Russo-Ukrainian War: The InterProInvest "Malyuk" Assault Rifle

Source: inukraine.official on Instagram

     A screen capture from a smartphone video showing a Ukrainian soldier armed with a InterProInvest (IPI) “Malyuk” bullpup rifle. The “Malyuk” (“Baby”) is a development of the Kalashnikov AK-74 assault rifle but is also derived from a previous Ukrainian bullpup rifle, the “Vepr” (“Boar”). The “Vepr”, designed between 2001 and 2003, ended up being a victim of circumstances and did not enter service. Interestingly, the “Malyuk” rifle's development commenced in 2005 with the first prototypes appearing in 2008. It would no be until 2015 that IPI received any sort of feedback from the Ukrainian government following tests. Unlike the “Vepr”, the “Malyuk” actually achieved official adoption by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in 2019 and production continues through the Krasyliv Assembly Manufacturing Plant. As a note, the “Malyuk” is sometimes referred to as the “Vulkan” or “Vulkan-M”.

     As mentioned above, the “Malyuk” is a derivative of the AK-74 and it uses the AK-74's standard barrel (to include the mount and muzzle brake), bolt and bolt carrier, and uses much the same action which is a gas-operated, long-stroke piston, closed rotating bolt design. While the action is the same, the “Malyuk” uses its own gas tube (so it is not interchangeable with a AK-74) and removes the integral cocking handle from the bolt carrier (but otherwise, it remains as the AK-74). Instead, the “Malyuk” has a forward, sleeve mounted polymer charging handle. The handle can be mounted to accommodate left or right handed operators but the change requires disassembly of the rifle. To save weight, the “Malyuk” uses as much polymer components as possible and to enhance strength, some of the polymer parts have metal reinforcements embedded in them. The pistol grip is hollow while the top cover has multiple venting holes within it as further weight reduction measures. The buttpad can swivel and inside, there is a compartment for the standard AK-74 cleaning kit.

     The “Malyuk” can be chambered for one of three cartridges: 5.45x39mm, 5.56x45mm NATO, and 7.62x39mm. In the photograph, and based on the magazine design, the soldier is using a 5.56x45mm NATO configured “Malyuk”. The rifle can use 10-, 30-, or 45-round box magazines and if chambered for the Russian rounds, the “Malyuk” can use the same magazines as the AK-74. The maximum rate of fire is between 660 to 700 rounds per minute with an effective range in the region of 500 meters. Out of the box, the “Malyuk” is fitted with iron sights but does feature a Picatinny rail to allow for the mounting of optics. The soldier in the image appears to have a Aimpoint Comp™ M4s red dot reflex sight fitted with flip-up lens covers and he is also using a IPI produced suppressor. Also, attached to the rifle's right front side is a flashlight. The rifle's empty weight is 8.4 pounds.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The 9K310 Igla-1 MANPADS

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

     A soldier belonging to Tactical Group Druzhkivka poses with a 9K310 Igla-1 (NATO reporting name SA-16 Gimlet) MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) surface-to-air (SAM) missile launcher. The word “Igla” in Russian means “needle”. Tactical Group Druzhkivka is a Territorial Defense Force unit that operates in and around Druzhkivka, Donetsk Oblast where MANPADS such as the Igla-1 are useful against UAVs and drones.

     The Igla-1, which first entered service in 1981, is actually a simplified version of the 9K38 Igla (NATO reporting name SA-18 Grouse) which appeared in service in 1983. The reason for this is that development of the 9K38 was taking longer than expected  and so it was decided to push a less complex system into the field to more quickly replace the aging 9K32 Strela-2 (SA-7 Grail) and 9K34 Strela-3 (SA-14 Gremlin) MANPADS.

     That this is a 9K310 Igla-1 is denoted by the 9M313 fire-and-forget missile protruding from the 9P322 fiber-glass launch tube with its distinctive aerospike mounted on a tripod attached to the nose. The later 9K38 replaced this with a longer aerospike attached directly to the missile's seeker head. The aerospike is used to reduce drag during flight. 

     The warhead has a weight of 2.6 pounds of which .9 of a pound accounts for the HE-FRAG (High-Explosive Fragmentation) payload. The missile has two fuzes, one that will detonate the warhead on a direct impact while the second will set off the warhead from a grazing hit on the target. The missile will also attempt to strike the fuselage of the target and to add to the lethality, there is a second charge that will set off any remaining solid fuel for the motor. The seeker head contains two detectors. The first is a cooled mid-wave infrared (MWIR) indium antimonide (InSb) detector for target detection and the second is a uncooled short wavelength infrared (SWIR) lead sulfide (PbS) detector which is used to identify decoy infrared flares. Onboard logic circuits evaluate what the detectors are registering and determine if it is the intended target or flares being deployed to confuse the missile. The missile is also resistant to the U.S. built AN/ALQ-144 series of infrared countermeasure devices.

