TRL Drones created fully autonomous interceptor drones to counter Shahed drones

The Czech company TRL Drones has created two types of autonomous interceptor drones to counter Shahed-type drones, which can automatically take off, fly to the target, and automatically hit the target.

During the IDET international exhibition, the demonstration flights of these drones were held, which were attended by a correspondent from Militarnyi.

TRL Drones has developed two types of interceptors: a ‘small’ one with an electric motor designed to counter drones, and a ‘big’ one with a jet engine designed to intercept helicopters, among other things. In addition, it can be used to strike ground targets.

Capabilities of interceptor drones

The ‘small’ drone weighs 2.5 kilograms and can carry a payload of 1 kilogram. It can reach speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour and it has an operational range of up to 60 kilometers as well as a flight altitude of up to 2.5 kilometers.

This drone can take off automatically, then fly to a target detected by the radar included in the interceptor complex and strike it. It is not equipped with a combat unit, but intercepts targets by ramming them. If the target is not destroyed, the drone automatically returns and lands.

The body of the ‘small’ drone is manufactured using 3D printing from a polymer developed by the company, which ensures that the drone’s body is sufficiently strong.

The ability to operate completely autonomously, combined with the use of radar for detection and targeting, effectively transforms this drone complex into a full-fledged anti-aircraft missile system that uses drones instead of missiles. This eliminates one of the main drawbacks of interceptor drones — low “rate of fire.” This allows them to combat groups of strike drones designed to overwhelm air defense systems.

The ‘big’ jet interceptor is about 1 meter long and has a wingspan of 1.74 meters. It can reach speeds of up to 450 kilometers per hour and is capable of carrying a payload of up to 10 kilograms. Its flight range is up to 200 kilometers.

This jet drone can automatically lock onto a target and destroy it using radar data. However, it is launched using an electric catapult, which requires ground personnel to operate.

It is claimed that both types of drones can fly without a satellite navigation signal and under electronic warfare conditions, relying on inertial and optical navigation.

According to a representative of the manufacturing company, the cost of the ‘small’ drone is “thousands” of dollars, and the ‘big’ one is “tens of thousands.”

“I cannot give specific details about these plans, but of course we definitely plan to do so,” a company representative told Militarnyi in response to a question about possible plans to test these drones in Ukraine.

TRL Drones is part of the same group of companies as TRL Space, which develops and manufactures reconnaissance satellites for Ukraine as part of the ‘Drak Mission.’