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[INTERNATIONAL] · Ukraine, Russia, China, United States · 4 sources

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Geran-4 drone uses Chinese engines and Western electronics

Geran-4 drone Russian drone technology Chinese turbojet engine Ukraine war dual-use technology

An investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Schemes team has revealed that the Russian Geran-4 drone relies heavily on commercial technology from various international manufacturers. After analyzing wreckage from attacks on Kyiv, specialists found that while the drone is assembled in Russia, its components are largely global in origin.

Key findings include the use of a Chinese Telefly TJ-2000-class turbojet engine, which is a commercial product designed for model aircraft and sport flying. This engine allows the Geran-4 to reach altitudes of 26,000 feet and speeds of up to 310 mph, significantly outperforming propeller-driven versions. The drone also contains Texas Instruments components on its flight computer, a Chinese Honpho camera with optical zoom, and various communication modules, including a Chinese mesh modem and two cellular modems.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched over 2,730 jet-powered Shahed drones in September. Currently, Ukraine maintains a 55 percent interception rate against these jet-powered models, compared to a success rate exceeding 90 percent against propeller-driven variants.

Entities

China · Geran-4 · Geran-4 · Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty · Russia · Telefly · Texas Instruments · Ukraine · Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Ukraine's interception rate for jet-powered Shaheds is approximately 55 percent. dronexl.co
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The drone's flight computer contains Texas Instruments parts. dronexl.co
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The drone utilizes a Chinese mesh modem and two cellular modems for communication. dronexl.co · www.focus.de
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The drone features a Chinese Honpho camera with optical zoom and night capability. www.focus.de
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The Geran-4 uses a Chinese Telefly TJ-2000-class turbojet engine. dronexl.co · www.focus.de
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The Geran-4 drone is assembled in Russia but contains components from multiple countries. dronexl.co · www.focus.de
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Russia launched more than 2,730 jet-powered Shahed drones in September. dronexl.co
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The turbojet engine is a commercial model used for hobby aviation and is priced between $20,000 and $25,000 in China. dronexl.co · www.focus.de

Sources

Zachodnia elektronika i chiński silnik odrzutowy. Ukraińcy przejęli i prześwietlili nowego rosyjskiego drona [wojna.co.pl]
Russia's Geran-4 Runs On A $25,000 Hobby Jet, Texas Instruments Chips [dronexl.co]
Zachodnia elektronika i chiński silnik odrzutowy. Ukraińcy przejęli i prześwietlili nowego rosyjskiego drona [warszawawpigulce.pl]
Russische Düsendrohne hat viel US- und China-Technik an Bord [www.focus.de]