In the United States of America, for the first time outside the Ukrainian front, a drone was successfully shot down using an FPV drone. The experiment was conducted by the 173rd Airborne Brigade in collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard and the U.S. Army's Futures Command Weapons Center, reports 'Glavkom'.
For the test, the Skyraider UAV was converted into an FPV drone. Originally, this drone was intended for reconnaissance and delivery of small cargo, but for the experiment, it was equipped with a Claymore directional anti-personnel mine suspended under the drone.
The target was an unknown drone built in a 'flying wing' design and flying at a low altitude of several dozen meters. This specific target was chosen to provide the operators with their first experience of using an FPV drone to shoot down another drone.
Experts note that the transformation of the Skyraider from a reconnaissance reusable drone into a single-use anti-air FPV drone posed several problems. Firstly, its cost must be significantly higher than that of conventional FPV drones. Secondly, reconnaissance characteristics such as maneuverability and speed remain low, which is critical for anti-air drones.
Summary
In the USA, it was possible to shoot down a drone using an FPV drone outside combat zones. The experiment provided valuable experience, although there were some issues related to the drone's conversion and its reconnaissance capabilities.