Russo-Ukrainian War: The DeViRo Leleka-100 Reece UAV

Source: Reuters

     A soldier launches a DeViRo Leleka-100 reconnaissance UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) into the air for a sortie. The Leleka-100 (“leleka” means “stork” in Ukrainian) is not a new UAV and in fact, it first entered service (unofficially) with the Ukrainian military back in 2015 during the Donbas War. In 2020, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine began using the Leleka-100, the same year the UAV passed state acceptance trials. 2021 saw the Leleka-100 officially accepted into Ukrainian Army service. Besides being used by Ukrainian border guard units, the Leleka-100 is deployed by some artillery units (notably the 44th. Artillery Brigade “Danylo Apostol”) for the purposes of target acquisition and as a spotter for artillery fire adjustment.

     The construction of the Leleka-100 is a mixture of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar materials with the UAV having a length of 3.7 feet, a wingspan of 6.5 feet, and a combat weight of 12 pounds. Power comes from an electric motor which drives a rear-mounted 2- or 3-bladed propeller. The Leleka-100 has a cruise speed of 43 miles per hour, an endurance of no more than 2.5 hours, and a maximum flight range of 62 miles. The maximum ceiling for the Leleka-100 is .9 of a mile (1,500 meters).

     In the nose is a 2-axis, gyro-stabilized gimbals-type camera mount. The mount allows any number of optical modules to be utilized. Examples include a PLCI Z30 daylight module with up to 20x optical zoom while for night operations, a PLCI infrared (IR) module can be fitted that has a fixed 4x optical zoom. Thermal imaging optics as well as high-resolution imaging modules can also be used depending on the mission.

     The Leleka-100 can be flown manually by an operator or the UAV can be pre-programmed with navigational data and it will fly fully autonomously. Data is relayed from the Leleka-100 to its ground station using an encrypted digital radio channel. The data sent back allows the operator to track the UAV on digital satellite maps and the same radio channel is used by the operator to assume control of the UAV if need be or the operator can utilize the camera module while the Leleka-100 maintains its flight parameters. However, the maximum range for both the radio channel as well as the HD video feed is 28 miles.

     The Leleka-100 is equipped with a EW (Electronic Warfare) suite developed by DeViRo which can detect intentional interference of the UAV's GPS. The two most common techniques involve blocking or jamming GPS operating frequencies or injecting false GPS data (spoofing) to make the drone go off course. If the attempts are detected, the suite will switch off the GPS and revert to its onboard inertial navigation system that is totally self-contained and thus immune to jamming or interference. Another self-preservation ability, set prior to a mission, is that if the radio channel is jammed, the Leleka-100 can carry on with its pre-programmed mission autonomously or it will abort the mission and return back to a programmed landing site for recovery.

     Getting the Leleka-100 airborne is via a bungee launcher while upon returning to its base, the UAV either lands on its belly or it can descend to earth using a parachute.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Baikal MP-155 Shotgun

Source: Anatolii Stepanov (Reuters)

     A soldier of the 49th. Assault Battalion Carpathian Sich “Oleg Kutsyn” on patrol somewhere in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast on December 7, 2025. The vehicle in the background appears to be a Ukrainian Nissan Titan Warrior that was knocked out and subsequently stripped of usable parts.

     The soldier is outfitted for anti-drone duty as evidenced by his shotgun armament. From appearances, the shotgun is a Baikal MP-155 semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun. The MP-155, developed and built by the Russian Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, has been in production since at least 2014 and remains so to this day. A gas-operated weapon, the MP-155 holds four rounds in a tube magazine and has a weight of 7.7 pounds. An interesting feature of the MP-155 is that there is an interrupter which allows the operator to disengage the magazine feed to permit the hand loading of a round. This is useful when the need to fire a different type of shell from what is already loaded is required. It also means there is no need to fully empty the magazine in order to change ammunition. Other features include a field changeable barrel (meaning, a gunsmith is not required to effect the change) and the ability to mount optics or post sights. Out of the box, aiming is done using the perforated sighting bar that runs along the top of the MP-155.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The RC Direction Chaklun-K Drone

Source: Oksana Parafeniuk (for The Washington Post)

     A soldier of Special Purpose UAV Unit “Typhoon” with what looks to be a early Chaklun-K drone (or possibly a prototype). The unit, formed in May 2024, falls under the National Guard of Ukraine and is garrisoned in Kyiv. The current commander is Mykhailo “Michael” Kmityuk. Several types of drones are operated allowing the unit to undertake short and long range missions against Russian targets and elements of “Typhoon” have seen combat in some of the hotter sections of the front to include the Pokrovske and Kupyansk battle zones. Chaklun, which means sorcerer or magician, is a series of long-range reconnaissance and strike drones designed and produced by the Ukrainian company RC Direction. The Chaklun was approved for service on October 16, 2024.

