Ukraine's flat-pack cardboard drones destroying Russian jets

A fleet of drones made out of cardboard and held together with elastic bands and tape are thought to have destroyed or damaged at least five Russian jets in the Ukraine war.
The drones arrive flat-packed like some well-known Swedish furniture.
A bit of sticky tape and a few elastic bands later, and what you get is a military-grade UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) that is able to carry several kilos of explosives over 75 miles.
More: www.forces.net/technology/car...
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[@dannyzero692]

Imagine having to explain to your boss that you lost a ton of equipment because of a drone made out of cardboard.

[@ronlucock3702]

On the reverse side, imagine trying to explain to your boss that you COULD take out a ton of enemy equipment with a drone made out of cardboard!

[@Chrisfrom_Dallas]

Compared to," yo Boss, I lost $250 million of your military equipment that I stole to buy a villa in France.. which has been confiscated, and a $40 million dollar sex yacht.. which has been confiscated.. my bad." The deadliest weapon in the entire conflict is Russia. That one item has caused the largest majority of Russian casualties.

[@siangmingalexlau8220]

@@ronlucock3702Either way, it makes for some difficult conversations.

[@localreviewking134]

Lost a tank you mean.

[@abcdefg4570]

It isn't even cardboard. It's foamboard, which has two thin sheets of paper on the surface to make it ridgid. They also use balsa and wooden spars.

[@paulmakinson1965]

I also made paper planes in class as a weapon of maths disruption.

[@TbagZ]

😂😂😂

[@JusticeAlways]

It's a requirement for those classes.😄

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Underrated comment. 😂

[@ohmightyzeus6135]

Bravo!

[@DriftinDoug]

groooaaaann... but good

[@earthknight60]

Cardboard flat-pack drones being effectively used in a military capacity is like something straight out of a William Gibson novel.

[@buiItnotbought]

Case and a case of 10 pack cardboard drones slipping through the ICE.

[@dkaz974]

I’ve built and flown RC planes for 30’years. I said this would work in the 90’s. I know one day it would happen

[@randal_gibbons]

A great "outside the box" idea becomes an amazing "made out of a box" technology.

[@localreviewking134]

The first war planes made from wood, glue and string (and luck).

[@yz4901983]

Nice

[@eightycubicft]

💥

[@ishitabhalla4462]

Billions of dollors for Cardboard 😂

[@simoncrooke1644]

​@@localreviewking134The first warplanes of this construction if you don't include WW1.

[@Longo556]

In retrospect, it makes so much sense that the US’ military industrial complex would never contemplate such an inexpensive and elegant solution because it doesn’t cost a mint to produce. 🤦‍♂️

[@TMHedgehog]

They absolutely can and do make similar systems, switchblade drones.

[@Nick-xc4fy]

​@@TMHedgehogthe switchblade, with all the launch gear and everything else, costs over $58,000. Hardly comparable. The Australians have done it better at a much more competitive price.

[@bad_luna5222]

Why should we? One advantage we do have is that we have a lot of money. So we should use it. If Australia develops a drone made of cardboard that works really well they can sell it and we can buy if its useful. Same way Australia is basically buying into our very expensive mature nuclear submarine program for a bargan. In this case it may seem asymmetrical but we can help each other.

[@Nick-xc4fy]

@@bad_luna5222 while are generally agree, don't confuse having a lot of debt with having a lot of money.

[@bigdaddyrat7854]

Cardboard drones are nice but they're not going to win the war.

[@MakeSushi1]

hold up a second why is the cardboard plane $5000 ?¿?¿?¿?

[@moshly64]

Electronics and sensors

[@markberryhill2715]

And having a motor that can carry up to 15 lbs. American weight is a lot. 15 lbs. can do a lot of damage,or good. 👍

[@nolga3569]

@@moshly64 this is just an rc plane with an explosive. marked up 5000%.

[@nolga3569]

@@markberryhill2715 sorry that motor costs less than 200, all part of the plan to enslave ukraine with debt for ever.

[@leerman22]

Because it can destroy million dollar assets. Why does a Kuka robot cost well over 100 grand?

[@misumikaminari]

Its crazy how effective drones with explosives have made things. A mission like this without them? At least 100 men would be needed. But just needing like 10 guys at most now? And way less equipment? Insane. Future of warfare is foggier then ever.

[@Defiant1940]

Must be kind of embarrassing to loose million rouble warplanes to a flying cardboard box!

[@asterixdogmatix1073]

1 million rubles is only £8,484.

