Kub-BLA (advertised as KYB-UAV) is a Russian high-precision unmanned aerial vehicle and loitering munition developed by the Russian company ZALA Aero Group (part of Kalashnikov Concern).
| Kub-BLA | |
|---|---|
 Kub-BLA loitering munition | |
| Type | Loitering munition |
| Place of origin | Russian Federation |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Russian Armed Forces |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | ZALA Aero Group |
| Manufacturer | ZALA Aero Group |
| Produced | 2019-present[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 130 km/h |
Description
editKub-BLA was first unveiled by Kalashnikov during IDEX-2019 exhibition in Abu-Dhabi. The report notes that after launch, the drone can loiter in the air, detecting a target, and then attack it from the upper hemisphere with a vertical dive.[2] "Kub-BLA" delivers a payload according to target coordinates, which are set manually, or according to an image from the target guidance load. In addition, the drone can be used in swarm mode.[3] A new version with a more powerful warhead begun to be supplied in late December 2023.[4]
Combat use
editThe drone was used against targets in the Idlib Governorate during Syrian civil war, as well as during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv.[3] In May 2022 footage of an attack on a M777 howitzer by a Kub drone was posted by the Russian Ministry of Defence.[5]
According to Lostarmour OSINT project, there have been at least 44 documented uses of Kub drones as of December 2023.[6]
Technical characteristics
edit- Wingspan - 1210 mm
- Length - 950 mm
- Height - 165 mm
- Payload capacity - 3 kg
- Speed - 80-130 km/h
- Flight duration - 30 minutes
References
edit- ^ "ЦАМТО / / "Калашников" выполнил ГОЗ по поставкам БЛА "КУБ"". ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием (in Russian). 2023-12-19. Retrieved 2023-12-20.
- ^ a b "Концерн "Калашников" разработал высокоточный ударный беспилотный комплекс "КУБ-БЛА"". Kalashnikov Concern. 17 February 2019.
- ^ a b Eastwood, Brent M. (2022-04-27). "KUB-BLA - Russia Has Its Own 'Switchblade' Suicide Drone". 19FortyFive. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
- ^ "ЦАМТО / / Минобороны отправлена первая партия более мощных барражирующих боеприпасов "Куб"". ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием (in Russian). 2023-12-25. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
- ^ Roblin, Sebastien (2022-05-19). "Russia Attacked U.S. Supplied Howitzers in Ukraine With Kamikaze Drones and Rockets". 19FortyFive. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
- ^ "Применение БПЛА "Куб-БЛА"". lostarmour.info. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
- ^ "Kommersant learned about the Ministry of Defense's plans to buy Kalashnikov drones". РБК (in Russian). 2021-11-08. Retrieved 2023-12-15.