     It should be mentioned that the assumption this is a early Chaklun-K drone is because it lacks refinements seen in the current Chaklun-K design. This might not be surprising as the “Typhoon” unit often field trials drones and provides evaluation data and feedback to the drone designers for improvements. That said, the Chaklun-K is used for strike missions against ground and aerial targets. RC Direction designates the drone configured for ground attack as the Chaklun-K(A) while the drone set up for air-to-air combat is the Chaklun-K(M).

     The Chaklun-K is primarily constructed of phenoplast-polystyrene. This is a composite synthetic resin which is inexpensive and easy to use via injection molding manufacturing processes. As a consequence, production is rapid. In addition, the material offers a very low radar cross-section that helps the Chaklun-K avoid detection. The electric engine is mounted in the rear driving a 3-bladed pusher propeller and the cruise speed is 50 miles per hour with a stall speed of 37 miles per hour. The Chaklun-K(A) has a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour with an operational altitude (not the maximum altitude) of 300 meters as it is designed for ground attack. The Chaklun-K(M), on the other hand, utilizes a high performance engine that pushes the drone to a top speed of 109 miles per hour with an operational altitude of 4,000 meters. This allows it to better engage enemy drones. The Chaklun-K uses a secure linkage to the operator's controller out to a range of 17 miles even if the airspace is being actively jammed.

     The current Chaklun-K has a single hardpoint on each wing which provides for a total warload of 4.4 pounds. Publicity photographs show each hardpoint carrying two 3D printed bombs. Although not stated, it is possible that the Chaklun-K can be fitted with an internal explosive payload in place of external ordnance. As the Chaklun-K is heavier (9.5 pounds) compared to the reconnaissance Chaklun (6.2 pounds), the Chaklun-K only has an endurance of 1 hour when flying at cruise speed. The Chaklun-K(A), when being sent against static targets, can be preprogrammed with telemetry which allows the drone to fly the mission fully autonomously. If required, an operator can assume control.

     The Chaklun-K can be hand launched in some circumstances but the usual method is via a launch rail and the green cord ending in a metal ring seen on the underside of the drone in the photograph is connected to a rear-facing hook. This cord is in turn connected to the launcher.

     So far, Chaklun-K drones have flown over 2,000 missions against Russian targets and the Chaklun-K(M) plays a large role as part of Ukraine's air defense arsenal.

Battle of Iwo Jima: M-2-4 Multiple Rocket Launcher Truck

Source: United States Marine Corps

     Positioned somewhere on the island of lwo Jima, a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) rocket battery commences firing salvos of 4.5in. Beach Barrage Rockets (BBRs) towards Japanese positions. The 110mm rocket (4.5") was given the nickname "Old Faithful'' and originally, it was designed for the U.S. Navy to be launched from landing ships. In fact, the U.S. Navy deployed twelve such ships, the LSM(R) (Landing Ship Medium (Rocket)) class, to the Pacific Theater where they conducted ship-to-shore bombardments. 

     At the Battle of lwo Jima, there were two USMC rocket batteries, the 1st. Provisional Rocket Detachment and the 3rd. Provisional Rocket Detachment. The former supported the 4th. Marine Division while the latter supported the 5th. Marine Division. From the photograph itself, it isn't possible to tell which unit this is. 

     The vehicles are International Harvester M-2-4 1-ton, 4X4 cargo trucks which both the Navy and the USMC had been using since 1941. Fitted to the rear of the trucks were three, 12-rail Mk.7 rocket launchers which" allowed each truck to fire a full salvo of 36 rockets. Each battery was equipped with 12 trucks and so one battery could launch 432 rockets. 

     The truck nearest the camera has the name "Vis a Tergo" on the hood. This is a medical term meaning "a force acting from behind; a pushing or accelerating force." It would appear that the crew of "Vis a Tergo" did not secure the canvas bed/cab cover which is being whipped up by the exhaust of the rockets as they launch.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The 35D6M Radar Complex

     A screen capture from an informational video produced and released by the Ukrainian Air Force's 138th. Radio-Technical Brigade “Dnieper Ukraine” shows one of the brigade's 35D6M radar stations. The contrast between the base green paint on the radar complex and the brown of the fall/winter terrain emphasizes that this is a information production and not a shot of the complex in actual active deployment. Had it been, the 35D6M would have been easily spotted by Russian reconnaissance UAVs and targeted for destruction. The 35D6M is a modernization of the Soviet 19Zh6 (NATO reporting name Tin Shield) medium-range, 3D air defense radar which entered service in the early 1980s. The modernization program was undertaken by the Iskra Research & Production Complex, a part of Ukroboronprom, with the first 35D6M being delivered in the spring of 2021.

