Ukraine tests StarGate drone to evacuate wounded from battlefields

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 09:58 · Archive

Ukraine has begun testing a battlefield evacuation drone called StarGate, designed to carry wounded soldiers from areas inaccessible to ground vehicles.

Ukraine has begun testing StarGate, a new drone developed by SkyFall for evacuating wounded soldiers from battlefields. The remotely operated aircraft can carry 150 kilograms and travel at speeds of up to 105 kilometres per hour, with a one-way range of 15 kilometres. This range potentially allows it to reach soldiers trapped in the kill zone — areas under constant threat from drones and artillery that can stretch 10 to 15 kilometres or farther.

The manufacturer says StarGate could cut evacuation times from hours or days to minutes, allowing wounded troops to receive medical attention much sooner. The aircraft uses Starlink and SkyFall's L-Link system with AI-assisted technology designed to operate despite satellite navigation interference. It can also reportedly deploy a net to intercept hostile drones and fly over minefields, rivers and damaged roads to reach casualties in areas inaccessible to ground vehicles.

The idea came directly from requests by military personnel in the trenches, according to SkyFall's spokesperson. A Ukrainian combat brigade has now received the prototype for evaluation under front-line conditions. The drone's performance in actual combat evacuations remains to be independently confirmed.

How it is being reported

• Ukraine unveils flying ambulance drone that could save lives in minutesA Ukrainian company has demonstrated an unusual new battlefield rescue system: a drone capable of carrying a wounded soldier inside an enclosed cabin. Developed by SkyFall, the aircraft, named StarGate, was filmed taking off, flying and landing with a person on board.Euronews · 16 Oct, 09:41
• Ukraine testing new 'evacuation drone' that rescues wounded soldiers from battlefieldA drone called StarGate is being tested in Ukraine for battlefield medical evacuationsIndependent World · 15 Oct, 19:16

In this story: Ukraine · SkyFall · StarGate

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