     The solid fuel rocket motor can push the 9M313 missile to a maximum speed of Mach 1.9 while the missile has a operational range of 3.1 miles with a flight ceiling of 11,000 feet. The missile rolls as it flies, imparting stability and the single set of control surfaces is operated by electrically powered pistons, the energy received from a gas turbine within the missile that is fed by a gas generator. This same gas generator can shunt exhaust over the control surfaces if needed when the airspeed is too low for effective steering. The missile's reaction time is between 5 to 10 seconds and it is capable of engaging an oncoming target with an approach speed of 1,017 feet per second or a retreating target with an egress speed of 853 feet per second.

     The bulbous object the operator's left hand is holding contains a thermal battery but more importantly, it contains liquid nitrogen coolant that keeps the MWIR InSb detector in the seeker head at optimal temperature prior to launch. The Igla-1 can be fitted with the 1L14 IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) to reduce the chance of friendly fire. The 9P519 grip stock, which also contains the 9B328 power supply unit, is detachable and can be detached from a spent launch tube and attached to a fresh one to launch another missile as long as the power supply has enough charge.

Waifus with Raifus: The Colt M1873 Single Action Army Revolver

Credit: Mikael Jansson

     In 2000, fashion model (and later actress) Devon Aoki posed for a series of photographs shot by the renowned Swedish fashion and portrait photographer Mikael Jansson in Stockholm, Sweden. The results of the shoot later appeared in the November 2000 Dutch fashion magazine “Dutch”. In this particular shot from the series, Devon wields a Colt M1873 Peacemaker revolver. Given Sweden's strict laws and regulations on gun ownership, what she is holding is very likely a non-firing replica.

     More accurately called the Colt Single Action Army (Colt SAA), the Peacemaker entered U.S. Army service in 1873 until 1892 as the branch's standard issue revolver. Production ended in 1941 and many Colt SAA weapons served through the entirety of World War Two. The popularity of the Colt SAA saw production resumed between 1956 and 1974, again from 1976 to 1982, and for a third time in 1994 and ever since, the Colt SAA has continued to roll off the lines at Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company.

     The Colt SAA has been offered in nearly 30 different calibers (and numerous variants) during its life and even today, it can be had in at least 11 calibers. However, the most common ammunition for the Colt SAA for its initial service career was the .45 Colt round. The 11.43x33mmR (.45 Colt) is a rimmed, straight-walled, centerfire cartridge and was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873 for use in the Colt SAA. Originally using 40 grains of black powder (later reduced to 34 grains), the round produced a muzzle velocity between 850 to 900 feet per second. Against a man-sized target, the effective range of the original round in the hands of a trained person was 69 to 91 meters. A skilled marksman could manage 114 to 137 meters of effective range. Of course, today, the .45 Colt ammunition sold in shops for current production Colt SAA models has a far higher grain count which produces a longer range.

     The Colt SAA is a single-action revolver (hence the SA in the name) which means to ready the revolver to fire, the operator needs to cock the hammer/striker first. Pulling the trigger initiates the “single action” of releasing the hammer/striker which then fires the bullet. Total ammunition capacity is 6 rounds in a metal cylinder. The usual barrel length of the Colt SAA is 7.5 inches but the replica looks to be the shorter, 5.5 inch barrel. Empty, the Colt SAA has a weight of about 2.3 pounds.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The M1A1 AIM Main Battle Tank

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

     The impact on tank protection due to the nature of drone warfare in the Russo-Ukrainian War is fully displayed here by a M1A1 Abrams MBT (Main Battle Tank) belonging to the 425th. Assault Regiment “Skelya”. On the turret front, lower front glacis, turret sides, and hull sides are blocks of Kontakt-1 ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor). The blocks are arranged in bolt-on metal frames which are then secured to the turret, hull, and in the case of the sides, to the standard M1A1 side skirt panels. The next layer of protection comes from the rubber panels that hang down almost to the ground on the sides and front of the tank. Another strip of rubber paneling is seen underneath the rearmost frame of ERA on the turret side. Cheap to make and fix to tanks and other armored vehicles, the panels provide a small measure of defense against HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) munitions and older anti-tank rockets. The third layer of defense, meant for drones specifically, is the collapsible metal frame seen over the tank. Shown deployed, the frame supports fishing netting (not fitted here) that serves to impede or defeat an FPV drone from striking the tank. Of interest, along the turret sides, there is framing for netting in front of the ERA. Framing for netting can also be seen on the rear of the tank's hull. As a note, the round object on the left front of the turret is a spare road wheel and the tank sports its original Australian Army three-tone camouflage pattern.