     According to Ukroboronprom, the modernization program updated the antenna apparatus, saw the installation of improved system and operating software, and the fashioning of a cabin that includes a total rework of the radar operator's stations and the fitting of a HVAC system. The complete details of the modernization isn't specified in articles, likely for operational security. Iskra took 19Zh6 radar complexes and completely took them apart. After the complete disassembly, all components were inspected and those parts that were to be re-used were refurbished before being reassembled with the updated parts as outlined above. It was said that the modernization of a single 19Zh6 into a 35D6M was not a quick process. The result is, again according to Ukroboronprom, a complex that has increased operational range, improved target data and trajectory acquisition, reduced maintenance requirements, and the extension of the complex's service life. As the various articles leave out the exact performance capability of the 35D6M, what follows are the specifications of the 19Zh6 radar.

     As mentioned, the 19Zh6 is a medium-range, 3D radar. The 3D (3 dimensions) means the radar provides the usual range and azimuth coordinates but adds the elevation coordinates and with all three, target tracking is far more precise. The radar itself uses a frequency-controlled, phased array antenna and it operates in the E- and F-band frequencies (2,850 to 3,200 MHz). Four transmitters generate overlapping wave patterns which improves altitude calculations. Pulse power is 3.2 kW as an average but can run as high as 350 kW. The Russian Wikipedia mentions the 35D6M as having a target detection range of 29 miles at low altitude and 108 miles at medium or high altitudes. There was no source provided with which to verify the data. Speaking of low altitude, the 19Zh6 and the 35D6M are optimized for low altitude target detection as the radar is resistant to active and passive jamming but is also able to filter out strong ground reflection (more often called clutter) from terrain, buildings, and other stationary objects. Finally, the radar is able to work effectively in all weather conditions. The radar antenna spins either at 5-6 revolutions per minute (rpm) or 10 to 12 rpm. The complex features BITE (Build-In Test Equipment) which permits rapid fault detection. The exact crew size for the entire complex isn't known but is likely between 7 to 10 men which would include at most 5 radar operators/technicians, at least two tractor drivers, and the remainder being mechanics to maintain the equipment. From the halt, it takes a trained crew 1 hour to bring the radar into action.

     The full 35D6M complex includes a 6BP power plant which houses two DGM 4-60-T0230-TS/400 diesel generators along with a PSTS-100 converter. The power plant sits inside a KP10 box body which is set on a MAZ-5224V 2-axle trailer chassis. The unit provides the power to the radar and its associated systems. The radar system and the 6II cabin sit on a MAZ-938 series 2-axle semi-trailer which has a maximum load capacity of 13.5 tons. The radar array is mounted on a 40V6M tower mast. The vehicle hitched to the MAZ-938 is a KrAZ-255V tractor. Besides the KrAZ-255V, the KrAZ-260V can also be utilized as a tow vehicle for both the semi-trailer and the 6BP.

Artillerisystem 08 Archer: Articulated...Just Not THAT Articulated

Source: Ken Dominy on Facebook

     Whenever this particular image appeared on social media platforms, one could almost count on some anti-Ukrainian individual stating this is how the Ukrainian Army treats the aid they've gotten. The Ukrainian Army does field the Artillerisystem 08 Archer but the one in the image belongs to the 19th. Regiment Royal Artillery “The Scottish Gunners”. The accident took place in the summer of 2025 during exercises held at the Salisbury Plain Training Area, Wiltshire, England.

     The reason the British Army is utilizing a Swedish artillery platform (14 in all to date) is due to the fact Britain first donated 32 British AS90 155mm self-propelled howitzers (SPH) to Ukraine in 2023. However, a report by Ivan Khomenko for United24 Media dated May 5, 2025 discussed that the British Army fully retired the AS90 and sent the entirety of the fleet (approximately 92 vehicles) to Ukraine with the second and third waves of deliveries occurring in April 2024 and September 2024 respectively. The report says 68 combat ready AS90 vehicles have been issued, divided up between the 58th. Motorized Brigade “Ivan Vyhovskyi”, 117th. Heavy Mechanized Brigade, and the 151st. Mechanized Brigade. It should be mentioned the German Kiel Institute's Ukraine Support Tracker states 66 AS90s were delivered rather than 68. Returning to the United24 Media article, the remainder of the AS90 vehicles were not combat ready (having been in storage) and are to be utilized for parts to keep the deployed AS90s combat ready.

