Ukraine Uses Updated AN-196 RS and FP-6 Long-Range Drones — Zelensky

An oil refinery in Ukhta, Russia, was struck by a modified AN-196 RS Liutyi long-range strike drone, which has a range of up to 2,500 km.

This was reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The upgrades to the Liutyi UAV may involve larger fuel tanks or design optimizations to reduce aerodynamic drag.

FP-6

Meanwhile, the upgraded FP-1 long-range strike drone, which struck the Omsk oil refinery the day before, has been renamed the FP-6.

This upgraded drone was first deployed by the Ukraine’s Defense Forces back in July of this year.

Visually, the FP-6 features a new trapezoidal wing with a straight leading edge and a trailing edge that tapers toward the wingtips.

This wing geometry provides lower drag at cruising speed and distributes lift more evenly across the entire surface.

This has a positive effect on fuel consumption and significantly increases the drone’s flight range.

Earlier, Fire Point co-owner and chief designer Denis Shtilerman announced the introduction of drones featuring a new wing that also serves as a fuel tank.

This design allows the FP-6 to fly farther while retaining a more powerful payload, with a flight range of up to 3,400 km.

Recent strikes on oil refineries with upgraded drones

As a reminder, on October 9, the Ukraine’s Defense Forces attacked the Lukoil-Ukhtanaftopereborka oil refinery in Komi, 1,700 km from the border, where a massive fire broke out.

And on October 8, FP-1 drones struck Russia’s largest oil refinery in Omsk, more than 2,500 km away, which has already caused waiting queues at local gas stations.