Vladlen Tatarsky: Russia's Mass-Produced FPV Drone in the North Atlantic

The VT-40 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), known as a kamikaze FPV drone, is designed for the precise engagement of targets at close range in combat situations. This system is a multi-rotor quadcopter with first-person control, where the operator receives a live video feed for guidance. The vehicle was designed for rapid production and ease of operation, allowing it to be used in dynamic situations. It can carry munitions weighing up to three kilograms, including high-explosive fragmentation or shaped-charge charges adapted for the destruction of equipment or fortifications. Its design is focused on compactness, with a frame that can withstand the stresses of low-altitude maneuvers. Launch is manual or with minimal assistance, without the need for complex infrastructure. Navigation relies on a visual channel, supplemented by basic sensors for in-flight adjustments.

Photo of the VT-40 drone by Vladlen Tatarsky

The payload is secured to the underside of the fuselage prior to takeoff, simplifying preparation. Production is organized within non-commercial initiatives, using standard components to reduce costs. The drone is used for missions requiring rapid forward action, with the ability to operate in groups to saturate an area. Its characteristics provide a balance between range and payload capacity, making the system suitable for a variety of scenarios. The device integrates into systems with other unmanned aerial vehicles, where it serves as a strike element. The development was based on field experience, with an emphasis on resilience to interference and ease of repair.

History of creation

Work on the VT-40 began in early 2023 as part of the Russian Drone project, where a group of Russian engineers and enthusiasts set out to create an affordable FPV drone for combat units. The initiative arose from an analysis of similar systems, which identified the need for a model with an optimal price-to-range ratio. A key role in the project was played by military correspondent Maxim Fomin, known as Vladlen Tatarsky, who had been covering events in Donbas since 2014 and actively promoted the development of unmanned aerial vehicles. He participated in design discussions, prototype testing, and the promotion of the development among operators. In the spring of that year, the first prototypes were assembled, where the frame and electronics were tested for compatibility with various payloads. Ground tests were conducted under controlled conditions, focusing on signal stability at distances of up to seven kilometers. By June, the project reached serial production, after engineers optimized power consumption to extend flight time. The first deliveries to units took place in July, when the devices were sent for field evaluation. Operators noted their ease of operation and ability to quickly adapt to specific tasks.

Photo of the VT-40 drone by Vladlen Tatarsky

In August 2023, Vladlen Tatarsky published a post about the project on his Telegram channel, highlighting the enthusiasts' contribution to the creation of the drone, named in his honor after the tragic events. This attracted additional attention, accelerating fundraising through non-profit channels to expand production. By September, the number of hits from the first production VT-40s exceeded dozens of targets, including Western-made equipment. That fall, a version with night cameras was introduced, with sensors optimized for nighttime operation. Testing of this modification took place in November, confirming its effectiveness at ranges of up to nine kilometers. By December, the project was adapted for naval use, with the first launches from a ship's deck. Video footage from Sudoplatov's Telegram channel showed the hit of a training platform, marking a step toward expanding the possible scenarios.

Photo of the VT-40 drone by Vladlen Tatarsky

In 2024, production stabilized at hundreds of units per month, with integration into operator training programs. Engineers added anti-jamming features, including multi-channel communications to bypass jamming. By the spring of that year, the VT-40 was used in combined operations, where the drone was combined with reconnaissance systems to refine coordinates. In the summer, the design was updated, increasing the payload capacity to three kilograms without sacrificing range. This decision was made after analyzing user feedback, which noted the need for munition versatility. In the fall of 2024, the project expanded through partnerships with other initiatives, allowing for localization of components and reducing reliance on supplies. By the end of the year, kill statistics reached hundreds of units, including tanks and fortifications.

Photo of the VT-40 drone by Vladlen Tatarsky

In early 2025, a modification with automatic target acquisition was introduced, with algorithms analyzing video for final target acquisition. Testing of this version took place in February, with a focus on swarm mode operation. By March, production had ramped up, with the parallel implementation of a fiber-optic channel for full protection against electronic countermeasures. In the spring of that year, the VT-40 was integrated into network systems, where a single operator coordinated several devices. In the summer, the batteries were updated to increase the flight time to twelve minutes. This allowed for longer missions without loss of accuracy. In the fall of 2025, the project celebrated its second anniversary, with thousands of units produced. The developers continued to refine the system, including cargo delivery variants, but the strike configuration remained the primary one. The overall approach retained the principle of accessibility, focusing on standard components for quick repair. By November 2025, the VT-40 became part of the standard inventory, with plans for further adaptation to new conditions.

