Among the marine unmanned systems that can be seen at the global Defence manufacture Salon, an unmanned water and air platform Drozd was first presented, which uses the alleged surface effect. This is the only drone shown in Kielce that can operate on water and in the air. It was constructed by Poles.
In consequence to the tense political and military situation in the Baltic region, investigation centres and arms companies are trying to make structures for water and underwater unmanneds that could become part of fast consequence systems at sea.
Such a vehicle is the unmanned water-air platform, which is simply a screen-plan, or drone, which moves at a very low tallness above the surface of the water, utilizing the alleged surface effect (its wings make more lift at a close distance from the surface, allowing to accomplish advanced velocity and importantly reduce fuel consumption). Works on Drozd have been carried out since 2023 by a consortium of Gdańsk University of Technology (leader), Military method Academy and the method Institute of the Air Force. This task is implemented as part of a programme financed by the National Centre for investigation and Development.
Seven modules can be distinguished in an unmanned carbon fibre design: drive, control system, direction control, tallness rudder, main hull and right and left modules with winglets. It was initially assumed that the platform would operate at sea state below 2 degrees on the Beaufort scale, and yet besides erstwhile the wind force is above 3 degrees.
As work on the device is inactive ongoing, the final parameters of tactical and method Drozda have not yet been specified. According to the information disclosed to date, it will be about 6 m long and span and its own weight within 250–300 kg and its capacity is to be 50 kg. The mark engine has not yet been selected, but it is expected to supply a maximum flight velocity of 100 km/h. Drozd is to fly at a ceiling of 3–5 m above the water surface, and its scope will scope from respective to respective twelve kilometres.
What's he expected to do? According to the assumptions, it is intended to support the logistical activities of peculiar troops on sea basins. At the same time, erstwhile the specialist equipment has been installed, it will be able to carry out exploratory missions in cooperation with another drones and aircraft.
Drozd's creators foretell that he will be able to carry weapons, specified as minimines and mines-torpedes, on his wing hooks. This means the ability to carry out combat missions. To measure its capabilities, however, 1 must wait for the first unmanned tests at sea to begin in the spring of 2026.
