Modular Drones and a Unified VTX Standard: Ukraine Seeks Solutions for More Efficient FPV Logistics

Ukraine plans to introduce standardized modular systems for FPV drones, including VTX video transmitter cartridges.

This was discussed in an interview with Militarnyi with Denys Lohvynenko, head of the UAV division at Brave1 and deputy commander of the 412th Nemesis Brigade, who goes by the call sign Balistyka.

This would allow drone components to be quickly replaced in the field without having to resolder the entire drone. At the same time, the initiative faces several technical challenges.

According to Denys Lohvynenko, shifting operating frequencies and complex logistics make modular drones particularly relevant.

Previously, replacing a video transmitter (VTX) required soldiers to completely disassemble the drone frame, desolder the old module, and solder in a new one at their own expense. With a modular approach, however, soldiers can replace the VTX in seconds by removing one module and inserting another.

“As of now, modifying drones is a very difficult process, and units are forced to purchase VTXs with their own funds. A crate of VTXs costs around $300,000,” the Brave1 representative emphasized.

Need for a Unified Connector Standard

Military personnel identify the lack of unified standards as the main risk of modularity.

As Balistyka noted, without standardization, logistics could become a “zoo of systems,” with connectors and mounts from different manufacturers incompatible with one another.

He compared it to the European Union’s decision to require electronics manufacturers, including Apple, to adopt the USB Type-C standard.

Brave1 agrees on the need to introduce standards. A unified connector does not limit competition between manufacturers but ensures compatibility between modules from different suppliers.

Despite the obvious advantages, the solution also presents technical challenges:

• frequent changes in pinouts and contact configurations;
• oxidation of contact groups during prolonged storage of modules in field conditions.

“It will be extremely difficult. There will probably be around 10 meetings with all the key manufacturers. But I am confident that we will get there and move to such a solution,” Lohvynenko noted.