Russia Develops Drone to Amplify Signals of Attack, Reconnaissance UAVs

The Odyssey aerial repeater, which increases the range of drones by tens of kilometers, has been developed in Russia by the Aviatechnolab Design Bureau with help from the Airborne Forces (VDV) special forces (Spetsnaz) brigade besides the all-Russian People’s Front’s  Kulibin Club.

The repeater drone allows for receiving video from attack and ground surveillance drones, switching frequencies in flight to prevent the drone from being jammed, and transmitting data to the operator. The Odyssey can hover at an altitude of up to 100 meters, remaining airborne for over an hour.

"We secured our first contract through the Kulibin Club, and together we completed testing and a test delivery to the troops. Together with the VDV Spetsnaz brigade, we developed the Odyssey drone repeater, tested it at ranges with the help of the Kulibin Club, received recommendations, and are currently finalizing it," according to the Aviatechnolab Design Bureau.

It said that the Odyssey system extended the range of attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to 70 kilometers, TASS reported.

The Odyssey aerial repeater consists of a carrier aircraft based on a 15-inch drone from the Prometey (Prometheus) Design Bureau with an automatic altitude and position hold module and a repeater for the video and control channels.

"When attack drones operate through a ground control station, they are hampered by the radio horizon and terrain. A repeater drone bypasses these obstacles by transmitting the signal to the operator as if it were a communications tower.

This extends flight time and also allows for low-level descents without losing video or control. It has been tested with combat units, who have given positive feedback and recommended its purchase by the military," the developer explained.