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

The West has spent a few $4 million Patriot missiles on $30k Russian drones supplied by Türkiye or Iran. When this is over, it might be worth remembering Türkiye is selling materiel to both sides here.

[@brentfraser9135]

​@asterixdogmatix1073 the two cargo planes destroyed are worth 86 million rubble each, + 2 more of the planes with extensive damage aka 250+ million caused by these cardboard drones.

[@asterixdogmatix1073]

@@brentfraser9135 You missed the point. the OP was saying the planes were only worth 1 million ruble each. I was making the point that 1 million ruble is nothing, the exchange rate is pathetic.

[@brentfraser9135]

@asterixdogmatix1073 um maybe you need to read the op post again, they didn't say one million just million, also you may have noticed there's been a lot of airplane crashes in Russia lately due to sanctions and Russia being unable to get western technology.

[@David-tm4yj]

Necessity is the mother of invention, well done Australia.

[@jonahmann]

@@indica2578 0:31 He's Australian.

[@alonsocushing2263]

@@jonahmann He certainly is.

[@alonsocushing2263]

@indica2578 You obviously have no idea on what is an Aussie accent.

[@edwardbernthal160]

@indica2578 another ridiculous comment, I am looking forward to the day you say something that is true.

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

The card board thing is not really a invention. Flite Test did this since years and I built several long range drones at 833MHz fully autonomous myself. I just did not put explosives on it but functionallity was given. Mine all were ppusher prop or bi motor because of safety reason and would have been easily capable to take rpg or up to 800g payload. Never intended but always knew that this is possible. In Iran/Iraq/Afghanistan same was done, also with commercial drones. But those guys are the first making business in a military sense. Well, never fly thru clouds, humidity , rain and snow. Only blue sky. I think as soon as the manufacturers get their foam cast toolings done the card board will be out of fashion because it is weak, dependant on human factor in build process and not compatible to any kind of humidity. We will see kits of UAVs with component pack out of foam at maybe 800 bucks each build and fly. Range is just dependent on the transmission Frequency, terain and tracking station. INav or similar allows all kind of mission scenario and soon those guys will be banned for domestic market.

[@handmeadozenbeers8655]

"We just need to think outside of the box" "Mate, you are a brilliant SOB"

[@lookseeable]

Fantastic. More weapons. Exactly what everyone needs. He is so proud of his thing.

[@FuriousFire898]

Now that is some engineering

[@josefk332]

Who’d have thought paper aeroplanes could’ve caused so many headaches (for the Russians).

[@nistaffsubs6787]

Communist Russians and communist kgb Putin 👌🏼

[@cristiangaban960]

@@tuvoca825 good one

[@ClickClack_Bam]

Do you think that Russia will not have their version of this device

[@slej2502]

@@zonian1966 The Russian babushkas 😉🤣

[@cristiangaban960]

@@ClickClack_Bam only if they capture more washing machines

[@gscott5778]

That's actually Foamboard not what we commonly call cardboard. RC Flyers have been building and using these for several years now. A channel by the name of Flitetest sells kits for "peaceful" use and they have flown and dropped small watermelons from their foamboard planes.

[@pagrichard]

Exactly. This can be built with ardupilot and dragonlink as a POC. I have been out of the hobby. Either the technology has gotten better or worse due to regulations. Charging that kind of money is crazy.

[@JFrazer4303]

It said waxed paper, and showed corrugated materials. I've used varathane (polyurethane) doped cardboard in airplanes for years.

[@vk4vsp]

Probably what we call core flute in Australia. The same stuff real estate signs are made of.

[@RPSchonherr]

Who would have thought that an FPV RC plane would be the best weapon an army could have.

[@sydive130]

From an RC model builder perspective, all I can say is brilliant!

[@cardboardboification]

yup, government will wanting to be banning all of it now , Thanks Ukraine for destroying our hobby for weapons of war

[@jesseamaya4413]

Boy ain't that the truth! Some rc models are over 5 grand before avionics and power.

[@vonSchwartzwolfe]

@@jesseamaya4413 Not cardboard or foam board airplanes you can build one of these with less then $300 with flight controller and all the electronics. Add long range FPV for less then $100 more. Retail cost for parts.

[@timsullivan4566]

Thinking outside of the cardboard box!

[@JusticeAlways]

😄👍

[@joosepkunder]

This is true innovation. Something that is still effective but a lot cheaper and faster to build and easier to transport. Great job!

