Ukraine receives hundreds of “cardboard” drones

Australian company SYPAQ has received a surge in interest in some of its in the Asia-Pacific region.

In particular, because of cardboard unmanned aviation systems used by Ukraine in hostilities.

The light and small logistic aircraft for the battlefield is called the Corvo Precision Payload Delivery System (PPDS).

SYPAQ has informed that the aircraft has various applications such as the deployment of a sensor payload, ability to deliver small cargo, act as an extended communications airborne relay, and serve as a decoy.

“Hundreds of the UASs have been sold to Ukraine,” said Ross Osborne, chief engineer at Sypaq.

Deliveries to Ukraine began in February-March 2023. The company added that it could not disclose the number of UAVs delivered to Ukraine for security reasons.

The sale of UAVs to Ukraine was announced by the Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles at the Australian Avalon Airshow on March 3, 2023.

According to Amanda Holt, CEO of Sypaq, this has attracted attention in the aircraft from both military and public organizations.

“Operators are using the UAS for many types of novel applications beyond its original design,” the company said.

Holt added that the company cannot yet disclose which countries in the Asia-Pacific region have shown interest in these “cardboard” drones.

Depending on the model, the drone can lift up to 3 kg or 5 kg.

The aircraft is capable of carrying cargo for 1-3 hours depending on the load at range of 40-120km.