Ukrainian specialists examined an intact Russian Geran-4 drone assembled in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan. Inside the unmanned aircraft, they found a significant number of foreign-made electronic components, including Chinese components and components made by U.S. company Texas Instruments, as well as a Chinese turbojet engine, a camera with optical and digital zoom, a Mesh modem and a protected 16-channel CRPA antenna.
The drone was examined by Ukrainian specialists together with journalists from Schemes, an investigative journalism project run by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The findings were published in a special project by the outlet dedicated to analyzing debris from Russian unmanned aircraft used in attacks on Ukraine.
The Geran-4 is equipped with a Chinese TJ-2000 turbojet engine. According to a specialist who examined the drone, the engine allows the Geran-4 to reach an altitude of up to 8 km and fly at speeds of 450–500 km/h or more.
The specialists even found a piece of paper inside the drone with Chinese component markings and a signature from a local Alabuga technician confirming that the components were fit for use.
The Chinese manufacturer lists the TJ-2000’s operating life at 30 hours. The specialist estimated that the engine could allow the drone to fly more than 700 km, citing a case involving a similar Geran that reportedly flew from Crimea to Lutsk.
The drone’s onboard electronics also attracted particular attention. Unlike earlier Geran variants, the current design has a dedicated mount for a camera. The installed system features daylight, night and infrared channels, as well as 10x optical and 32x digital zoom.
The Geran-4 also contains a Chinese Mesh modem. It provides radio and video communications, allowing the operator to receive real-time imagery from the drone and adjust its flight. The modem has a stated communication range of 300 km. It can also operate as a relay, allowing drones to extend the control range through one another.
The drone is also equipped with a protected 16-channel CRPA antenna. Specialists found two slots for GSM modems, and the examined drone contained two such modems with different SIM cards.
According to the specialists, SIM cards from mobile operators in Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan and several EU countries have also been found in Russian jet-powered drones in recent months.
According to the examination, the Geran-4 can carry a warhead weighing up to 90 kg. A significant portion of the drone’s components are foreign-made, predominantly from China, while its assembly is carried out in Russia.
Ukrainian specialists and a Schemes journalist beside an intact Russian Geran-4 drone. Copyright © 2021 RFE/RL
