production capacity of 100 units and ambitious plans to scale up to 500 units per month, marks a significant leap in the strategic military capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The AQ 400 Scythe is a long-range (750 km) UAV designed to be launched from short runways or catapults, capable of carrying a payload of up to 32 kilograms (can be increased to 70 kg due to reduced range). Its distinctive features include rapid assembly, mass production and cost-effectiveness, making it a key asset in modern warfare.
Terminal Autonomy has strategically sourced the production of its kamikaze drones through a network of small businesses and engineering firms capable of producing such platforms. Although the company purchases certain components outside of Ukraine, primarily from Germany and the UK, the project's priority is to localise production within Ukraine as much as possible.
The development of the AQ 400 Scythe highlights a paradigm shift in military technology, harnessing the power of unmanned systems to provide strategic advantages on the battlefield. The system's streamlined manufacturing process and focus on cost-effectiveness demonstrate Terminal Autonomy's commitment to delivering advanced capabilities while providing a strategic localised manufacturing space.
What is known about the Ukrainian Backfire drone
Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov said that Backfire is an attack drone from Ukrainian developers who are part of the Brave1 defence cluster.
The drone flies at a distance of up to 35 kilometres behind enemy lines and helps to hit Russian artillery, logistics centres, enemy warehouses and command posts.
It has a GPS antenna that is virtually impossible to jam. This makes it resistant to Russian electronic warfare.
In addition, the Russians cannot calculate its coordinates and ground command because of the drone's complete autonomy.
Backfire is currently showing good results at the frontline. Over the past two months, the military has completed at least 50 successful missions. The developers cooperate with the consolidated "Angry Birds" unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which helps to improve the UAV.
Backfire has passed the Defence Ministry's commission. The state will officially be able to purchase these drones. The creative team is already preparing for mass production of the UAVs.