[@chadroeder]

hyuck durr hurr

[@vonSchwartzwolfe]

They stole the idea from a company called flitetest. They have been selling RC airplanes like this for many years. Lifting and dropping bowling balls and large pumpkins.😎 at less then one tenth the cost.

[@broncokonco]

To those thinking $5k is a lot: 1st you have to pay an engineering and testing team to develop a robust design. Then you have to acquire all of the certifications and handle logistics for shipping and receiving of materials and efficient packaging. Then you have the cost of the raw materials and vendor sourced components like batteries, cameras, sensors, motors, and controller/receiver. All meeting a quality standard that requires paid skilled labor to inspect. After that you have to spool up a manufacturing process including unique tooling and skilled labor to actually build and inspect each item. Then you factor in overhead for the manufacturing facility (upkeep, utilities, rent, etc..) and wages/salaries for necessary personnel. After all that there is a markup for profit because they are not a charity. For a relatively low production rate product of relative high complexity, $5k per unit is not bad.

[@mixeduptv2268]

Aussies: "It's cardboard & stuck together with tape & hotglue. Precision Payload Delivery System, because it deliverys payloads where you want. Basically." USA: "This is the RAPTr, pronounced 'Raptor', stands for Rapid Activation Pilotless Targeting Remote. It's made from panels with honeycomb-like structure of a propritary cellusose composite material we call Super Wax-CBoard. It's built around a modular interchangeable system. Units can be serviced in-field with our FSP10 - our field service pack for 10 units that includes CP's - composite panels, a CCD or composite cutting device, composite adhesive laminated tape, composite rapid adhesive & applicator tools.

[@gaius_enceladus]

NZer here - GO YOU AUSSIES! Great stuff!

[@mehere8038]

You can claim credit/involvement in it too you know, I mean we do with all your stuff, so especially with something like this, I just see it as an ANZAC contribution to Ukraine :)

[@comradekerman4189]

I hope Josh Bixler can get Flite Test in on this as a 'Defense Contractor'! 😂

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

Thank you to all involved for keeping history alive.

[@silentblackhole]

This makes me a proud Aussie 🇦🇺🇺🇦 - cheap to buy - quick to build - invisible to radar - can fly over long distances with decent lift capability for its size. From Australia with love Putin So much to like.

[@simoncrooke1644]

​@@aimlessdrive8723Wrong, it's an Australian company.

[@aleksandrokolodko3592]

Australia 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@hiryu70]

Don't forget if it can afford Ukraine, Russia can have this 10x

[@umungus518]

​​@@aleksandrokolodko3592woooo mass murder!!!!!

[@paulraymond139]

I wouldn’t joke around like that. You’ve never had your cities bombed. Imagine Melbourne receiving what Eastern Ukraine has rec’d. Don’t treat this like a movie. Russians have memory. You’re getting involved in nuclear capable conflict, I wouldn’t take it lightly.

[@superdupergrover9857]

See the rubber bands? That is what is holding the wings on. It's a shockingly effective, robust, easy to use and fix. Really common in the RC plane hobby. Cheaper and easier to use than glue and waaaay easier to prototype and assemble.

[@takeuchi0167]

…we have the “brains” in Australia to manufacture all sorts of specialised products ..this is definitely a boost to our struggling manufacturing sector…ingenuity wins 👊

[@armageddonready4071]

So “special ed” delivery? As a Marine forward observer I am EFIN flabbergasted at this GENIUS ingenuity. Two thumbs and a leg up for Australia.

[@chainsawmack]

Yeah well you're not in the field anymore are you... some of us see a WW3 that we'll have to fight, that yall left behind 💀 Think... Russia simply takes the first failed one that crashes without exploding, recreates it, and how great is this weapon for "the good guys" now?

[@danielmartin7838]

I never thought those balsa wood airplane kits would make a comeback, let alone have a military purpose

[@xavierwilmerng6317]

These are even cheaper, just wax impregnated cardboard

[@nathangamble125]

@@xavierwilmerng6317 It's not _just_ wax-impregnated cardboard, there are some wood components, and obviously some plastic and rubber, and electronics.

[@Kevin75668]

I realized RC planes could be a pretty serious threat when a friend got a 72" span De Havilland Beaver, and it took 10+ pounds in the floats just to trim it. You could have loaded it up with a couple hours worth of fuel and enough explosives to do serious damage, and no one would be able to tell the difference.

[@cardboardboification]

nothing new, just their is no money in the war machine for cheap products , hitler made buzz bombs

[@Paiadakine]

Don’t give the FAA another reason to regulate.