     The tipped over cab illustrates well the articulated nature of the Archer which uses the chassis of a Volvo A30D dump truck. The connection joint permits the cab to steer 45 degrees to the left or right of center and while there is a measure of vertical articulation, it has its limits and clearly, that limit was exceeded. Although it appears like the underside of the cab has some form of blast deflecting shaping, this is the same as on the A30D. The Volvo AH 64 front axle is clear to see and all of the Archer's axles feature transversal differential locks, fully floating axle shafts, and planetary hub reductions. The Archer uses 750/65R25 low-profile tires which provide better stability, traction, and improved steering performance. The Fälthaubits 77, fitted in the rear mounted turret, is in travel position, the barrel housed within is covered travel lock. Beneath the turret can be seen one of the two stabilizers, also in traveling position.

For further information on the Artillerisystem 08 Archer, visit:

https://photosofmilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2025/09/russo-ukrainian-war-artillerisystem-08.html

The German Empire's "Flying Tank": The Junkers J.I

Source: Author's collection

     Military aviation in 1918 was, in many respects, a far cry from where it was in 1914. Aircraft were faster, more maneuverable, better armed, and more reliable. Aerial observation was a role aircraft fulfilled throughout World War I where the “eye in the sky” conducted reconnaissance on enemy positions and movements, served as spotters for artillery, and other tasks. Such missions were fraught with danger as the deployment of aircraft in roles which brought them close to the enemy meant the enemy developed the means to destroy them. By 1918, the advances of anti-aircraft weapons from ad-hoc solutions to dedicated anti-aircraft guns made the skies hazardous. In 1917, the Inspektion der Fliegertruppen (abbreviated to Idflieg; Inspectorate of Flying Troops) introduced the “J-class” of aircraft which were armored dual-role liaison/ground attack airplanes fitted with armor plate to reduce their vulnerability to ground fire. Typically, J-class planes were simply existing models with added armor. However, there was one such plane whose features would herald future ground attack aircraft: the Junkers J.I.

     In the photograph, a British soldier casts his gaze on the remains of a Junkers J.I (or it could be in the process of being scrapped postwar) and the wreckage amply displays the key features of the J.I. The J.I was of all-metal construction but as can be clearly seen, the J.I incorporated a fully armored “bathtub” which encompassed the 200hp Benz Bz.IV engine, pilot, and the observer. The armor, 5mm thick, also protected the fuel tanks and radio equipment. Other features which were designed to improve survivability included push-rod and bell cranks to operate the flight control surfaces instead of the usual steel cabling and a gravity feed fuel tank which enabled continued fuel flow to the engine in case the fuel pump failed. If the fuel in the gravity tank was exhausted, the J.I had a manual fuel pump the observer could use to move fuel from the main tanks into the engine. 

     For defensive armament, the observer had a rear firing, flexible mounted 7.92mm MG14 machine-gun with five ammunition drums of 200 rounds each. The J.I could also be fitted with two downward firing machine-guns when deployed as a ground attack craft though this was rarely done. 

     The first J.I aircraft were taken into service in August of 1917 with the first combat deployment occurring during Germany’s Spring Offensive (Kaiserschlacht; Kaiser’s Battle) which commenced in March 1918. Crews of the J.I nicknamed it the “Möbelwagen” (“Furniture Van”) due to the sluggish handling but they appreciated the protection. Source depending, either no J.I aircraft were lost to enemy fire or only a single J.I was brought down, the French claiming one from an anti-aircraft machine-gun firing armor piercing ammunition. In all, 227 J.I aircraft were built.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Polaris MVRS 700 UTV

Source: @inukraine.official on Instagram

    In early March 2024, Russian Federation forces launched an attack near Lyman, Donetsk Oblast. The initial assault included tanks and IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles) and in the way was the Ukrainian 60th. Mechanized Brigade. In short order, the assault's first push was repulsed but the Russian forces were not done and a second assault was launched...with “golf carts”. The “golf carts” were Aodes Desertcross 1000-3 utility task vehicles (UTVs). Crammed with soldiers, the unarmored UTVs were quickly destroyed. Russia has purchased over 2,000 of the Desertcross UTV from China to issue to troops in Ukraine. The first confirmed appearance of them in Ukraine occurred in November 2023. Initially, they were utilized for rear-area tasks but in was not long before they were used in direct attacks on Ukrainian lines with the expected catastrophic results.

    Ukrainian forces also make use of UTVs to fulfill logistical, medical, and fast reaction roles. The advantages of UTVs are a smaller size, a quieter engine, and high speed. This makes them more difficult to both see and hear, even from reconnaissance drones, while the high speed enables the UTVs to move through terrain quickly. Of course, the main disadvantage is UTVs lack any sort of armor, leaving the driver and any passengers completely vulnerable to enemy fire. For logistical tasks, UTVs are used to resupply troops with ammunition, rations, etc. as well as transport soldiers to and from the front during rotations. Casualties can be evacuated to the rear using UTVs. The Ukrainians also use UTVs as as fast reaction units. For example, the 93rd. Mechanized Brigade “Kholodnyi Yar” uses UTVs fitted with Stugna-P ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles). UTVs used in this role are like “fire brigades”, rapidly moving to sections of the front to engage enemy armor. As the Stugna-P has a maximum range of 3.4 miles (in daytime) and 1.9 miles (at night), these units have a measure of stand-off distance from the direct front lines though they remain vulnerable to FPVs and artillery fire. The screen capture here is from a Ukrainian soldier's smartphone video and shows one of the UTVs used by Ukrainian forces: the Polaris MVRS 700.

