Aevex Phoenix Ghost
| Aevex Phoenix Ghost | |
|---|---|
| Type | Loitering missile |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Wars | 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Aevex Aerospace |
| Specifications | |
Operational range | 6+ hour flight duration |
Guidance system | Autonomous; manual |
The Phoenix Ghost is a small loitering munition, designed by Aevex Aerospace. According to a senior US defense official, it is similar to the AeroVironment Switchblade.[1]
Capabilities
Its primary purpose is to deliver an explosive munition to a human-selected target. It can loiter over an area for up to six hours. It can conduct surveillance.[2]
The drone is effective against medium armored ground targets. Night operations are supported by infrared sensors.[3]
History
The US Defense Department stated that the Phoenix Ghost was developed before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and that it was a "close match" for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Battle of Donbas.[4][5]
Operators
Ukraine- Armed Forces of Ukraine (at least 121 systems to be delivered).[6]
References
- ^ "Kyiv Asked for a New Kamikaze Drone to Fight Russia. The Air Force Delivered Phoenix Ghost". Defense One. 21 April 2022. Archived from the original on 22 April 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
- ^ John Kirby (21 April 2022). Pentagon: ‘Phoenix Ghost’ Drones Would Benefit Ukraine. Bloomberg. Event occurs at 2:15. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
- ^ Hudson, Lee; McLeary, Paul (21 April 2022). "Mystery drone: How the Air Force fast-tracked a new weapon for Ukraine". Politico. Archived from the original on 22 April 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
- ^ Parsons, Dan (21 April 2022). "Mysterious 'Phoenix Ghost' Suicide Drones Headed to Ukraine". The Drive. Archived from the original on 21 April 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
- ^ Detsch, Jack [@JackDetsch] (21 April 2022). "Important clarification: U.S. Phoenix Ghost tactical drone that will be provided to Ukraine was in development BEFORE Russia's invasion: Pentagon
This is a change from what a senior US defense official pointed out earlier, suggesting it was developed FOR Ukraine to fight Russia" (Tweet). Retrieved 21 April 2022 – via Twitter. - ^ "Statement on $800 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine". U.S. Department of Defense. 21 April 2022. Archived from the original on 21 April 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
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