Was supposed to attack a military facility in Crimea: the occupiers seized a Ukrainian naval drone MAGURA (photo)
Russians seized an intact MAGURA maritime drone that was supposed to attack a Russian military facility in Crimea.
Photos of the drone were published by Russian propaganda media. It was reportedly found on the western coast of the Crimean peninsula.
The detected drone is similar to a Ukrainian MAGURA V5 attack drone by its characteristics. However, the image shows a number of significant differences.
The main differences are the absence of the drone’s optical station and the addition of additional antennas on board in the front and aft parts.
It can be assumed that the camera was disrupted or dismantled by the Russians after it was discovered, as an open technical hole can be seen where it should have been.
However, other signs suggest that the photo shows a new modification of the MAGURA drone.
Additional antennas, one of which looks like a satellite with a phased array, may indicate the integration of a redundant communication system in case one of them stops working.
The parallel use of several means of communication may be necessary in view of recent events related to the politically motivated blocking of the Starlink network in the Black Sea.
It is not yet known what caused the loss of the drone. Given the integrity of the case, this could have been due to a technical malfunction or a control error.
This is not the first time that a Ukrainian maritime strike drone has fallen into the hands of the occupiers. Last September, one of the early versions of Ukrainian strike UAVs was found on the shore near Sevastopol.
What you need to know about MAGURA V5
MAGURA V5 is a surface attack drone designed for use in the open sea. It is designed and manufactured entirely in Ukraine.
The drone has a small superstructure in the middle part, in front of which is a complex with rotary cameras. MAGURA V5 can cover a distance of up to 800 kilometers.
The drone is controlled by a special portable remote control with screens and a set of keys and switches. The operator uses cameras to see the situation around the drone and can control it until it hits a specific target.
The declared characteristics of MAGURA V5:
- Length: 5.5 m;
- Width: 1,5 м;
- Cruising speed: 22 knots;
- Maximum speed: 42 knots;
- Communication: mesh radio with an airborne repeater or satellite communication.
As a kamikaze drone, it can engage enemy surface ships both at sea and at military bases in bays. For this purpose, it can carry up to 320 kilograms of explosives.
