DJI Mavic retires, Ukraine develops its own drone – “Shmavik”
The Ukrainian company launches mass production of its own analog of the Chinese DJI Mavic quadcopter, which is popular among the military.
According to Forbes, it was created by a Ukrainian company that has been mass-producing drones for various purposes since 2017, including bomber copters. Its name and the names of its representatives are not disclosed due to military risks.
Why Shmavik?
According to the newspaper, the name “shmavik” was suggested by “a very respected person in the country, and the team liked the name.”
But it has been in use by the Ukrainian military for a long time. Since 2014, all light reconnaissance drones, regardless of their origin, have been called “Shmaviks” on the frontline.
Cost.
The cost of development fluctuates around $500,000. It is known that it took a year to create such drones. In February 2024, the drone was tested in conditions of active radio interference.
So far, the company has produced more than 300 drones. By June 1, the company plans to launch the first production line of 500 units per month. The plan is to reach the production of 2,500 shmaviks per month by the end of the summer.
The company is also building a production facility in Poland to manufacture components for the drone.
According to the company’s CEO, the planned production capacity of both sites allows for the production of up to 5,000 drones per month.
The price of the shmavik kit is similar to the Chinese one – about $3500.
The set includes:
- a case with a drone;
- smart remote control with a 10-inch screen;
- five batteries;
- four spare propellers;
- charging station;
- cables;
- repair tools.
Technical characteristics
Advantages.
- Shmavik’s design is resistant to damage and can be repaired and maintained in the field.
- The drone also has a standard drop system for installing two 500 grams of ammunition each.
- With a maximum load, it can fly for 35 minutes within a radius of 15 km on a single battery, without ammunition – 75-80 minutes, depending on flight conditions.
- The most important advantage of the Shmavik is its protection from enemy electronic warfare: “the drone constantly changes the frequencies it operates on.”
- The drone’s navigation system is based on a GNSS receiver and a directional GNSS antenna.
- The receiver cuts off false data and, if necessary, turns off satellite tracking and switches the drone to manual control, the company representative explains.
