Taiwan Donates 800 'Flying Mortar' Drones to Ukraine

Taiwan has reportedly shipped over 800 units of Revolver 860 combat drones, also called “flying mortars,” for Ukraine’s military.

Polish technology media outlet WP tech reported on August 18 that intermediaries in Poland were likely placing orders for the drones with Taiwanese firm DronesVision to deliver them to recipients in the Ukrainian military.

Revolver 860 armed VTOL UAV is described as a "flying mortar" because of the drone's revolving drum-like bomb bay, which can hold eight 60mm mortar shells. The large quadcopter weighs 42kg and is 1.35m in diameter. When loaded with eight 60mm mortar rounds, it can fly up to 20km and stay airborne for 20-40 minutes with its four arms and eight propellors.

The Taiwan-made drone is unique in that its 8-position "drum" can rotate and release each mortar shell one at a time. The UAV can be modified to carry 81 mm and 120 mm mortar rounds.