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Russia designs stealth containers for air bombs and missiles

Air bombs and missiles will get stealth protection. Special containers have been designed to make them invisible for radars. The munitions will be carried in the containers. Drones will be the first to receive them. Drones are already invisible for radars, but suspended missiles expose them to the adversary, the Izvestia daily writes.

Drones of a new generation - like Forpost - will carry stealth munitions. (Picture source: Russian MoD)

Containers for air-to-surface missiles and bombs for drones have been tested. They will be supplied to the troops in the near future, sources in the Defense Ministry told the newspaper.

The containers are made of aluminum and special plastic with a low radar signature. High-explosive bombs will be suspended in containers on drones. They will be dropped together with the containers.

An individual container will be produced for each type of missiles and smart bombs. Their metallic hull, stabilizers and fins, if any, will be replaced by aluminum and plastic.

The new munitions will increase drone effectiveness in a combat situation, expert Anton Lavrov said. "Stealth containers decrease drone signature and increase survivability in heavy air defense. The drones will deliver surprise strikes at stationary and well-protected facilities. They are field fortifications, firing positions, adversary buildings and erections, artillery and air defense positions. The stealth characteristics will increase the effectiveness of special operations," he said.

Drones of a new generation - Orion, Forpost and Altius will carry stealth munitions. The latter is the most interesting one, although little is known about it. It is being tested and made the maiden flight in August 2019. It proceeded in an automatic regime and all onboard and auxiliary systems operated properly.

Double-engine reconnaissance-attack Altius weighs 6-7 tons and can fly for over two days at a cruising speed of 150-250 km/h. The two-way satellite communications allow the drone to fly a thousand kilometers. Only the fuel reserve restricts the range. The maximum takeoff weight provides for a 2-ton combat payload. It means the drone can carry missiles and bombs, including precision ones.

A pair of 500-kg guided bombs can deliver powerful pinpoint strikes at adversary command posts or infrastructure hubs deep in the rear. Drones can engage in a whole range of reconnaissance missions with optical, electronic means and radars. They are fit for large-scale conflicts and counterterrorist operations, like in Syria. Besides, the vehicles can be upgraded to fight sea targets.

Forpost-M drone will soon be supplied to the troops. It carries a modern radar, optical devices and precision guided bombs. The new equipment finds, identifies and destroys targets in any weather and time of the day. The drone weighs half a ton and carries a major fuel stock. It can operate in a radius of 250 km from the base and develop a speed of over 200 km/h and fly 17 hours.

The work to upgrade Orion with a long flight duration is nearing completion. The vehicle can fly several days and may be engaged in long patrols, the Izvestia said.