Liutyi Drone Exceeded its Stated Range and Reached Refinery in Orsk, Russia

Liutyi attack drones struck the Orsknefteorgsintez oil refinery located in the city of Orsk of the Orenburg region.

The Exilenova+ analytical group released video footage of the Liutyi drones’ flight and indicated that the target of the attack was located approximately 1,400 km from the state border with Ukraine.

According to preliminary reports, at least two drones went down within the city; local channels sounded the alarm and announced high alert for rescuers.

The footage posted online shows smoke and the sound of explosions; evacuation of personnel and localization of fires have been carried out at the plant.

The geolocation analysis conducted by CyberBoroshno analysts shows that the attack hit the LCH-24-2000 gasoline and diesel hydrotreating unit, which was modernized in 2014 to improve fuel purification and meet new environmental standards.

The hydrotreating unit is the final stage of the fuel production cycle, so the attack could further deteriorate the gasoline and diesel supply situation in the region.

This flight range of the Liutyi drone was achieved due to technical improvements and design optimization.

Liutyi

Initially, the developed range was claimed to be about 1,000 kilometers. The incident proved that the platform keeps evolving and acquiring new characteristics.

This range can be achieved by: reducing the weight of the warhead; increasing the fuel tank; modifying the engine; and lightening the design.

Lightweight construction and the use of composite materials reduce the overall weight. The aircraft looks like a low-flying plane with tailplane and a three-blade pushing propeller in the aft.

According to open sources, the payload is estimated at about a few kilograms of explosives (50-75 kg are often mentioned). The navigation system combines an inertial system with satellite correction, which allows for long-range pinpoint strikes without constant communication with the operator.

In September, a Liutyi drone hit the Vtorovo oil pumping station, which is crucial for fuel supplies to central Russia.