Germany Sends Songbird Reconnaissance Drones to Ukraine
Defense News ,Ukraine :- In a strategic move, the German government has successfully delivered the inaugural shipment of Songbird unmanned aerial vehicles to Ukraine. These cutting-edge drones, meticulously crafted for reconnaissance and intelligence operations, are the brainchild of the renowned German technology company, Germandrones.
Ukraine has recently welcomed a batch of seven Songbird drones, marking the initiation of a technological collaboration between the two nations. The Songbird drone series, comprising Songbird 60, Songbird 100, and Songbird 150, boasts versatility and innovation. Unfortunately, the German government has not divulged information about the specific version dispatched to Ukraine.
While all versions offer commendable features, the Songbird 150 stands out for its superior operational capabilities. Developed by Germandrones, this high-performance drone can carry an impressive maximum payload of 4.4 kg and covers a range of up to 110 km. With an impressive altitude capability of 5,000 meters, the Songbird 150 exemplifies the pinnacle of drone technology.
Germandrones, the mastermind behind this groundbreaking technology, provides a myriad of reconnaissance and surveillance gimbals specifically tailored for the Songbird 150 drone. This allows Ukraine to leverage a variety of options to enhance its intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Here are the specifications for the Songbird 60, Songbird 100, and Songbird 150:
| Feature | Songbird 60 | Songbird 100 | Songbird 150 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 298 cm | 312 cm | 312 cm |
| Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) | 9.5 kg | 10.5 kg | 23 kg |
| Maximum payload | 1.0 kg | 3.0 kg | 4.4 kg |
| Body material | Fiberglass/Carbon composite | Fiberglass/Carbon composite | Fiberglass/Carbon composite |
| Working speed | 16-25 m/s | 18-28 m/s | 18-28 m/s |
| Maximum flight time (camera only) | 58 minutes | 120 minutes | 105 minutes |
| Maximum flight time (max payload) | 30 minutes | 60 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Typical flight time | 45 minutes | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Range | < 60 km | <100 km | < 90 km |
| Maximum altitude | 2,200 m | 2,000 m | 5,000 m |
| Altitude at takeoff | 1,600 m | 1,500 m | 4,000 m |
| Wind tolerance (start/landing auto) | 6 m/s | 6 m/s | 7 m/s |
| Wind tolerance (start/landing manual) | 8 m/s | 10 m/s | 11 m/s |
| Wind tolerance (fixed wing mode) | 12 m/s | 14 m/s | 15 m/s |
| Rain tolerance | Light rain | Light rain | Normal rain |
| Propulsion | 4 electric motors with tilt mechanism | 4 electric motors with tilt mechanism | 4 electric motors with tilt mechanism |
| Radio control | 433 MHz & 2.4 GHz | 433 MHz & 2.4 GHz | 433 MHz & 2.4 GHz |
| LTE / 5G | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Telemetry frequency | 868-900 MHz & 433 MHz | 868-900 MHz & 433 MHz | 868-900 MHz & 433 MHz |
| Safety features | Return to launch, position hold, land immediately, land at defined places, quadchute | Return to launch, position hold, land immediately, land at defined places, quadchute | Return to launch, position hold, land immediately, land at defined places, quadchute |
| Video camera | No (only for mapping & surveying) | Optional | Optional |
| Video link | No | Optional | Optional |
| Video features | No | Optional | Optional |
| Flight controller | PixHawk Cube / PX4 Stack | PixHawk Cube / PX4 Stack | PixHawk Cube / PX4 Stack |
