Russia is reportedly testing its first flamethrower-equipped multicopter in order to enhance the air force’s combat potential.
The Russian-built attack multicopter is undergoing various tests to assess its capabilities and performance, reported Sputnik News.
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The Russian Air Force is also testing the capabilities of the automatic grenade launchers.
The tests are aimed at evaluating the ability of the multicopter, which is a mechanically operated aerial vehicle, to withstand electronic warfare (EW).
The Russian State Corporation (Rostec) was quoted by Sputnik News as saying: "Copters are demonstrating good results but it is a bit early right now to talk about the end of the tests."
In December, reports emerged about Russia’s growing interest in developing bullet-proof multicopters carrying grenade launchers and flame throwers.
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By GlobalDataRostec United Instrument-Manufacturing Corporation head Alexander Yakunin was quoted by TASS news agency as saying: "The prototypes of a reconnaissance copter, a surveillance and fire directing aerial vehicle and a cargo copter have already been developed."
The copters are expected to be more compact as well as cheaper than the conventional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) currently used by the Russian Air Force.
In September, it was reported that the country fired TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system during a drill near Volgograd.
