Ukraine flexes military muscle with new 'Kosa' kamikaze drones capable of reaching Moscow
The production of long-range "Kosa" drones has commenced in Ukraine. These weapons can cover distances of up to 466 miles, which means that a drone launched from Kyiv could feasibly reach as far as Moscow. The eventual aim is to manufacture as many as 500 drone units each month, although currently, production stands at about 100 units monthly.
9:41 AM EST, December 18, 2023
Defense Express noted that despite the recent announcement of the serial production of AQ 400 Scythe "Kosa" drones, it's possible that Ukraine had already been deploying these unmanned aircraft. Recent increases in attacks by Ukraine in the Crimean region provide some evidence for this speculation.
When it comes to the technical specifications of the "Kosa" drones, the most significant feature is their 466-mile range. This extended range will allow Ukrainian forces to strike at targets deep within Russia and mount assaults from a safe distance. The AQ 400's takeoff weight is around 220 lbs, with at least 70 lbs constituting the explosive payload. This payload could be increased to around 154 lbs, but this increase would reduce the drone's range. Even at 70 lbs, the payload is much larger than the 88-lb warheads found on the Shahed drones used by the Russians.
A single "Kosa" drone has a wingspan of roughly 7.5 feet, can cruise at speeds of 90 miles per hour, and stay airborne for up to 6.5 hours. It's likely that such performance parameters are achievable with the smaller, 70-lb warhead.
The AQ 400 Scythe "Kosa" is a versatile drone that can be launched from almost any location. It can operate from a short runway or a specialized catapult, and it's highly desirable in modern warfare due to its quick assembly and mass production capabilities. As Defense Blog pointed out, these features make the AQ 400 a key asset in contemporary warfare".
