Had not realized they just flew the whole damned drone into things, kamikaze style. Thought they dropped bombs and could re-use ‘em. Or was this a last-ditch kind of thing?

[–] Kyrgizion@lemmy.world 10 points 4 months ago

Almost all drones are single use. Only the really top tier stuff like US predator drones are meant to be reused. The others are essentially smart bombs.

[–] cynar@lemmy.world 6 points 4 months ago

Drones are cheap. Sacrificing one isn't a huge issue.
A 1 way flight can be twice as long.
A return flight can be tracked, and personnel are valuable.

These 3 are the main reasons. If they are striking a target in a low stakes situation, e.g. an abandoned tank, then a bomb and return is completely viable. Similar for a quick surveillance flight.

In this situation, it's likely to be spotted, and the spotters motivated to track it. It would have been a shoot and scoot launch, with nowhere to return to, rather than risk visitors, or artillery fire.

[–] photoncollector@mastodon.social 4 points 4 months ago

@some_designer_dude @LaFinlandia
Ukraine has a variety of drone types.
They will very soon have more drones than the Russians have troops.
The speed of production is phenomenal.

[–] becausechemistry@lemm.ee 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Maybe it’s a range thing, or being worried they’d be followed back to base? Or having to deal with the second guidance system for the bomb / missile the drone would drop is too much of a hassle for the current situation?

[–] leds@feddit.dk 11 points 4 months ago

range thing

Can go twice as far if you don't need to get home

[–] Amaltheamannen@lemmy.ml 1 points 4 months ago

These are also much much cheaper than cruise missiles. Basically a moped engine and hobby RC aircraft parts with GPS