[@LuckyCharms777]

Yet Biden mocked Americans for being unable to challenge his tyranny, meanwhile Ukraine is using cardboard planes.

[@ultrasuperbro]

Ingenuity often changes the course of history in unexpected ways. Well done!

[@cascadianrangers728]

My grandfather flew Dakota's during WWII and loved aviation so much he flew remote control scale model planes all the way up to his last day on earth. I bet he would have been giddy to see this paper drone, and I'm sure he would love how huge and important and popular drone piloting has become

[@Dirtywesterner]

Your grandfather is one of those guys who rose to the occasion and did what had to be done

[@cascadianrangers728]

@@16-BITFPV I had one that you rubber band the wings to the top, exactly like the one in the video! I was just learning so every landing was a rough one, surprisingly durable, just bring a baggie of extra bands because they fail before the cardboard did

[@NoahRial-xb5fb]

For those of you reading, the Dakota, "Dak" is the c-47, a cargo plane based on the 1930's twin-engine airliner known for its legendary ruggedness and reliability. The c-47 has a stronger floor to carry jeeps, a large cargo door near the back, and it had a tail hook that could pull gliders.

[@cascadianrangers728]

@@NoahRial-xb5fb According to Grandpa, the gaps in between floor boards on cargo deck were so wide that after several flights carrying bags of rice and several loads of donkeys it wasn't long before rice was sprouting out of the floor

[@fairgolfer]

Thank you Australia from Canada 🇨🇦 Slava, Ukraine!

[@braveworld2707]

*Героям слава!* 💪

[@nIkI_nazarov]

России слава!

[@Marc_Gagne]

I'd like to see if covering your airplanes with tires is an effective anti-kamikaze drone feature.

[@mombaassa]

I understand l the Russians believe/hope that the lightweight ordnance dropped by the drones, will bounce off the tyers, before exploding. I have no idea, how this will work out, in reality.

[@Defiant1940]

The Ruzzians are so dumb they would almost certainly forget to remove them before trying to take off.

[@michaelillingworth6433]

Can you imagine the time spent putting tires on and off a plane every time you want to use it. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦❤️❤️❤️🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦❤️❤️

[@StillAliveAndKicking_]

It probably reduces the number of shrapnel holes, and reduces the likelihood of a fuel tank fire. But I don’t think the aircraft would be safe to fly.

[@andriesscheper2022]

Add some small Molotov cocktails or napalm loads and the burning tyres will create more damage.

[@normandragot9927]

BRILLIANT!!! I LOVE this! the fact that it is cheap, disposable and does tons of damage to extremely expensive and delicate enemy equipment says it all. Way to go Aussies, you're doing great work and helping the good guys.

[@wilyamiyoo]

Best of all, environment friendly! 😂😂

[@triple7988]

Didn't realize i was a military drone operator at the age of 12. Also, epitome of "military grade" lol.

[@tipofthespear7182]

That old Aussie enginuity comes to the fore again and again. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇦🇺

[@yodaiam1000]

It is not exactly Aussie enginuity. This type of plane construction concept has been built for the last 13 years. Check out Flitetest. All RC plane enthusiasts know about this. They just copied the idea.

[@givemeabreak8784]

Absolutely brilliant 👍👍

[@SneakySteevy]

Yes! So proud that they invented a new weapon! Way to go! Best day ever!

[@1985_Honda_CRX_Si]

ive read the title and thought that we were using air-to-air cardboard fighters haha

[@Music5362]

It's all about money vs money. If my $5K can destroy your $135M, I win.

[@vonSchwartzwolfe]

The thing is these same aircraft with the same GPS control systems can be made and sold for less then $300US. Buying the parts retail. Been doing it for years.

[@oconnem1]

I've just returned to Australia after a year in Ukraine. I'm proud to have been an Aussie there. Ukrainians are very grateful to Australia for its support and it is a big morale boost to get that support "even from as far away as Australia". It proves to Ukrainians that their fight is a truly international one. Thanks SYPAQ. Brilliant idea put into practice. Ukraine needs to win!

