Types of FPV drones: what you should know

FPV drones (First Person View) are drones that transmit images from a camera to the pilot in real time, as if he himself were in the cockpit of the drone. Originally created for racing and entertainment, these devices have become a real breakthrough in modern warfare, in particular in Ukrainian realities.

Due to their low price, maneuverability, and flexibility, FPV drones have become an indispensable tool on the front lines. Depending on the tasks, there are several main types of such drones.

Kamikaze (strike types of FPV drones)

The main purpose of such drones is the direct destruction of targets - equipment, dugouts, firing points, and manpower. A kamikaze drone carries an explosive charge and is guided directly to the target by the operator.

Features:

• Single use

• Equipped with an analog or digital FPV camera

• High speed and accuracy

Strengths:

• Effectiveness against armored vehicles

• Difficult to detect due to low flight altitude

• Does not require aiming like artillery

Weaknesses - the main drawback is the inability to reuse. But compared to the damage caused by such drones to the enemy, this drawback can be considered insignificant.

Bombers (drop drones)

They are used for the delivery and precise dropping of ammunition (grenades, mines, improvised explosive devices) over enemy positions.

The principle of operation is that the drone flies to the target, hovers or flies over it, and releases the charge at the right moment.

Features:

• Reusable

• Can be light or heavy, depending on the load

• A mechanical or electronic discharge system is installed

The main advantage over kamikaze is the possibility of reuse.

Weaknesses:

• Less accurate than a "kamikaze"

• Vulnerability during return

Scouts (FPV drones for surveillance)

Used for visual reconnaissance, artillery adjustment, detection of enemy positions, and collection of coordinates for kamikaze drones.

The reconnaissance drone transmits video in real time, allowing operators to make decisions based on up-to-date information.

These drones are mostly lightweight, optimized for long-range flight, and have high-quality video. Sometimes they are equipped with an infrared camera.

The main advantage is the safety of reconnaissance with less threat to personnel. In addition, the reconnaissance drone is able to quickly reach hard-to-reach locations and respond quickly to changing situations.

The main challenges faced by reconnaissance drones are enemy electronic warfare (EW) and limited capabilities in “unflyable” weather.

Hybrids

These are multifunctional drones that can be re-equipped for various tasks: drop, strike, reconnaissance. Some bombers can be quickly converted into strike aircraft or vice versa. In frontline conditions, flexibility is often more important than narrow specialization.

An example of such hybrid use is the HUMMEL 13" - a bomber that can be used as a reconnaissance aircraft, and at the same time carry up to 4.5 kg of payload, dropping ammunition or acting as a strike platform.

It is important to understand that FPV drones are more than just "eyes in the sky". They have become full-fledged weapons that can influence the course of battles. Successful use of FPV is the result of a combination of the right platform, pilot training and quality communication.

Depending on your mission — whether it's reconnaissance, strike, or precision bombing — choose the drone that best suits your needs.