KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian defence company Vluchnyk has completed a full cycle of internal testing of its new Zorelit v5 interceptor drone, designed to engage high-speed aerial targets, including jet-powered attack UAVs.
According to the company, the Zorelit v5 met its stated technical specifications during testing and is now ready for supply to military units.
Stepan Radiboh, CEO of Vluchnyk LLC, said the company is ready to sign direct contracts with military units. He added that after the system completes codification, it will also be made available through Ukraine’s e-Points (e-Baly) system.
Speed and Flight Performance
The Zorelit v5 has a stated maximum speed of 416 km/h and a range of up to 47 kilometres on a single charge. At a cruising speed of around 200 km/h, the interceptor can remain airborne for approximately 17 minutes.
The drone is designed to carry a warhead weighing between 300 and 600 grams.
The manufacturer describes the Zorelit v5 primarily as an interceptor designed to engage targets directly along their flight paths. It is intended to counter reconnaissance UAVs, as well as Gerbera, Geran-2, Geran-3 and Geran-4 drones. The company states that the interceptor's speed allows it to engage targets travelling at approximately 300–350 km/h.
AI-Assisted Guidance and SkyMap Integration
The Zorelit v5 can be equipped with an automatic target detection and illumination system using artificial intelligence algorithms. The system also supports automatic terminal guidance during the final stage of the flight.
Another option is integration with the SkyMap system. According to Vluchnyk, SkyMap can guide the interceptor toward the target area and calculate an interception trajectory while taking battery consumption into account.
The drone can also be remotely controlled and transmit live video over the internet.
In its standard configuration, the interceptor includes a camera gimbal, an ELRS control system with selectable operating frequency bands and a 2.5-watt video transmitter. Its warhead initiation board supports remote detonation and includes a physical safety pin.
Developed From Zorelit v4
The Zorelit v5 was developed from the earlier Zorelit v4 interceptor. According to Vluchnyk, the previous model has already been used in combat, adopted for service and assigned a NATO Stock Number (NSN).
The company said that some technical solutions proven during the combat use of the Zorelit v4 were carried over to the new v5 model.
Vluchnyk also maintains a testing and tracking process for each interceptor. Before delivery, every unit undergoes a test flight. The company keeps video records of these tests and marks individual drones so that their specific assembly and components can be tracked.
The Zorelit v5 is currently available for direct contracts with military units. The company says it will become available through the e-Points system after completing codification.
——— End of Article ———
