PG Robotics upgrades Lucky Strike drone: what has changed

Ukrainian company PG Robotics has unveiled the Lucky Strike-2.1, an upgraded version of its serially produced Lucky Strike-2 strike-and-reconnaissance drone. As Defender Media learned from the manufacturer, the main upgrades include a new computing platform, the Salamandra optical navigation module, an updated powertrain, and an upgraded battery pack.

Salamandra optical navigation system, rather than relying on satellite navigation signals, determines the drone’s position using imagery from a downward-facing camera. This enables the UAV to proceed with its mission, maintain its position, and automatically return to its launch point even in the event of a complete loss of GPS signals.

The communications system has also been upgraded. The Lucky Strike-2.1 is equipped with a digital communications link featuring automatic frequency-hopping to transmit video, telemetry, and control commands.

According to PG Robotics, all three drone variants — Day Optical, Day Digital, and Day Night — have been refined based on combat experience and feedback from frontline military units.

The stated specifications of the Lucky Strike-2.1 include a flight range of up to 15 km, a top speed of up to 80 km/h, and a payload capacity of up to 3 kg. The drone can remain airborne for up to 40 minutes without a payload, or approximately 20 minutes with a combat payload, while operating at ranges of up to 10 km. The design also allows the platform to drop up to three munitions during a single sortie.

The company stated that the system is currently in the final stage of codification.