First Contact has been developing and deploying UAVs since 2014. The portfolio includes five airplane models and three copter models. The developer specializes exclusively in kamikaze attack drones.
The company’s main focus is on tactical drones, i.e., drones with a range of up to 50 km. However, there is one model, Kyivska Rus, which can fly up to 800 km and has already visited Moscow (in secret).
Two models in service
All models are not yet in production and are produced by the dozens per month at the expense of charitable foundations and direct customers.
Two models have been adopted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The state is currently ready to finance two models of UAVs: the Osa (quadcopter) and the Vidsich. They operate at a distance of up to 50 km.
According to the developer’s representative, Was is an analog of the Russian Lancet, and Vidsich is a FPV kamikaze drone with the ability to transport up to 3.5 kg of warhead at a distance of up to 8 km.
The models are quite attractive in terms of tactical and technical characteristics and ease of use.
Technical characteristics of the Wasp quadcopter
- Maximum takeoff weight without payload 5 kg;
- payload weight up to 2.5 kg;
- quadcopter dimensions: 56x56x10 cm;
- maximum flight altitude up to 1000 meters;
- flight range up to 8 km or up to 15 minutes of flight with payload;
- maximum speed 150 km/h in winds up to 12 m/s;
- deployment takes 5 minutes and 7 minutes to recharge the drone;
- operating temperature range from -10 to +40.
Focus on the Ukrainian market
The company’s strategy is to maximize localization. That is, the motors, propellers, and pilot controller, i.e. the key combat elements of the Wasp model, are made in Ukraine.
Of course, Chinese components are still used, but the company is doing everything in its power to minimize their share. Although it is clear that no one has been producing processors, chips, or electronic components in Europe or Ukraine for a long time. These components need to be ordered from Asia, but it could be Taiwan, Vietnam, or Malaysia. That is, those countries that do not even secretly support Russia.