[@Buttmunch284]

Well done to you sir. Ukraine is fighting the fight everyone was scared too. The need all the help the world can give

[@krissteel4074]

They'll win, the will is there and we just need to make sure they get the gear to do it

[@lachlanbell8390]

​@@krissteel4074 you couldn't be more wrong if you were trying. Anyone who truly cares about the Ukrainian people wants to see this end and the killing stop as soon as humanly possible. This could have been prevented before it started, but even then a negotiated settlement was available until NATO pressured Elensky to throw it in Russia's face. Now it's not clear Russia would negotiate without the complete submission of Ukraine - why would they? The Elensky regime & its masters have proven time & time again to be dishonest actors whose word means less than nothing, so Russia would be stupid to accept any kind of deal with them. The only thing outside forces have done for Ukraine is guaranteed the complete destruction of the country & its people. Shame on anyone who supports such senseless & depraved killing.

[@ricardobatista4194]

Thank you 🙏for all efforts in Ukraine

[@annmcguckin6947]

Fantastic development

[@fireaza]

Everyone gangsta 'till the Russian military brings out the garden hose!

[@markblain8438]

Love the fiber reinforced paper tape

[@jububoobaroo67]

Destroying jets worth tens of millions with a piece of cardboard I'm surprised its not japanese.

[@NonEuclideanTacoCannon]

I wonder how Flite Test feels about unwittingly developing an advanced low cost weapons and recon platform.

[@clementgoetke2385]

they are saying that plane can carry 6 pounds i dont think so

[@ahaveland]

@@clementgoetke2385 6 kilos FT have built monster cardboard planes - they may have played an inspiring role, but cardbox tech will have evolved independently in any case.

[@RogerBurgess]

Came looking for a Flite Test comment! Can hear Josh “standard & the range plus version on the store now”

[@clementgoetke2385]

he said 3 kilos =6 pounds roughly @@ahaveland

[@ahaveland]

@@clementgoetke2385 Bigger version 6 kg

[@amatuer2]

Warms my heart ❤

[@shakehandswithdanger7882]

Reminds me of the wooden RAF mosquito from WWII. The low metal content made it tough for primitive German radar to spot

[@dondouglass6415]

What a fantastic product.... We need more lateral thinking like this in the British forces.

[@AnimatedCardboard]

Man, Black Ops 2 was really spot on with the drone-heavy warfare in the future.

[@habitsofsuccess4322]

Now Russia just needs to invest in cats and they'll bring every one of these flying boxes down.

[@colbychavez3550]

This is amazing. I was just thinking about getting into drones, by laser cutting the frames out of balsa, but I might need to look into card stock. it is a material I'm already super familiar with.

[@seanlander9321]

Australia is still the only country that has made no restrictions on where Ukraine can use its donated weapons. Wake up NATO.

[@doujinflip]

Australia doesn't have to worry about suddenly forcing WW3 upon all of Europe since it's not part of NATO. Also it has all of Asia between it and Russia.

[@seanlander9321]

@@doujinflip Interestingly during the early stages of the Cold War, the Soviets thought a demonstration ICBM dropped on Perth was a way of proving their power. Nobody wins in WWIII, and Australians have been dying in Ukraine since the Russians killed 38 of them on MH17.

[@joshuahuman1]

I'm going the use the US as an example here. Lets say the US gave Ukraine a highly advanced missile system far past anything Russia has and allowed them to use it anywhere. It could get captured if used or stored near a contested area. If Russia captures this missile system they could reverse engineer it and develop countermeasures or make their own version increasing the risk for the Ukrainian people.

[@seanlander9321]

@@joshuahuman1 Nope. The Ukrainians aren’t even allowed to take a donated Hummer into Russia, let alone fire an NATO artillery shell over the border.

[@TrenchCoatDingo]

the joys of being in the middle of nowhere

[@ProfessorTravis]

30 years ago the engineers that came up with these were probably terrorizing their teachers with paper airplanes. Little did their teachers know that they'd grow up and use the same skills to preserve democracy.

[@jboydayz]

haha😂

[@Deutsche_1]

So how do you connect creating a drone with democracy....maybe you lay off your personal bias for a while dude....

[@tracboy80]

​@@Deutsche_1the democracy being preserved is Ukraine.

[@johnbodo2972]

Terrorist is going to use such drone in the near future

[@okiadventure6031]

Really? Preserve democracy? Remarkable how dense and gullible people are when told something by "authorities".

[@vladrazym9955]

Thanks a lot to Australia (and all other nations) for supporting Ukraine! We do appreciate your help!

[@michaelr4858]

Thank you Australia 🇦🇺. God bless you and please keep it up.

[@stephendavies923]

I have always loved the Aussies, now I love them even more.

