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Ukraine drone evacuates wounded soldier from frontline
Ukraine uses drone to rescue injured soldier from Russian-occupied frontline.
In brief
Ukraine uses drone to rescue injured soldier from Russian-occupied frontline. Ukraine conducted first aerial drone evacuation of a wounded soldier from the frontline using a modified Heavy Shot drone. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Ukraine conducts first drone evacuation
Ukraine has conducted the first unmanned drone evacuation of an injured soldier in the history of warfare.
Soldier wounded on eastern front
The infantryman, callsign 'Kostya', was wounded while alone in position on the eastern Kharkiv front.
No safe evacuation possible
As he was surrounded by Russian kamikaze drones and the terrain was heavily mined, he could not be safely evacuated by a rescue team or ground vehicle.
Heavy Shot drone used
Commanders turned to a new piece of kit, a heavily modified bomber drone to rescue the soldier.
Drone carries soldier 18km
The 80kg soldier is lifted into the sky and carried 18km (11 miles) away from the frontline to safety.
Drones protect during flight
Unseen, the fleet of Ukrainian drones flank the craft on all sides to protect the wounded soldier.
Soldier lands safely
As he touches down, the squad commander tells him over the radio: 'Welcome back to earth.'
Brigade leader comments
The brigade's leader, callsign Napalm, said after the operation: 'This is a historic event; it marks the next stage in the evacuation of the wounded, which we will all eventually reach.'
Soldier description
He was on his own at the position at the time, still carrying out his duties. He’s an incredibly strong person.
Drone commander comments
The drone commander added: 'We stayed in constant contact with him, supplying him with medicine and provisions. The hero agreed to go through with it.'
Heavy Shot drone details
The Heavy Shot drone was manufactured by Gurzuf Defence, which holds the Ukrainian record for its weight limit, lifting up to 130kg (20 stone).
Drone model name
Dubbed the Ayudag, after a mountain in Russian occupied Crimea, on missions it can carry 90kg up to 25km (16 miles).
Company representative comments
Roman Tsymbaliuk, a representative of the company, told the Mail: 'It was an extremely dangerous and complicated operation, because the Russians actively hunt these aircraft.'
Operation details
Every available means was brought into the operation. The Ayudag served as the evacuation platform, while FPV kamikaze drones, drones equipped with throwable nets and other bombers provided protection for the man.
Two possible outcomes
As always, there are only two possible outcomes: success or failure. This time, we succeeded.
Free drone provided
Gurzuf Defence gave the soldiers the heavy hexacopter free of charge, which was modified to maintain stability and balance without overturning or swaying excessively.
Soldier now receiving treatment
Kostya was successfully transported to the evacuation point and is currently receiving treatment as well as undergoing rehabilitation.
The essence
Ukraine conducted first aerial drone evacuation of a wounded soldier from the frontline using a modified Heavy Shot drone.