     The M1A1 seen here is former Australian Army. In 2006, the Australian Army purchased 59 M1A1 AIM (Abrams Integrated Management) tanks and replaced the Leopard AS1 then in service by 2007. In June 2022, Australia committed to a purchase of a large number of armored vehicles from the U.S. which included 75 modernized M1A2 tanks. On October 17, 2024, Australia announced it was providing Ukraine with a donation of 49 of its M1A1 tanks and by December 2025, all of them have been delivered. Of this total, it is not known how many are operational as a October 16, 2024 ABC Australia report by Andrew Greene stated some would have required repair and that those tanks may simply be sent to Ukraine for parts rather than be restored to operational readiness.

     It should be noted that the Australian M1A1 AIM, as well as the U.S. provided M1A1 SA tanks, do not feature the high-density depleted uranium (DU) mesh within the composite armor that makes up the tank's defense. The U.S. still restricts the export of M1 series tanks with DU mesh. Instead, the DU is replaced with either tungsten or titanium. This means the M1A1 AIM and M1A1 SA are more vulnerable to kinetic penetrator munitions in comparison to U.S. operated M1 series tanks.

     Power for the 61-ton M1A1 comes from a Avco Lycoming (Honeywell) AGT-1500 air-cooled gas turbine engine that develops 1,500 gross horsepower. This is paired to a Allison X1100-3B hydrokinetic, automatic transmission with a 6 speed gearbox (4 forward, 2 reverse). Steering is via hydrostatic T-bar. The maximum road speed is 41.5 miles per hour with a road cruising range of 289 miles. This relatively low range is due to the high fuel consumption of the engine despite the 505 gallons of onboard fuel carried. The engine is multi-fuel and for maximum efficiency, JP-8 fuel should be used. However, the AGT-1500 can run on standard diesel, gasoline, or even kerosene though performance will be impacted.

     The main weapon is the M256 120mm gun with the stabilized gun mount providing 20 degrees of elevation and 10 degrees of depression. The turret provides the gun with 360 degrees of traverse. A full turret traverse can be accomplished in 9 seconds while the maximum gun elevation can be achieved in under 1 second. Gun laying is electrohydraulic with a manual backup system. Gun loading is manual with a maximum fire rate of 6 rounds per minute. Firing is assisted using a mostly automatic digital ballistic computer. A total of 40 rounds are carried for the M256. As for ammunition, the M256 can fire any NATO compatible 120x570mm round. The M829A1 APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) is able to drill through 650mm of RHA (Rolled Homogeneous Armor) at a 60 degree slope out to a range of 1.2 miles. The M830A1 HEAT-MP-T (High-Explosive Anti-Tank Multipurpose Tracer) has a maximum range of 1.6 miles and features a proximity fuse that is set prior to firing. The aluminum sabot is lighter than that fired by the M829A1, hence the longer range. In addition, the round is usable against armored targets, slow moving aerial targets (such as helicopters), hardened targets (bunkers and buildings), and light armored vehicles. Finally, the M908 HE-OR-T (High-Explosive Obstacle Reduction Tracer) is primarily utilized against hardened targets such as concrete blockhouses and buildings. The round is derived from the M830A1, replacing the sabot and fusing with a hard steel nose that allows the round to punch through concrete before detonating. Other munitions include the M1028 canister round filled with 1,100 tungsten balls (maximum effective range of 500 meters) and the M831 TP-T (Target Practice Tracer) round.

     Secondary armament consists of a coaxial M240 7.62mm machine-gun which is provided with 10,000 rounds of ammunition while the loader is also provided with a M240 outside his hatch on the turret along with 1,400 rounds of ammunition. The commander is provided with a M2 .50 caliber heavy machine-gun on the turret top along with a total of 900 rounds for the weapon. It can be operated from within the turret. Finally, there is provision for a 5.56mm M16A1 rifle with 210 rounds. In the photograph, the M2 is fitted but the loader's M240 is missing from the shielded gun mount.

     For protection, the M1A1 uses welded RHA steel armor on the turret and hull. The front of the turret and hull add composite armor arrays consisting of ceramic blocks set within resin between layers of RHA armor. The exact composition remains classified and neither has the specific protection capability of the M1A1 been released. What follows is a Soviet estimate as provided in Steven Zaloga's M1 Abrams vs. T-72 Ural: Operation Desert Storm 1991. From the front, the turret and hull provides 600mm of protection against APFSDS rounds and 700mm of protection against HEAT munitions. This estimate is based on the standard armor configuration that includes the DU mesh. Other protective features include two smoke grenade launchers (one on each side of the turret, with a total of 24 grenades), automatic Halon fire detection/extinguishing system, ammunition blowout panels (which shunt ammunition explosion forces outside the turret), two manually operated Halon extinguishers, overpressure NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) system, M13A1 gas/particulate filter, M43A1 chemical agent detector, AN/VDR radiac nuclear agent detector, and 1 ½ quart of ABC M11 decontamination fluid dispenser.