[@tonytaskforce3465]

You made this up, Ivan. You'll need to do better than this or the beatings will resume. @@aimlessdrive8723

[@mehere8038]

@@aimlessdrive8723 actually this style of tech is a big thing in Australia, has been for a long time, as the Flying Doctor's service is expensive to operate & so very limited in what it can do, so there has always been a desire to find affordable ways to supplement it. Drones that can fly medications & blood & other body samples long distances have been a thing in Australia for a long time

[@jacobcollins3954]

proud to be an aussie. well done to all involved.

[@lachlanbell8390]

It's one thing to be proud of Aussie innovation, but it's shameful our political class are such American lapdogs they've voluntarily involved Australia in this conflict, which we have no business being involved with. This is detrimental to our own national interests, but there's barely a single leader in the Western world that's unwilling to subvert their own people's interests to comply with their American masters.

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

@@lachlanbell8390 Mate, for no remotely valid reason Russia has invaded a weaker neighbour, again. If Putin is not opposed now, we'll be fighting Russia in Poland or Romania on his terms sometime in the future. We excused Chechnya, Georgia, Moldova, Transnistria and Crimea. Where's your red line mate? Darwin? Parramatta? I'm not sure how much our support is costing the Australian Budget, but the support the US is providing Ukraine is less than half of what the invasion of Afghanistan cost them, and there's a lot more chance of a successful outcome in Ukraine. I'm guessing our support level is similar. With no loss of our lads' lives. It's obvious the Ukrainians are prepared to fight to protect their homeland, and I'd rather we support them now, than send our lads to die on the other side of the world again, to stop another megalomaniac, again. And, as much as you wish to call the US a bogeyman, most of Europe recognises the need to stand against Putin. This isn't a unilateral American operation. When the Soviet Union collapsed, much of their Nuclear Arsenal was stationed in Ukraine. The West assured Ukraine if they gave up those weapons they would still be safe. Australia was probably not a signatory to that agreement, but there's still moral reasons we should support that promise. No-one is likely to try and invade Australia in our lifetimes, but as a Maritime bulk exporting Nation, we benefit more from the current world trading order than most. We need to support that order, while also campaigning for it to be as equitable as possible. We can do both.

[@edwinstubbs2118]

@@lachlanbell8390 go sleep with a plugged in toaster.

[@XxBloggs]

Proud to be an Aussie? Because someone in the country made a cardboard, low tech drone? Come off it embarrassing.

[@lachlanbell8390]

@@tsubadaikhan6332 you've ingested a media narrative that's so wildly detached from reality, that your entire worldview, and all your perceptions that are filtered through it, are essentially delusional. Virtually every factual assertion you've made is demonstrably wrong & pretty easily falsified, if you'd even once felt any inclination to question anything you're told by the power structure. Experience tells me that anyone who's drunk the kool-aid as deeply as you is effectively unreachable unless + until you decide to question whether the people on TV have ever lied to you, so I'm not inclined to waste my time refuting every nonsense statement you've made one-by-one - especially when it's so easy for you to do for yourself, if you ever decide to stop living in denial of reality. Good luck mate.

[@thuydoan7496]

This is ingenious. Pay a little to get alot done.

[@bob1947essex]

I'm amazed that the military doesn't look at the model aircraft industry.

[@cjjk9142]

The uk should make the largest drone fleet in the world. We should learn from Ukraine

[@leod-sigefast]

It does feel like the massive arms race in aircraft development that happened from the start of World War I and throughout. Reconnaissance aircraft soon had to start gaining air superiority, hence the fighter aircraft. It seems (if not already) like drones are the key to gaining battlefield dominance, as aircraft were before. Rapid development in warfare over this 1.5 years of modern war. I hope the west is ramping up their development and production....and countermeasures.

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

I'll send you some scissors so you can get started right away!😉

[@danielwhyatt3278]

I could agree more. Drones thriiive here in the UK. We should be doing the same as Ukraine, even if it means they aren’t something BIG you can show off a lot.

[@Deutsche_1]

Sorry but airfields for drones are beeing limited all over Europe at this same moment and lawspassed to limit the usage of drones....total clown world

[@cjjk9142]

@@Deutsche_1 what are you talking about? What does that matter

[@someutubchannel69]

Nicely done Mates!

[@hendrsb33]

When I was a kid, we had balsa wood planes powered with a rubber band. This is scarcely more than that.

[@80sOutrunFan]

Awesome job AUS, send more!

[@1984Phalanx]

A deadly, accurate flying bomb that's as cheap as an unguided artillery shell. Well done, Australia. I hope Ukraine receives tens of millions to use.

