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Why a drone alone is only half the battle
In the context of aerial reconnaissance, an unmanned aerial vehicle is not a self-sufficient tool for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Rather, it is a basic element around which the work of the entire crew is built. In real combat conditions, it is not the fact of having a drone that is decisive, but the ability to systematically and continuously use it to accomplish tasks. Practice shows that effectiveness is determined not by the brand or model, but by the integrity and thoughtfulness of the kit. In the absence of even seemingly insignificant components, the unit faces forced breaks, and the time of useful work in the air is sharply reduced.
The intensity of sorties and the actual duration of a drone’s stay in the sky directly depend on the supply of consumables and power systems. Having multiple batteries, stable charging facilities, spare propellers, and basic elements for quick repairs is a must, not an added benefit. In combat operation, equipment wears out much faster than in a civilian environment, and minor damage is a regular occurrence. If it is not possible to immediately replace a faulty part, the drone loses its practical value and is effectively idle, not performing reconnaissance functions.
Another important aspect is the organization of transportation and preparation for launch. Protective cases, mounts, cable ties, and auxiliary elements are often perceived as secondary, but in the field, they are what ensure the safety of the equipment. Constant movement, exposure to dust, moisture, and mechanical stress create additional risks. A well-designed kit reduces deployment time, simplifies preparatory procedures, and allows the crew to respond quickly to changing tactical situations without unnecessary delays.
Special attention should be paid to distinguishing between the concepts of "drone cost" and "solution cost". Purchasing an aircraft alone means getting limited functionality, while a complete solution includes everything you need for stable, continuous, and recoverable operation. This comprehensive approach ensures maintainability, reduces downtime, and guarantees predictable performance over the long term.
Batteries and charging solutions for drones
Batteries play a crucial role in the work of an aerial reconnaissance crew: without them, even the most advanced drones cannot perform their missions. A single set of batteries provides only a short period of operation, after which the unit is either forced to pause or continue to operate at the limit of the equipment’s capabilities. Therefore, power planning should be of equal priority to the choice of the drone itself. When there are enough batteries, the crew can work rhythmically, without lapses in surveillance and loss of momentum.
The size of the minimum set of batteries is determined by the type of drone and flight mode, but the principle remains the same: you need to have a reserve that covers the charging time and allows you to conduct a series of flights in a row. In practice, this means that the crew does not need enough batteries to keep some in use, some charging, and some in reserve for emergencies.
No less important is the issue of organizing charging in the field, where there is no constant access to the power grid. Portable charging stations allow you to replenish the energy of batteries and related equipment without being tied to a stationary outlet, and inverters provide connection to car power sources or other mobile systems. In long-term operations, generators are often used as a backup option when other sources are unavailable. Such solutions also serve the needs of everyday life at the positions: lighting, charging radios, phones, laptops and other equipment, without which neither reconnaissance nor communication is possible.
The kit, which includes not only the drone but also a sufficient number of batteries and charging infrastructure, provides the unit with real autonomy. This reduces downtime, reduces dependence on a specific location, and allows them to act effectively when the operational situation requires it.
Propellers, spare parts, cases for drones
In combat conditions, unmanned vehicles operate under constant stress, so wear and tear and minor damage are almost inevitable, even with the careful work of the crew. During takeoff or landing, the propeller may hit an obstacle, fasteners may become loose due to frequent movements, and cables may lose stable contact under the influence of dust, moisture, or mechanical stress. In the absence of spare parts, any such malfunction immediately leads to downtime and loss of working time. That’s why the kit should include not only the drone itself, but also everything you need to quickly restore its performance in the field.
Propellers are among the most vulnerable and at the same time the most popular consumables, so having a supply of them is a basic requirement. Along with them, you need cables, adapters, clamps, mounts, straps, and other auxiliary components that ensure stable connection, charging, and positioning of the equipment. It is crucial that all these elements are compatible with a particular drone model and do not require improvised solutions on the ground.
Another aspect is the protection of equipment during transportation. Drones are constantly moving with the unit, and each move is accompanied by the risks of shock, vibration, moisture and dust. A rigid protective case with a well-thought-out internal fixation significantly reduces the likelihood of damage and helps keep the device in working order even after difficult transportation conditions. In addition to physical protection, it streamlines equipment storage: all components are in their proper place, assembled faster, and less likely to be lost. As a result, flight preparations take less time, the number of aborted launches is reduced, and the crew can focus on the main thing - the stable performance of combat missions.
