The interceptor is planned to be integrated with external radars and ground control stations.
Ukrainian defense company The Fourth Law has introduced the autonomous interceptor ZEROV-8, designed to counter enemy drones. The main feature of the system is autonomous detection, which allows it to detect targets at distances two to three times greater than similar systems.
Details
The interceptor is designed in a tailsitter configuration with vertical takeoff and landing. Its maximum speed is 326 km/h, and it can intercept targets moving at speeds of up to 270 km/h. The combat radius of the device is up to 20 km, and the weight of the warhead is up to 0.5 kg. The ascent after launch takes about 30 seconds. The interceptor can be equipped with a daytime or thermal imaging camera.
The ZEROV-8 is equipped with the TFL Anti-Shahed detection module, which is intended for combating aerial targets, particularly Shahed-type drones. The system uses artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze the object's movement, thermal signature, and other parameters.
After detecting a target, the module continues to track it during flight while the operator determines the approach direction. The module is installed along with a thermal imaging camera, flight controller, or video transmitter. According to the company, the system can detect targets at distances of up to 1 km under favorable conditions and up to 300 m in challenging weather conditions. Currently, the ZEROV-8 is in the final testing phase of the full cycle of autonomous interception.
In the future, the interceptor is planned to be integrated with external radars and ground control stations for automatic target coordinate acquisition. When approaching a target at a distance of about 500 meters, the device enters the guaranteed capture zone for further engagement.
The name of the interceptor is associated with the poet and translator Nikolai Zerov, a representative of the "Executed Renaissance," who was repressed and executed in 1937.
Context
In January 2024, entrepreneur and chairman of the board of Petcube, Yaroslav Azhnyuk, announced the start of development of autonomy modules for FPV drones by The Fourth Law. By October 2024, the startup had already implemented over 30 integrations with various drone models.
According to radio expert Sergey Beskrestnov (Flash), The Fourth Law modules provide accurate target capture at distances where Russian electronic warfare does not operate, he reported on Telegram in October 2024.
The TFL-1 guidance module is integrated into drones from more than ten major FPV manufacturers. Additionally, Azhnyuk installs these modules on drones produced by his own company, The Odd Systems – the UAV "Lupinis-10."
On February 16, The Fourth Law received investments from the American company Axon. The amount of the deal is not disclosed; however, it is stated that the funds will be directed towards research and development of new autonomy features necessary for protecting cities and critical infrastructure from attacks like Shahed.
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