[@cardboardboification]

yes, so they can continue to kill and bomb citizens in their country because they speak Russian ,,, 2014 UN said it was human right violations, buy you and the UN is cool with it now

[@SofaKingShit]

The Russians will staunchly defend themselces with shovels against cardboard drones. Undoubtedly launching those shovels using anti aircraft systems utilising computer chips pilfered from washing machines. The plausibly of msm is amazing.

[@simoncrooke1644]

I don't think Australia can produce millions of these drones in a timely way. No doubt we can produce enough to be a nuisance to the Russians. Those fuckers.

[@Rico0333]

Only 100 a month

[@ian7033-qj9wg]

@@simoncrooke1644 They are ramping up production with government help apparently.

[@ntsejfamyaj]

imagine having to fight the world's supply of Amazon boxes

[@user-mw1tt5mm9q]

Useful things these- versatile light and in the right hands lethal

[@Brian-om2hh]

There was a company in the UK who produced a range of cardboard model RC aircraft around 35 years ago. The one I saw at the time was around 5 foot wingspan..

[@maxsoon1097]

Cardboard. How on earth you can think that to hit a target. Radar can't detected. Brilliant 😅

[@JusticeAlways]

Cardboard drones...reducing weapons cost. The thing is held together with rubber bands...ha ha! Love it!👍

[@user-jy6hk7oo3x]

Now this is really fascinating.

[@geraldnygren1408]

Thank you soooo much Australia. God bless FREEDOM and God bless UKRAINE 🇺🇦. 🇺🇸

[@philiptilden2318]

These are just brilliant, well done Aussies! Reminds me of the Mosquito, though they built of wood, not quite cardboard.

[@TenOrbital]

Mosquitos were also built in Australia, at Sydney Bankstown. I've always loved the fact that piano and furniture makers all over the empire were able to support the war effort by helping build a fast low-detection two-engine bomber.

[@philiptilden2318]

@@TenOrbital I did not know that, thank you. I suppose they were for the Burma theatre?

[@TenOrbital]

@@philiptilden2318 - no, the Pacific, PNG and Dutch East Indies, where Australian forces were fighting. No Australian forces fought in Burma. Although right to VE Day a third of RAAF squadrons were deployed to Britain but I expect they would have been equipped with UK-produced planes purchased by the Australian government.

[@TenOrbital]

Having checked, RAAF mosquitos served in the Dutch East Indies, Nos. 1 and 87 squadrons, for reconnaissance.

[@thickboi7570]

I’m proud as an Aussie to see that we’re helping Ukraine like this 🇦🇺🇺🇦

[@markfryer9880]

Agreed. I am happy that the Australian Government is supporting Ukraine in it's hour of need with some of our best items, the Bushmaster PMV, and these cardboard drones amongst other items and equipment. Mark from Melbourne Australia

[@jamesturncliff5960]

For a price they are helping Ukraine War makes greed. They are charging $5,000 per copy that's way too expensive for what they're getting

[@outbackgearforu]

Seriously , proud ,this war is a pile of 💩that the Democrats have been wanting all the way back to Hilary Clinton ,this war is a military / industrial money maker ,Ime ashamed we got involved in it

[@rogerwilco8597]

I agree. What an awesome idea.

[@nutterknoll69]

Yeah, great saving for Zelenski. More money he can launder from all those unaccountable donations! Australia is getting in on the US's Military bonanza, which is what a big part of what this war is all about.

[@TheRustyBox]

Wow! Nice work.

[@andizhanstuey]

Wow! This is genius 👍😍

[@kwhp1507]

I’ve been building these for a decade from foam board and have built them equipped for under $200 US

[@maddogmorgan1]

Sucks that you didn't have the initiative, forethought or skills required to turn your decades of building them into making some real dollars

[@allangibson8494]

The Sypac ones are fully autonomous once launched and resistant to jamming (so a little more complicated to build).

[@bluedistortions]

Carries 3kg payload 70 miles?

[@yodaiam1000]

@@allangibson8494 Hobbyists were building similar systems but the FAA made long distance missions illegal. Hobbyists were actually outpacing industry.

[@allangibson8494]

@@bluedistortions Try a 6kg load 500 miles… (there is a “long range” version - self propelled Amazon box…).

[@XxBloggs]

$5000 for a few pieces of cardboard and cheap motor and electronics? I’m going into the cardboard drone business

[@TenOrbital]

The tablet and software would be the expensive bits.

[@Roboprogs]

Standard RC electrics don’t have a 75 mile self guided range. I suppose if you triple the normal battery load you might get there, given the GPS circuitry for guidance in a straight level line instead of circling a field.

