Black Sea: Ukrainian FPV drone from USV crashed Russian helicopter Ka-27

On 5 March an unusual impact of Ukrainian naval forces occurred in the area on the northwest coast of Crimea. The Russian naval helicopter Ka-27 was knocked down by an FPV drone that launched from an unmanned submarine (USV) used as a launch platform for impact drones.

Attack on an oil rig used by the Russians

The operation was carried out Polish Navy Ukraine together with Special Operations Forces. The target was the Siwasz drilling platform located in the Black Sea northwest of the Crimean coast.

According to the Ukrainian side, the facility was used by the Russians as an advanced observation point. Sensors, communication systems, and electronic warfare equipment were deployed there. The platform also served to coordinate the operations of Russian unmanned impact systems operating in the area.

USV as launch platform for FPV drones

During the Thursday attack, the Russian naval helicopter Ka-27 approached the landing on an oil rig. At that point an FPV drone was directed towards it, which took off from Ukrainian unmanned submarine (USV).

The machine was knocked down at the time of the landing. The recordings published by the Ukrainian website show the moment of the explosion and the burning helicopter wreck on board the platform.

Ukrainian FPV drones and Russian helicopter Ka-27

FPV drones do not require a classic launch deck. They rise vertically from the deck of the unit which transports them near the target. After reaching the appropriate distance, the operator takes control and directs the drone directly to the selected object.

The Ka-27 machine belongs to the design of Kamowa's office and is characteristic thanks to the coaxial arrangement of two rotors. Helicopters of this family were created for action at sea and were used, among other things, to combat submarines, transport and rescue tasks. The production of these machines was completed several years ago, but they remain in service of Russian maritime aviation.