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Ukraine Designs Locally-made Dovbush T10 UAV Able to Carry 6 FPV Strike Drones.
On November 19, 2024, images shared on the VK account revealed the impressive capabilities of the Dovbush T10 multirole carrier drone, a Ukrainian-developed platform designed to support the Armed Forces in both offensive and defensive operations. These photographs highlight its crucial frontline role, notably through its ability to carry up to six FPV kamikaze drones, an innovation that enhances its versatility and effectiveness on the modern battlefield.
Ukrainian Dovbush T10 Multirole Carrier Drone (Picture source: Ukraine MoD)
The Dovbush T10 exemplifies the technological evolution of modern drones by combining three key functions: kamikaze drone carrier, advanced reconnaissance platform, and precision strike tool. It represents a significant advancement among cutting-edge technologies developed in Ukraine to meet the growing needs of the armed forces in the face of the challenges posed by asymmetric warfare.
One particularly ingenious feature of the Dovbush T10 is its system for attaching FPV drones to the main carrier drone. Each FPV kamikaze drone is suspended under the wings of the main drone using a bomb that acts as an adapter between the "mothership" and the FPV drone itself. This configuration ensures that the FPV drone remains securely attached during flight while allowing for rapid and precise deployment once a target is identified. What makes this design unique is the inverted attachment of the FPV drones, which provides an aerodynamic profile and reduces the risk of imbalance during flight. This clever design underscores the emphasis on performance optimization and modularity in the Dovbush T10's construction.
Equipped with advanced technologies, the Dovbush T10 is designed to resist electronic countermeasures and enemy air defense systems. It incorporates cutting-edge software and specialized mechanisms to ensure optimal performance, even in highly contested environments. Among its notable features is its capacity to carry up to six FPV (First-Person View) kamikaze drones, an innovation that optimizes its operational capabilities while offering exceptional modularity.
The Dovbush T10 boasts a range of advanced onboard systems that make it particularly effective on the battlefield. It includes an inertial navigation system coupled with GPS/GLONASS, ensuring trajectory accuracy even in cases of signal jamming. Its reconnaissance capabilities are enabled by high-resolution optical and infrared vision systems, complemented by multispectral sensors capable of detecting camouflaged or thermal targets at long distances. A secure long-range communication system allows real-time data and video transmission to ground operators while resisting jamming attempts. The drone is also equipped with artificial intelligence software that facilitates data analysis and automatic target identification. Its modularity is further enhanced by a deployment system designed to transport, control, and release up to six FPV kamikaze drones, each equipped with explosive payloads and onboard cameras. These payloads can include light explosives for neutralizing unarmored vehicles, armor-piercing charges for penetrating light armor, or thermobaric charges for maximizing damage in confined environments. Finally, an electronic warfare (EW) self-protection system ensures the drone's resistance to enemy radar and reduces its detectability, making the Dovbush T10 a versatile and effective tool in hostile environments.
In a typical mission, the Dovbush T10 takes off from a secure position with a payload of six FPV kamikaze drones. During the reconnaissance phase, the Dovbush discreetly flies over the target area, collecting data through its advanced sensors and transmitting real-time images to ground operators. Once targets such as armored vehicles or enemy artillery positions are identified, the Dovbush deploys one or more FPV drones. These kamikaze drones, equipped with explosive charges, are guided precisely to their targets using onboard vision systems and operator instructions. Meanwhile, the Dovbush T10 remains at altitude to monitor the strike results and provide additional coverage, enabling immediate damage assessment and attack plan adjustments as necessary. This combination of reconnaissance, strike, and adaptability on the field underscores its role as a key tool for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The drone is powered by an electric motor with a low acoustic signature, making it harder for the enemy to detect. It also integrates external antennas and sensors for communication and navigation, subtly embedded into the design to minimize aerodynamic drag. Its wingspan gives it a commanding presence, but its stealthy design and low flight noise make it an ideal platform for reconnaissance and attack missions in heavily monitored areas.
Mass production of the Dovbush T10 began in December 2022, marking a milestone for Ukraine’s defense industry. According to Sundries News, production lines manufacture over ten units per day, an impressive rate reflecting the country’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities. Remarkably, these drones are supplied free of charge to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, highlighting Ukraine's dedication to directly supporting its defense efforts without adding to budget constraints.
Volodymyr Yatsenko, co-founder of Monobank, plays a pivotal role in the Dovbush T10's development. In April 2023, he invested $8 million in the production of these drones, accelerating their deployment on the field. He also launched a bold initiative, offering a reward of 20 million hryvnias to any Ukrainian manufacturer whose drone could land on Moscow's Red Square during the May 9 military parade. This proposal attracted international attention and showcased Ukraine's resilience and innovative spirit in its fight for independence.
The Dovbush T10 is primarily used for reconnaissance and artillery correction missions, with an operational range of approximately 40 kilometers. These capabilities make it an indispensable tool for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, enabling precise battlefield observation and improved artillery strike efficiency. Efforts are currently underway to develop an armed version of the drone, with enhanced strike precision reducing the margin of error to just 1 or 2 meters.
However, limitations persist. In September 2023, debris from a drone resembling the Dovbush T10 was found near Tyulenovo, Bulgaria, with an 82mm mortar bomb attached. This incident raised questions about its range and reliability in long-distance missions.
In April 2024, a new development phase was launched to expand the Dovbush T10's capabilities. The ambitious goal is to produce drones capable of striking targets over 1,000 kilometers away. Volodymyr Yatsenko was tasked with tripling production within three months. Simultaneously, collaborations with chemistry experts aim to develop lighter yet equally powerful munitions, further enhancing the drone’s operational efficiency.
The Dovbush T10 embodies the ingenuity and resilience of Ukraine’s defense industry in the face of significant challenges. Far more than a mere military tool, it reflects a national strategy to leverage technological advancements to rebalance forces on the battlefield. By adapting to the evolving needs of the armed forces, this multifunctional drone paves the way for a new era of innovation in operational capabilities.
With its advanced reconnaissance features, versatile attack options, and constant potential for evolution, the Dovbush T10 demonstrates how technological innovation can transform the dynamics of a conflict, even in resource-constrained environments.