[@snooks5607]

@@Roboprogsalso 5000 AUD = 3284 USD

[@moyolenovo3914]

Thank you great people of Australia for such an amazing invention that help us to destroy the worst evil ( the state of terrorists and toilet hunters) on on our beautiful planet.

[@craigd1275]

I like the square blast pattern. .

[@phooogle]

Seems such a good idea and makes other way more expensive systems seem silly now

[@csg-cutesmilegooner1690]

Beautiful thank you Australia 🇦🇺

[@tommyjoestallings855]

Very cool stuff. I super impressed with those card board drones. 👏

[@s4dg]

they really let FliteTest start making military drones.

[@CycloneCyd]

As a Professional Automotive Engineer of 40 odd years, I've always believed in K.I.S.S principle - Keep It Simple Stoopid. This is extreme KISS. So, what's next? Tribochets lobbing bombs 💣 instead of using expensive howitzers? Don't get me wrong - I love it. Love it. LOVE IT!

[@AtheistOrphan]

Trebuchets.

[@kazedcat]

Injection molded plastic drones. Cardboard might be cheaper but for mass production nothing beats the speed of injection molded plastic.

[@allangibson8494]

@@kazedcatThere is a reason injection moulded parts are shipped in cardboard boxes - that much cardboard costs $2 precut. Plastic is $2000 per ton as raw resin.

[@kazedcat]

@@allangibson8494 Yes cardboard is cheaper but injection molding can build 30 drones per minute.

[@allangibson8494]

@@kazedcat So can die cut cardboard. A cardboard box costs a dollar for a reason. The tooling for cardboard is cheaper too. Large injection moulded components are very very rare - because they are very hard to make moulds for (because of differential cooling causing distortion). Styrofoam and vacuum forming is more common for large components because you get better dimensional repeatability. BTW - I have worked for manufacturers of both. Plastic is more durable but cardboard is definitely cheaper.

[@daves.9479]

Imagine all the non-military uses for these to target people, events, buildings, etc.. Scares the heck out of me.

[@BrawlerTheSmokyDutchMan]

The voice of reason 👍

[@jeffdunnell6693]

Maybe get rid of some politicians,the list is endless,diabolical

[@imapseudonym1403]

Relax chicken little, trust me when I say you're no threat to the establishment. They wouldn't waste a drone on you.

[@jeffdunnell6693]

@@imapseudonym1403 💉

[@daves.9479]

@@imapseudonym1403 lol, not worried about a drone being used specifically on me; rather, for general political/societal mayhem.

[@ejune98]

This is actually a revolutionary invention.

[@bubbalo3388]

Makes sense. Space and weight saving and for something that is designed for time use. And for its size, the survivability rate from being hit is probably not that much different from a drone made with conventional methods.

[@henryknepp]

Wow, a couple claymore mines in those are really effective antipersonel weapons.

[@allangibson8494]

The warhead is an oversized claymore mine - a claymore throws shrapnel too.

[@bluedistortions]

Great anti-aircraft too when detonated above!

[@bapao83]

Takes recycling to a whole new level

[@JB-pk1vc]

Wow! Brilliant!

[@astatine5781]

The 50s: in 75 years wars will be fought with lasers and jetpacks!!! Modern warfare: cardboard box go boom 🤤

[@seiboldtadelbertsmiter3735]

These are a game changer. When you can overload the enemies air defenses they become useless. We are seeing the beginning of a new age of warfare like the change that occurred after WW1.

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

It's incredible. Dropping "a bunch of paper" tricks the mighty, nuclear Ruzzia....

[@AIRBORN_EEvEE]

Small correction, that is *foamboard,* not cardboard. Though the use of foamboard to begin with is genius. It’s light, easy to shape, and you can make RC planes (and suicide drones) with just hot glue and a razor. Not to mention cheap.

[@jeanguion3223]

Awesome...function over form

[@robodabbler]

Who knew that Flite Test would develop a superweapon by accident?

[@quarkybill]

Brilliant. Not only are drones small and so hard to pick up and distiguish from birds on radar, but radio waves tend not to reflect from cardboard.

[@markevans2294]

Also the flight speed is given as 60 km/h (37 mph) which also makes it difficult to tell apart from a bird.

[@GamingKing545]

imagine being in a jet and just getting destroyed by a cardboard airplane

[@JBulsa]

Make these out of 3D printed plastic. Repair w/ plastic welding kit