New Russian Drone Patent Reveals Striking Similarity to Iranian Qasef Used by Yemeni Rebels

In a recent development, a Russian enterprise named “Zavod Signal” has patented a drone that bears significant resemblance to the Qasef attack drone of Iranian origin, notably used by Yemeni Houthi rebels. This new Russian drone, detailed in the patent, is set for production using plastic molding techniques such as pressure and thermoplastic molding. Components will be assembled using vibration welding or specialized adhesives, with carbon fiber elements integrated into the central fuselage and wingspan spar.

Zavod Signal, likely located in Ulyanovsk along the Volga River, specializes in manufacturing aviation and automotive components. Earlier reports this year indicated their expansion into drone production, involving local students in their manufacturing processes.

The Qasef drone, part of Iran’s Ababil UAV series, features an 85-kilogram launch weight with a 30-kilogram payload, a fuselage length of 2.88 meters, and a wingspan of 3.25 meters, capable of flying up to 100 kilometers.

Speculations suggest Russia’s interest in replicating the Qasef drone aligns with enhancing its attack drone capabilities, potentially rivaling its own “Lancet” drone in operational range and payload capacity.