    The .8-ton MVRS 700 (Multiple Vehicle Reentry System) is powered by a Polaris 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI). The engine develops 45 horsepower (683cc) and is paired to a Polaris Variable Transmission with a 3-speed gearbox (2 forward, 1 reverse). This gives the MVRS 700 a top road speed of 42 miles per hour. Fuel capacity is 13 gallons and depending on how the UTV is driven, range can vary between 55 to 80 miles.

    The front rack of the MVRS 700 can carry up to 100 pounds while the rear box bed (which can be tipped) can hold 1,000 pounds. The maximum capacity of the MVRS 700 is 1,600 pounds. A trailer hitch on the rear of the UTV can tow up to 1,750 pounds. Run-flat Goodyear Tracker Mud Runner tires ensure limited mobility is retained after damage. In the front is a self-recovery winch with a 2-ton capacity.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The KPS-53AV Gun/Bomb Sight

Source: @qnesko007 on Instagram

     A screen capture from a video, taken from the weapon systems officer's (WSO or “Wizzo”) forward view from his cockpit, located in the nose of a Mil Mi-24D gunship (NATO reporting name Hind-D). Directly in front of him is the KPS-53AV gun/bomb sight system which takes up a good portion of his available cockpit space.

     The KPS-53AV is used by the WSO to aim the Yakushev-Borzov YakB-12.7 4-barrel rotary heavy machine gun mounted in a USPU-24 chin turret. In fact, the end of the YakB-12.7 can be seen just above the sight. The toggle on the left front side of the sight reads “ВКЛ СЧИСЛЕНИЕ” which translates as “On Counting” while the red triggers on either side of the unit have “ОГОНЬ” on them which means “Fire”. The angled KS-53 sight glass is in the center. The knobbed grip on the left side of the sight is used to traverse the chin turret (60 degrees to either side of the centerline) with the entire KPS-53AV swiveling to allow the WSO to track targets. On the right side, the other grip controls the elevation and depression of the YakB-12.7 (20 degrees and 40 degrees respectively). The KPS-53AV is stabilized and includes a VSB-24 analog ballistic calculator. Linked to a air pressure sensor and a angle-of-attack sensor mounted in a boom on the exterior of the helicopter (not visible in this screen capture), the calculator takes the data from the sensors and combines them with the ballistics of the YakB-12.7 to provide aiming correction. The KPS-53AV also has a range finder that can determine target distance but the WSO must manually input the size of the intended target. Built into the KPS-53AV is a PAU-457-2M gun camera which records engagements. The camera uses 16mm film and has a 8 frame per second shoot rate. The KPS-53AV is also used by the WSO to deliver unguided bombs. While the pilot has some control over the helicopter's weapons (and has his own sights), only the WSO can accurately conduct bombing runs. The pilot doesn't have a bomb sight though he can jettison the bombs in the cases of emergencies.

     The YakB-12.7 in the Mi-24D is provided with 1,470 rounds of ammunition and unlike most rotary weapons, the YakB-12.7 is purely gas operated and does not need an external motor to drive the barrels. The maximum rate of fire is between 4,000 to 5,000 rounds per minute so with such a ravenous consumption, the WSO will typically fire short bursts in order to conserve ammunition.

     To the left of the KPS-53AV is a radar altimeter which measures the height (altitude) of the helicopter above the ground immediately below it. A look at the reading and at the time of the screen capture, the helicopter was flying a little over 21 feet off the ground. To the right is the screen for a GPS. 

Russo-Ukrainian War: The BTS-4 ARV

Source: Arslom Xudosi

     Early on in the Russo-Ukrainian War, the Russian Federation forces were utilizing elderly equipment and this is evidenced here. Photographed on March 31, 2022, an abandoned Russian BTS-4 armored recovery vehicle (ARV) fell into Ukrainian hands, a soldier posing with the trophy. BTS stands for Bronetankoviy Tyagach Sredniy which translates as Medium Armored Tractor and the BTS line of ARVs started with the BTS-1 which was simply a T-54 tank with the turret replaced with a cargo platform. The BTS-2 appeared in service in 1955 and was essentially the BTS-1 but with a collapsible 3-ton capacity jib-crane and a rear mounted winch added to the hull.

