Chinese scientists have reportedly developed a military drone capable of rapidly splitting into six separate units in midair. This breakthrough in air separation technology could potentially revolutionize the battlefield, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The new drones are faster and more efficient than traditional multirotor drones, with the ability to surprise opponents by multiplying into large swarms unexpectedly during combat.
The innovative design of these drones, inspired by the structure of maple seeds, features just one blade both when combined and divided. This unique feature allows them to fly freely like a standard drone and communicate effectively to carry out complex missions. Despite their unconventional shape, these drones exhibit a flight efficiency nearly double that of similar-sized multirotor drones, as detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published in the Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica journal.
When traditional drones are combined, they typically experience a slowdown. However, even when separated into individual units, these drones maintain a flight efficiency 40% higher than most small drones. The scientists behind this development suggest that equipping a soldier with multiple drones could enable them to disassemble the units to accomplish a variety of missions, providing the People's Liberation Army of China with a strategic advantage.
One of the main advantages of these drones is their potential to disrupt air defense systems, according to experts. By multiplying the threat suddenly, these drones could overwhelm the resources deployed by defense systems, creating a tactical advantage on the battlefield. While the technology presents a significant advancement, analysts caution against assuming immediate deployment, citing China's complex technology development process.
China's robust drone capacity, with over 2000 companies working on drone technology, positions the country to produce drones at a large scale and affordable cost. This capability, combined with the evolving landscape of modern warfare, underscores the importance of rapid modernization of defense systems by global militaries.
In response to the changing dynamics, the US Army has requested substantial funding for the development of unmanned aircraft systems and counter-drone technology in its fiscal 2025 budget. Additionally, Admiral John Aquilino of the Indo-Pacific Command highlighted China's significant increase in defense spending, emphasizing the comprehensive modernization efforts across various domains.
