Tampere-based defense tech company Insta, in collaboration with Ukrainian specialists, has developed and tested Insta Steel Eagle™ ER, a new extended range drone. The UAV, which is equipped with a fan-shaped charge that fires metal pellets, was specifically designed for the Ukrainian market and was showcased at the SecD Day event in Helsinki on January 29. The company shared the announcement on its website.
About Insta and its Steel Eagle drone
Insta Group Oy is a strategic partner of the Finnish Defense Forces and a pioneer in networked defense solutions. The defense tech company provides and maintains defense security, automation, and information technology.
- The Steel Eagle drone, outfitted with a Ukrainian-developed propeller and a radio signal control system, is designed to attack enemy infantry.
- It carries an explosive charge that releases steel and tungsten bullets, capable of piercing the roofs of lightly armored or conventional vehicles from a distance of several dozen meters.
- Its explosive effect can be adjusted according to the drone's altitude and has a 90-degree opening angle. The charge contains steel or tungsten balls and delivers over 3,000 fragments across an area of effect of approximately 2,000 m2.
- The explosive charge weighs approximately 3.6 kg.
“The new solution combines broad expertise with state-of-the-art technology tested in harsh conditions. We have designed the patented explosive charge. The drone equipment that provides better performance as well as a longer range and higher load carrying capacity is supplied by our Ukrainian partner that operates in the wider drone ecosystem,” said Tuure Lehtoranta, Vice President, Sales and Customers, Defense at Insta.
The Steel Eagle ER drone, designed specifically for frontline conditions and informed by the realities of the war in Ukraine, will now proceed to be mass produced.
