Captured First-Person-View Drone to Give Russia Insights into American UAV Technology

Russia has captured a drone in Ukraine that represents the latest in American UAV technology- called the First-Person-View (FPV) drone, which enables soldiers to see deep into enemy territory without the drone being detected.

Dmitry Kuzyakin, head of Russia’s Center of Complex Unmanned Solutions, revealed details of the new drone to Russian government-owned TASS news agency.

"We received a trophy U.S.-made FPV drone that our fighters had managed to capture in the special operation zone. At present, the center’s specialists are studying this item," he said.

He said the drone’s main feature is battery elements that employ technologies similar to those used by NASA "for its current Mars missions." They allow the device to work even in extremely low temperatures.

The scientist also said the unmanned aerial vehicle "is fitted with an innovative system of payload control" and can be used for various tasks - "surveillance, mining, assault, kamikaze missions."

"To that end, it employs a special system to control various types of payload, depending on what kind of equipment will be installed on the drone," Kuzyakin said.

He also said that the drone is equipped with U.S.-made engines "that practically cannot be purchased freely."

"Apparently, those engines are manufactured exclusively for the military," he added.

Russia’s Center of Complex Unmanned Solutions specializes in production and development of FPV drones and works only with governmental agencies in charge of defense and security.