SSUGT students develop prototype of RPG-7 projectile to combat drones

Students of the Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies Anton Ursulov and Egor Novikov, under the guidance of the assistant of the Department of Special Devices, Innovation and Metrology Alexander Viktorovich Makeev, presented an innovative project at the competition of student works. Their development is a prototype of a specialized projectile for the RPG-7 hand grenade launcher, designed to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The development used an infrared motion sensor HC-SR501 with a detection radius of up to 5 meters and successful tests were carried out with a small Geoscan Pioneer Mini quadcopter. The students developed an electronic detection unit and projectile assembly, calculated explosives and created a prototype of a cassette with ready-made striking elements (FSE).

At the current stage, a working model of the projectile has been manufactured, tests have been carried out in a wind tunnel to optimize the characteristics, and the debugging of the UAV detection system is being completed.

The project reached the final of the Student Project Competition of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «State University of Management» in the nomination «Consulting Projects» and demonstrates the potential for modernizing classic weapons to counter modern threats.

The initiative of SSUGIT students may be a response to the growing risks associated with the use of drones in conflicts and critical infrastructure.