     However, this particular vehicle, in some reporting, is said to be a BTS-4A when, in fact, it is not. It is a BTS-4 which does not use the T-54 chassis but instead, uses older T-44 chassis. The BTS-4A, like the BTS-1 and BTS-2, uses the T-54 chassis. The differences are very subtle as the final T-44 modernization, the T-44M, used a lot of components from the T-54 to include the tracks and running gear (idler, bogie wheels, and drive sprocket). From this left side view, the main indicator it is a BTS-4 and not a BTS-4A is the curved dip in the plate behind the front mudguard. On a BTS-4A, it would be flush with the rest of the fender. Another possible indicator of a BTS-4 is the reinforcement on the rear spade's edge. The BTS-4 entered Soviet service in 1965. As mentioned, the BTS-4 is built using the chassis of T-44 medium tanks. The T-44, whose design started in 1943, entered Soviet Army service in November 1944 though it did not participate in World War Two. The T-44 had a brief frontline service life with the T-54 entering service in 1948 and quickly replacing the older tank by the early 1950s. The last major model, the T-44M, appeared in 1961.

     The 31-ton BTS-4 is powered by a V-54-E diesel engine that develops 520 horsepower and this provides for a maximum road speed of 31 miles per hour. In first gear, the top speed is 4.3 miles per hour. Enough fuel is carried (261 gallons worth) to give the BTS-4 an operational range of no more than 310 miles but if towing a tank, the range drops significantly to a maximum of 124 miles.

     Like the BTS-2, the BTS-4 is fitted with a collapsible jib-crane. In the photograph, the column portion of the crane is seen laying between the commander's cupola and the cargo platform. The column fits into a base on the right side of the vehicle and the assembled jib-crane has a traverse of 230 degrees. The boom arm is stored on the right side of the vehicle, along the hull side. Operation of the crane is completely manual. The total load capacity of the crane is 3.3 tons. At maximum extension (9.8 feet), the crane could hook lift a maximum of 2.8 tons while at minimum extension, it could manage 4.6 tons. Also like the BTS-2, the BTS-4 has a rear mounted winch (in the photograph, the apparatus between the open radiator grill and the spade) which has a maximum traction force of 25 tons. The winch is mechanically driven, being connected to the engine via a gearbox. By using block and tackle, the traction force can be increased to 50 or even 75 tons depending on the method used. Total length of the winch cable is 656 feet. Again like the BTS-2, a cargo platform is situated almost in the center of the BTS-4. It has fold-down sides (missing in the photograph) and has a maximum capacity of 4.4 tons. Usually, spare parts, additional tools, and other equipment would be carried. Other common equipment carried is four tow cables and at least two rigid tow bars. Finally, both the BTS-2 and BTS-4 have a rear mounted spade (sometimes referred to as a coulter in some sources). The spade, which is manually winched up or down, is used primarily to give the BTS-4 traction when conducting winching operations. Other equipment seen on the BTS-4 is night vision devices for the crew, a GPK-48 gyroscopic compass, a R-113 radio, and a wooden unditching beam (which, curiously, is secured to the snorkel in the photograph rather than the right hull side of the vehicle).

     Unlike the BTS-2, the BTS-4 added one new piece of equipment. This would be the long “chimney” snorkel which, here, is in traveling position. When in use, the snorkel would be hinged forward and secured to the raised commander's cupola. Without the snorkel, the BTS-4 can wade through no more than 4.3 feet deep water. But, with the snorkel, the BTS-4 can wade into as much as 16 feet deep water that permits it to cross water obstacles but also recover disabled vehicles from deeper depths.

     The BTS-4 has a crew of two, consisting of the commander (who doubles as the radio operator and crane/winch operator) and the driver (who is also a mechanic). As the hull is that of a T-44, the crew enjoys 90mm of frontal rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) with the upper glacis having a 60 degree slope angle and the lower glacis having a 45 degree slope. The hull sides have 75mm thick armor but lack any sloping. The rear of the hull supports between 30mm to 45mm of armor with the hull top having 20mm of armor and the hull bottom having only 15mm thick armor. The BTS-4 has no defensive armament and relies solely on small arms and any grenades carried by the crew.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Wild Hornets Sting Loitering Munition

Source: Reddit

     A constant in the skies of Ukraine are waves of Russian drones destined for mostly civilian targets with additional targets being military or infrastructure such as power plants. On a daily basis, an average of 180 to 200 or more drones are launched against Ukraine. Typically, these are HESA Shahed 136 drones purchased from Iran, the Russian produced version called the Geran-2, and decoy lookalikes designated as the Gerbera. The Shahed 136 carries a 110 pound warhead, the Geran-2 either a 115 pound or 200 pound warhead, while the Gerbera can carry a 22 pound warhead if fitted with one. Monthly totals average about 5,000 drones. In some individual attacks, the drone count can rise to as many as 600 in order to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and ensure successful strikes. While these defenses are managing a kill score of 87 to 89 percent, the sheer volume means drones get through. While ammunition for machine-guns and small caliber cannon is relatively inexpensive and plentiful, usage of air defense missiles is far more costly and replenishment of expended munitions is not a guaranty. To this end, designers of the Wild Hornets Charitable Fund have created an inexpensive loitering munition designed specifically to engage and destroy large Russian drones such as the Geran-2. It is called the “Zhalo”, meaning “Sting”.

