The key facts
- Zelensky's adviser Sergey Beskrestnov reported a new Russian drone resembling the Lancet but, presumably, with a gasoline engine.
- The vehicle has X-shaped wings, a tail assembly and a pusher propeller — a layout similar to the Izdeliye 51 of the Lancet family.
- The exact specifications are unknown; the Ukrainian side is awaiting captured examples for study.
Unknown vehicle spotted, similar to the Lancet
A previously unknown Russian drone, outwardly resembling the Lancet loitering munition, has been spotted in the SVO zone. This was reported by Sergey Beskrestnov, technology adviser to the president of Ukraine, on his Telegram channel. According to him, unlike the Lancet, the new vehicle is presumably equipped with a gasoline engine. 'A new enemy drone has been spotted on the fronts. It resembles the Lancet in shape but has a gasoline engine. We are waiting for captured examples to study it,' Beskrestnov wrote.
Design and presumed differences
The adviser published photographs of the vehicle and drew attention to its unusual design, while acknowledging that the exact specifications of the new development remain unknown. Judging by the images, the drone has distinctive X-shaped wings and a tail assembly, with a pusher propeller located at the rear of the fuselage. A similar aerodynamic layout is used in the Russian loitering munition Izdeliye 51 of the Lancet family. The main presumed difference is the powerplant: while Lancets are equipped with electric motors, the spotted vehicle, according to Beskrestnov's assessment, uses an internal combustion engine, which, with an appropriate design, may provide greater flight endurance and range.
Context
Earlier, Life.ru reported that Russian Lancets had received a new camouflage paint scheme: footage published at the time showed an Izdeliye 51 vehicle with distinctive X-shaped wings, which retained its recognizable design despite the altered appearance.