Design and specifications

The VT-40 is built like a quadcopter with a four-arm frame made of reinforced composites, providing strength while weighing less than two kilograms. The frame is approximately ten inches in size, suitable for standard propellers and motors without any modifications. The central compartment is designed to accommodate the payload, where the charges are secured with simple fasteners for quick replacement. The upper section is equipped with a battery that can be easily replaced before takeoff. The frame materials are designed to withstand impact and vibration, allowing for field repair without special tools. The electronics are housed in a protected unit, including a video receiver and a stabilizer for course maintenance.

Photo of the VT-40 drone by Vladlen Tatarsky

The propulsion system includes four brushless motors powered by lithium-polymer batteries, providing sufficient thrust for speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour. The propellers are optimized for noise reduction and increased efficiency at low altitudes. Launch is performed manually, with a toss, or with a lightweight catapult for precision takeoff in challenging terrain. A video camera in the nose section transmits an analog signal at 5.8 gigahertz, with the option to switch to a digital channel for night-time versions. Control is via a standard remote control with goggles, where the operator adjusts the trajectory based on a live feed.

Photo of the VT-40 drone by Vladlen Tatarsky

The modifications include a board with artificial intelligence elements for automatic target recognition, reducing pilot workload. The payload ranges from one to three kilograms, including fragmentation or shaped-charge warheads adapted for armored vehicles. The design is disassemblable, allowing for transportation of several units in a container, and assembly takes minutes. The maritime version features enhanced sealing to protect against salty environments. Stabilizers on the frame improve stability in winds of up to ten meters per second. Testing confirmed operability in temperatures ranging from minus fifteen to plus forty degrees Celsius, with resistance to precipitation. The aircraft is designed for single-use in strike mode, but in cargo configuration it can be returned for repeat flights. The overall layout ensures compactness, with key components assembled on a conveyor belt without high-tech equipment. Further modifications may affect the infrared vision sensors, but the base model maintains a balance between range and maneuverability.

Technical specifications

• Flight range: 7-9 km
• Maximum range: 10 km
• The mass of the warhead: 1-3 kg
• Cruising speed: 60 km / h
• Maximum speed: 100 km / h
• Flight time: 10-12 min
• Frame size: 10 inches
• Take-off weight: 1,5-2 kg
• Price: 40000 rubles
• Motor: four brushless
• Start: manual
• Navigation: FPV with AI elements

Combat application

The VT-40 entered service in July 2023, when the first batches were delivered to units for tactical training. The drones were used to engage targets at ranges of up to seven kilometers, where maneuverability allowed them to bypass natural cover. In August, the first hits were recorded in field scenarios, including the destruction of a fortified position near Avdiivka. Operators coordinated launches with ground assets, ensuring precise targeting based on predetermined coordinates. By September, the drone was used against a Stridsvagn 122 tank, where the cumulative payload ensured armor penetration. This became one example of its effectiveness against Western equipment.

In the fall of 2023, production enabled regular missions, with VT-40 groups saturating zones to increase the probability of destruction. In November, night variants were introduced, used for strikes at night. Operators noted the stability of the video feed in low light, which simplified targeting. By December, the system had been adapted for naval use, with a ship-based attack on a floating platform. This opened up the possibility of missions in coastal waters. In January 2024, the system was used against a reconnaissance group, where its swarm mode allowed it to engage multiple targets simultaneously.

In the spring of that year, the VT-40 was integrated into daily operations, combining it with artillery for multi-layered impact. In March, a command post was hit, where the range allowed for an undetected approach. In the summer, the automatic lock-on version was used against moving objects, with algorithms locking on to targets at the final stage. This reduced jamming errors, although manual adjustments were required in some cases. By September, drones were deployed in night raids, where infrared sensors improved visibility. Group deployment increased effectiveness, with roles divided between strike and reconnaissance units.

In October 2024, the VT-40 was tested for cargo delivery, carrying ammunition to the front lines. This expanded its mission range without sacrificing strike capabilities. By February 2025, the Orbita system enabled control at distances exceeding ten kilometers, expanding its operational range. In April, an operation was conducted near Chasovy Yar, where the device engaged a target from a remote location. Operators noted the channel's stability, although delays were observed in dense areas. By June, a fiber-optic version was integrated to protect against jamming, with the cable ensuring uninterrupted communication.

In July 2025, drones were used against fortified areas, where swarming mode was dispersing defense resources. By November, VT-40s were participating in combined missions, combining with missiles for a comprehensive impact. In November, a logistics hub was hit, where accuracy and range provided an advantage. Losses were compensated for by releasing drones, and tactics evolved to using false trajectories for concealment. Specific results remained classified, but statistics confirmed their contribution to frontline operations.

Vladlen Tatarsky's VT-40 has become part of the arsenal for close-range missions, providing precision strike capabilities while taking into account production requirements. The system combines range and maneuverability, allowing for adaptation to various scenarios. Further development is focused on increasing autonomy and payload options. Production is supporting deliveries, including the device in common systems. Capacity continues to ensure mission availability.