     The Sting was developed sometime in 2024 with the first knowledge of the drone appearing in the media in October 2024. The Sting is a “hit-to-kill” weapon and as that suggests, it knocks down Russian drones by flying right into them. Because of this expendability, the Sting is built as cheaply as possible and as simply as possible to permit production in volume. It is estimated that a single Sting has a price tag of $2,500USD. Compare this to the estimated $30,000 to $80,000 for a single Geran-2 drone. In addition, consider that even old missiles such as the Vympel R-73 (NATO reporting name AA-11 Archer) have costs into the tens of thousands of dollars while FIM-92 Stinger missiles can have a cost of $480,000USD or more in price. Thus, it can be seen that the Sting is a very cost effective means to destroy drones.

     The Sting's body, wings, and rotor pylons are built using 3-D printers (made by Bambu Labs and Elegoo). This can be seen in wings where the sunlight shows the lattice structures within the wings which provide rigidity while keeping the weight down. Although the photograph angle makes the Sting look large, it is not and though no specific height has been given, it is under 2 feet tall and easily held in a single hand. It is a quadcopter, using four electric motors. The reported top speed of the Sting is 196 miles per hour, more than adequate to catch the Shahed and Geran-2 which top out at 115 miles per hour. The Sting does have an explosive warhead but how large it is has not been disclosed. Given range is 16 miles up to a ceiling of 10,000 feet. The Sting is a FPV (First Person View) munition and is flown using a hand-held controller and  VR goggles, the latter using a Hornet Vision digital video link. The pilot's view comes from a Odd Systems designed and built Kurbas 640 Alpha thermal imaging camera fixed to the Sting's body. The Wild Hornets Charitable Fund provide night pilot training with the Sting and the basics can be learned in a three day course.

     A typical Sting mission profile begins when incoming Russian drones are detected and estimates made on their heading. Air defense units will mobilize and rapid reaction groups will move towards the flight path of the drones. At this time, Sting equipped units will set up the drones which can take up to 15 minutes to do. Next, radar confirmation is required to ensure accurate location of Russian drones and once received and within range, the pilot launches the Sting. The Sting takes off vertically and can do so from any flat surface. Once airborne, it transitions to level flight. The radar operator relays telemetry data to the pilot who guides the Sting towards the target. Once close, the Sting's thermal camera can provide visual target confirmation and it is up to the pilot to successfully fly the Sting into the drone, effecting detonation of the warhead and obtain the shoot-down. Typically, a Sting pilot has around 10 minutes from launch to locate and effect the attack on the drone before the drone flies out of range of the Sting. With effective guidance, the average kill time can be as low as 10 to 15 seconds which means that in a “target rich” environment, pilots can fly more than one intercept mission in optimal conditions.

     The Sting appears to have entered troop trials around May 2025 and by August 2025, was in more widespread usage. By October 2025, it is reported that the Sting has been responsible for downing over 1,000 Russian drones. Currently, 100 Sting drones are built and assembled per day with the goal to ramp up production capability and capacity so that 600 to 800 Sting drones can be completed per day.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The BTS-4M Armored Recovery Vehicle

Source: Sofiia Gatilova (Reuters)

     Rolling through a Ukrainian town in Kharkiv Oblast in March 2025 is a upgraded BTS-4 armored recovery vehicle (ARV). The BTS-4 is the successor to the earlier BTS-2 that entered service in 1955 and utilized T-54 chassis. The BTS-4, on the other hand, used the chassis of the T-55, T-54, and even older T-44 medium tanks (the latter being surplus). The primary difference between the BTS-2 and the BTS-4 is that the BTS-4 added a large snorkel for deep wading. When not in use, the snorkel folds rearwards, laying across the back of the vehicle. The nomenclature of the BTS-4 is actually more granular when it was used in Soviet Army service. The BTS-4 used T-44 chassis, the BTS-4A utilized T-54 chassis, the BTS-4B used pre-production T-54-1 and T-54-2 tank chassis, the BTS-4M used T-55 chassis, and the BTS-4V series utilized T-62 chassis. Externally, they look much alike and the only real way to tell the difference without looking inside the vehicle is by the separation distance between the bogie wheels or other very minor differences. Typically, in Ukrainian Army service, the granular designation isn't always used. In 2020-2021, the Lviv Armored Plant (a part of Ukroboronprom) conducted an upgrade to BTS-4 vehicles in service with the Ukrainian Army.

