The Knyaz Vandal of Novgorod fiber-optic FPV drone is being equipped with microphones to allow operators to detect and ambush enemy vehicles.
Key facts
- •The Knyaz Vandal of Novgorod (KVN) is a fiber-optic FPV drone developed by the Ushkuynik Research and Production Center.
- •The drone's microphone allows operators to hear enemy vehicle motors while the unit is hidden from sight.
- •All KVN drones will include a connector for optional microphone installation.
- •The KVN drone was first used in combat in August 2024 during the Kursk Region incursion.
- •The system is designed to operate despite the presence of electronic warfare.
The Knyaz Vandal of Novgorod (KVN) fiber-optic FPV drone has been updated with a microphone to help operators hear approaching enemy vehicles and conduct ambushes. Alexey Chadayev, CEO of the developer Ushkuynik Research and Production Center, stated that the feature allows drones to remain hidden in vegetation while waiting to strike.
Ambush and Operational Tactics
According to Chadayev, the microphone enables operators to detect engine noise while the drone is concealed in grass or bushes, overcoming the limited field of view of ground-level cameras. While a limited number of units will ship with pre-installed microphones, all KVN drones will feature a connector to allow for the installation of the device as needed. The KVN drone is designed to withstand electronic warfare. It was first deployed in August 2024 following the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk Region.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by TASS (English).