     For other systems and equipment, the gunner is provided with a primary and auxiliary sight, azimuth indicator, elevation quadrant, and a M1A1 quadrant which assist in direct and indirect fire. There is also a integrated Hughes (Raytheon) built thermal imaging subsystem (TIS). The driver has three periscopes and one night vision periscope while the commander has six periscopes and his own weapon sight. The loader only has a single periscope. For communications, the M1A1 has either a AN/VRC-12 or AN/VRC-64 radio system. To permit infantry working with the tank to talk with the crew, there is a external interphone box at the rear of the tank which connects to the crew's own internal AN/VIC-1 interphone network (which has four stations, one for each crew member).

Russo-Ukrainian War: The DevDroid Droid NW 40 UGV

Source: @drone_wars_ on Instagram

     The Russo-Ukrainian War is seeing more and more the usage of UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) by not only the Ukrainian military but the Russian Federation as well. The majority are used for logistical missions and even casualty evacuation while some UGVs are utilized on area denial operations (by laying mines), support of aerial UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) sorties (as relay transmitters and/or electronic warfare platforms), and as seen here, equipped with weapons to support units in the field. The particular model pictured is what looks to be a prototype Droid NW 40, designed by the Ukrainian company DevDroid. That this is not the production Droid NW 40 is because the chassis is that of the Droid TW 12.7, another UGV offered by DevDroid which is equipped with a Browning M2 .50 caliber heavy machine-gun. Here, the armament system for the Droid NW 40 has been fitted for testing purposes.

     The Droid NW 40 is billed as a reconnaissance-strike UGV designed to engage light armored targets, soft-skin vehicles (meaning unarmored), infantry, defensive positions, and battlefield reconnaissance. To engage such target types, the Droid NW 40 is fitted with either the Ukrainian produced AGL-53 or the U.S. military's Mk.19 automatic grenade launcher. The latter have been in use by Ukrainian troops, having been supplied by Canada and the United States. Both fire the NATO standard 40x53mm grenade. In the photograph, the weapon is the AGL-53. For some of the grenade types available, see the link below about the Repkon Defence RDS-40 which lists out some of the more common munitions.

     The Droid NW 40 platform allows for a maximum firing range of .9 of a mile (1.5 kilometers). A total of 48 rounds of ammunition is carried in a can to the left of the weapon. Specific performance data on the AGL-53 isn't known but likely is similar to the Mk.19 with a 300 to 400 round per minute rate of fire. With no ability for the Droid NW 40 to be reloaded with ammunition without the UGV returning to its support base, the operator can fire single-shot or fire in very brief bursts. The combat module mounting permits a total of 270 degrees of traverse, maximum elevation of 65 degrees, and a maximum depression of 5 degrees. The combat module can rotate and elevate/depress 100 degrees every second. The operator manually aims and fires the grenade launcher or aiming can be conducted by entering coordinates. In the latter mode, the aiming tabulations will be calculated so that the grenade launcher can be aimed in order to strike the designated target.

     Power comes from an electric motor though DevDroid does not provide a maximum speed for the Droid NW 40 in their literature. The Droid TW 12.7 has a top speed of 4.3 miles per hour so the Droid NW 40 is likely in the same range. The Droid NW 40 has a maximum operational range of 31 miles on roads and off-road, the maximum range drops to 25 miles. Endurance-wise, the onboard batteries permit 120 hours of power assuming the Droid NW 40 is stationary (for example, as a static gun position) but if active in the battlefield, then the endurance is reduced to 12 hours.

     Operator vision comes from the optic suite seen below the barrel of the AGL-53. Besides the daylight cameras, there is a thermal imager that permits the Droid NW 40 to engage enemy targets at night as well as in low visibility conditions such as smoke, dust, and fog. Linkage to the Droid NW 40 can be accomplished using radio communication products such as Wi-Fi and Sine Link modules (from Sine Engineering). If required (or desired), the Droid NW 40 can be upgraded to utilize Starlink, LTE, or a Mesh network.

     As a note, the production Droid NW 40 uses the same tracks and drive train along with the middle section as the Droid TW 12.7. However, the battery compartments and other component covers situated on the sides of the UGV are longer and boxier than on the Droid TW 12.7 as the Droid NW 40 has a longer range and endurance.

For further information on the 40x53mm grenade types, visit:

https://photosofmilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2025/02/russo-ukrainian-war-repkon-defence-rds.html

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.