Ways to Increase the Efficiency of Defeating UAVS of the Operational-Tactical Level with Aviation Artillery Weapons
Abstract
Purpose. To substantiate effective combat employment conditions for the Mi-24P helicopter when firing the GSh-30K cannon with ME-30 GSh aviation cartridges to enhance counter-UAV capabilities against operational-tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the “Shahed-131/136” type.
Method. The study is empirical and is based on qualitative and quantitative analytical methods. It employs mathematical modelling of trajectories, analytical calculations of UAV kill-probability, and determination of optimal combat employment conditions for artillery weapons.
Findings. Conditions for combat employment of the GSh-30K cannon are substantiated and an optimal burst length of 10 ME-30 GSh cartridges is recommended to ensure effective engagement of operational-tactical UAVs at or above a specified level. The study demonstrates the combination of aiming with correction for target motion vector and minimization of exposure to preserve helicopter survivability. The economic feasibility of using aviation artillery compared with the cost of UAVs is also proven.
Theoretical implications. The research expands theoretical understanding of methods for countering UAVs and substantiates approaches to the effective use of aviation artillery against contemporary threats.
Practical implications. The results may be used to improve Mi-24P employment tactics and to develop methodological recommendations for the effective use of aviation artillery armament in counter-UAV operations.
Originality/Value. A novel approach to employing aviation artillery against UAVs is proposed, including justification of the economic rationale for this method and specification of optimal firing conditions.
Research limitations/Future research. The findings are based on certain assumptions regarding UAV characteristics and combat conditions; further research should assess effectiveness against massed/group targets and the potential integration of guided munitions to increase strike accuracy.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Volodymyr Berezanskyi, Оleksіi Baranik, Andrii Datsenko, Mykhailo Sosulin, Borys Holovko, Oleksandr Sorochkin
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