     The 32-ton BTS-4 (assuming a BTS-4M) is powered by a V-54 diesel engine that develops 520 horsepower. This permits a top road speed of 31 miles per hour though speeds when towing a vehicle are lower with the tow speed being based on the weight of the tank or armored vehicle being towed. Enough onboard fuel is carried to permit a maximum operational range of 310 miles (unloaded). The Ukrainian BTS-4 upgrade increases the weight to 38 tons and replaces the V-54 engine with a more powerful one that develops 580 horsepower but because of the added weight, the maximum speed is reduced to 24 miles per hour. Additional fuel capacity is added in the form of two external fuel drums on the rear but how much additional range this provides isn't stated. The crew of the Ukrainian BTS-4 is three men as opposed to the standard two-man crew of the regular BTS-4.

     Because the BTS-4 is based on the T-55 tank, it shares the same cast steel armor profile. The front hull supports 100mm thick armor though with a 60 degree slope angle on the upper glacis and a 55 degree slope on the lower glacis, the effective armor thickness is higher. The hull sides support 80mm thick armor (without much angling) while the rear has between 20mm to 45mm of armor. The hull roof has 15mm thick armor and the hull bottom has 20mm of armor.

     As befitting a recovery vehicle, the Lviv Armored Plant upgrade swaps out the original BTS-4's 3-ton capacity crane with a new hydraulic driven crane capable of lifting up to 12 tons. The crane is fitted to the left side of the vehicle, the mounting point/turntable situated near the driver's hatch. When not in use, the crane is swung directly backwards along the top of the hull. On the hull front is a dozer blade which is used to clear obstacles, debris, or even dig out a defensive position. The primary winch, with block and tackle, is capable of pulling up to 100 tons. Total cable length is 656 feet. There is also a smaller, secondary winch that also has the same cable length. In the rear of the BTS-4 is a spade that can be deployed to stabilize the vehicle when conducting recovery tasks with the winch. Situated towards the center of the vehicle is a open cargo platform which is used for spare parts, tool boxes, supplies, and other equipment. There are also multiple storage boxes carried on the hull exterior as well as a unditching beam stored just above the rear spade. To assist in field repairs, there is a arc welding apparatus (including a generator) carried on the BTS-4 as standard equipment. From the Lviv Armored Plant, the upgraded BTS-4 includes the snorkel but in the photograph here, it has been removed. In Ukrainian service, the BTS-4 serves as a more economical supplement to the BREM-1 ARV which is derived from the T-72 chassis.

     To date, the Ukrainian Army has lost 19 BTS-4 vehicles with 14 destroyed, 4 damaged, and 1 captured by Russian forces. The Russians, which also utilize the BTS-4, have lost 27 to date with 18 being destroyed, 4 damaged, 4 abandoned, and 1 captured by Ukrainian forces. The Russians have also lost a single, more modern BTS-4V.

Remnants of War: Panzerkampfwagen 17R 730(f)

Source: Paul Cooper on X™

     Situated along the coast of northern Norway near the village of Kongsfjord resides the remains of Veinesodden Batteri (Gun Battery Veinesodden). Built in 1942 by occupying German forces, the battery consisted of five captured World War One era French Canon de 155 L Modèle 1917 155mm howitzers. Each gun was emplaced in an open, circular pit with a center ring to which the entire gun (carriage and all) was mounted, allowing it a 360 degree rotation. The howitzers were capable of lobbing shells out to 11 miles. Bunkers blasted into the bedrock behind the gun positions housed ammunition and billets for the 140 man strong battery unit. 

     The battery was expanded, to include ex-French Renault FT-17 light tanks (which had the German designation of Panzerkampfwagen 17R 730(f)) of which one remains to this day, situated in a position overlooking the sea. Left to rust and be picked over by souvenir hunters and scrappers, little was left. As a side note, the round parts just behind the turret is the clutch and brake assembly. Fortunately, preservationists received permission from the Armed Forces Museum located in Oslo, Norway to preserve and restore the tank. Missing parts were reconstructed by local metal workers and the FT-17 was given an external restoration where it rested. By 2008, the restoration was complete but not long after, scrappers vandalized the tank and removed several of the rear plates. 

     As for the battery, it was abandoned in October 1944. Four of the guns were removed but the fifth gun and other parts of the battery’s emplacements were blown up by the retreating Germans. The remains of the battery, along with the FT-17, can be visited to this day.