Starlink and other communications for aerial reconnaissance
For effective aerial reconnaissance, it’s not enough to just get a drone in the air - it’s critical to quickly transfer the data to where decisions are made. Video stream, coordinates, photos, and situational awareness must reach commanders and adjacent units without delay, otherwise the operational value of the information is significantly reduced. In the field, traditional mobile communications are often unstable or unavailable due to infrastructure damage or network congestion.
That’s why Starlink has become a standard for many units: it provides Internet access without dependence on local networks and allows you to work with data even in areas without "normal" coverage. For aerial reconnaissance, this means fast information exchange, coordination between groups, transmission of target refinements, and stable communication channels for planning the next steps.
In parallel to satellite internet, units use other means of communication as backup channels to reduce dependence on a single source. However, satellite systems often become the basis for the transfer of materials, coordination and operational clarifications between different units. Proper organization of communications allows the unit not only to put drones in the sky, but also to put the data obtained into practice quickly.
Antennas, relaying, and drone operation in the EW environment
In combat conditions, communication between the drone and the operator does not always function as it does in peaceful conditions: the radio airwaves on the contact line are often noisy, and electronic warfare (EW) systems can reduce the range, disrupt control, or complicate video transmission. In such conditions, even a serviceable drone does not guarantee results, so units pay attention not only to the device itself but also to methods of stabilizing communication in a particular area.
The basic approach begins with the proper organization of the position. The crew chooses locations with maximum visibility in the direction of flight, minimizes interference between the remote control and the drone, and avoids locations where the signal itself is weakening. Often, the starting point is changed, the position is moved by several hundred meters, or a different flight route is selected to avoid areas with unstable communication.
Additionally, antennas and repeaters are widely used to amplify the signal or move the communication point closer to the area of operations. This solution maintains signal stability without increasing the risk to the crew and does not complicate flight preparations. It’s important that antennas, cables, and mounts are reliable: in the field, efficiency depends on simple things like contact, fixation, and speed of deployment. Even though these elements are invisible to donors, they often determine whether the video stream will be stable and whether the crew will be able to complete the mission in time.
Coordination with the EMS professionals is critical, as safety and results depend on coordinated actions. Ill-considered actions can lead to the loss of equipment or disruption of the task, while consultation and planning help to work more efficiently and carefully. Discipline, cooperation, and preparedness are key to working in an EW environment.
The foundation should request a set of equipment, not a single drone
Charitable foundations usually start with a basic request from a unit, but quickly refine it to the level of real need, based on the ability to provide regular work, not a one-time purchase. One drone alone does not guarantee continuous operation: it can be idle due to a lack of batteries, consumables, or power sources. Therefore, the logic of the request is aimed at ensuring that the unit can perform tasks on a daily basis, not sporadically, focusing not on the piece of equipment but on the ability of the crew to work steadily.
In real work, you need flexibility and redundancy. One machine is in active mode, the second is ready for replacement, and the third can cover another area or task without disrupting the pace of work. It’s also a matter of safety and resource preservation: the equipment must be rested between flights, undergo a quick check, and receive replacement consumables without downtime. A set of several drones allows a unit to be less dependent on chance and plan its work more systematically.
The term "kit" refers not only to the drones themselves, but also to everything that ensures their performance in the field: spare batteries, charging solutions, consumables such as propellers, basic spare parts and cables, means for safe transportation, as well as communication equipment and its power supply. Operating conditions may vary: drones are operated from a vehicle, a temporary position, or in areas without stable electricity.
For donors, the total fee sometimes seems high because it is compared to the price of the drone, without taking into account related costs. In fact, the bulk of the budget goes to ensuring continuity of operations: energy reserves, the ability to charge in the field, quick repairs, and protection during transportation. Without this, the drone will work less often than necessary or may be lost due to minor problems that cannot be solved without a prepared kit.
By purchasing a kit, a charitable organization invests in the result, not in a single item. In this approach, the donor provides a full cycle of work: preparation, deployment, data transfer, and readiness for the next task, ensuring that the equipment really brings practical benefits to the unit.
