Developers Update Backfire Strike Drone, Nearly Tripling Its Payload

Developers have updated the Backfire strike drone, nearly tripling its payload.

A representative from the company Evil Birds shared this information with Militarnyi.

Additionally, the drone’s maximum range has been increased from 140-160 km to 180-200 km.

First of all, the visual changes to the Backfire drone’s airframe are immediately noticeable.

“We had to rethink everything: the shape, weight, placement of components, and their functions. We added many solutions to enhance crew safety, comfort, and the survivability of the aircraft during missions,” said a company representative.

Updates were also made to elements such as the catapult, control station, and communication system, making the drone easier to operate and safer.

Thanks to this, the drone can now carry 14-17 kg of payload instead of 5-6 kg, and the convenient large bomb bay adds flexibility to missions. All of this provides greater capabilities for bomb strikes, remote mining, and cargo delivery over corresponding distances.

According to the developers, strikes using the Backfire drone are effective against headquarters, ammunition depots, fuel and lubricants, air defense systems, electronic warfare systems, and more.

“The main thing is that the targets are either stationary or temporarily immobilized. There have been many interesting strikes, including some exotic targets like boats and ships,” added the company Evil Birds.

The first prototypes and pre-production versions of the updated Backfire have already completed over 50 such missions.

This work took about a year and a half, involving continuous refinement of the original UAV.

“It’s an ongoing process of change. We improve something, units come with their suggestions, requirements, and requests. And new solutions are born, which we can add when updating the system,” said a company representative.