Russians Used an Unknown Drone with a Closed Wing Against Ukraine

Russia has started to use a previously unknown type of drone with an unusual closed-wing design over Ukraine.

Radio specialist Serhiy Flash reported on social media.

A Ukrainian anti-aircraft drone detected the enemy UAV, and its purpose has not yet been determined — it can perform both reconnaissance and strike missions.

The name, characteristics, and manufacturer of the device remain unknown.

Later, information surfaced about a similar product: an FPV drone — essentially a quadcopter with a ring-shaped wing.

Unknown Russian drone. Photo credits: Serhiy Flash

In a closed-wing design, the ends of the consoles are connected top to top and bottom to bottom, with no classic wingtips — this reduces the intensity of the end vortex jets.

Additional lift is provided by airflow passing through a closed circuit and directed downward, which is enhanced as the wing’s angle of attack increases.

Flow separation occurs when, as the angle of attack increases, the air ceases to flow smoothly over the upper surface of the wing and breaks away with the formation of vortices — in this case, the lift force drops sharply and the aircraft may lose control.

Such an aircraft may indicate that the Russians are seeking alternative solutions to increase the effectiveness of strike drones by boosting their payload.