The Ministry of Defence codifies Aerobavovna’s first aerostat

The Ukrainian company Aerobavovna has codified the AB12TC aerostat-type unmanned aerial system. The complex is capable of lifting and maintaining payload equipment at altitudes ranging from 100 to 700 metres, with the capacity to operate continuously for up to 72 hours under field conditions.

The aerostat is engineered to carry digital and analogue communications relays, as well as command and video transmission systems for FPV drones, ground robotic platforms, and other unmanned systems. Supported communication suites include HIMERA B1, SILVUS StreamCaster 4600, L3Harris RF-7800, MPU5, Motorola SRL1000, and “Lybid K-2RTR”.

The company states that the platform can also be utilized as a deployment vector for strike assets, including attack unmanned aerial vehicles operating in standby mode.

The system comprises a mobile trailer platform, the “ABTA12” aerostat UAV, a ground control station, an electric winch mechanism, a gas cylinder equipment set, transport containers, and a comprehensive maintenance and operational documentation suite.

The codified aerostat features a payload capacity of approximately 5 kg. Concurrently, Aerobavovna is preparing new aerostat system models with payload capacities of 10 kg and 25 kg for codification. These upcoming variants are intended for heavier equipment, including high-power relay nodes and multi-sensor electronic warfare and radio reconnaissance complexes.

The cost of the aerostat system on the state-backed Brave1 marketplace is UAH 954,000, and the platform is currently available for pre-order.

According to company data, more than 50 aerostat systems have already been delivered for operational deployment to units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Special Operations Forces, and the National Guard.