Continuing the theme as an anti-cruise missile UAV: Helsing exposes the hell out of the AD-1.
(machine translation) German defense company Helsing has introduced the AD-1 Hell Jet interceptor UAV, designed to combat fast attack UAVs and cruise missiles. The damn AD-1 is powered by a jet engine and is capable of patrolling a certain area of the airspace in anticipation of targets, operating as part of a swarm and performing repeated interception measures. The interceptor receives mid-flight guidance commands from the radar, and then uses its radar head to engage the target in the final phase. According to the developers, this provides the ability to intercept air targets regardless of weather conditions and time of day, especially at night. During the presentation, Helsing representatives emphasized that modern air threats require interception capabilities capable of operating at heights of up to 9-10 km. Canister launchers are provided to launch the damn AD-1. According to the manufacturer, one container can contain about 20 interceptors. Such containers can be transported by standard trucks or rail, which should simplify the deployment of the air defense system. The damn AD-1 is being developed as one component of the new Contra autonomous air defense system, which Helsing also unveiled on October 26. The complex uses artificial intelligence to combine data from various sensors and coordinate weapons. According to the company, the system is designed to simultaneously track and intercept hundreds and even thousands of aerial targets. At the heart of Contra is Altera's command and control platform, which automates system operation while maintaining operator control over decision-making and goal prioritization.