Satellite images reveal launch site for jet-powered Geran drones in Russia's Oryol Oblast

Launch sites for jet-powered Geran-3/4 and Geran-5 drones have been identified near the village of Tsimbulova in Russia's Oryol Oblast.

Source: Militarnyi, a Ukrainian military-themed news outlet, citing analysts from the Telegram channel Strategic Aviation of the Russian Federation

Details: According to the analysts, the launch installations for these drones are about 80 m long – roughly three times as long as those used for conventional UAVs.

They identified the Tsymbulova training ground and temporarily occupied Donetsk as the only known launch sites for this type of jet-powered drone. Satellite imagery also shows a significant number of drones stored in the open near launch points, which have likely already been used in strikes.

A large number of light civilian vehicles have also been spotted near garages for strike UAVs, possibly serving as additional launch platforms. Meanwhile, new storage facilities are under construction at the site.

Satellite imagery released publicly highlights launch installations, storage garages, fixed launch positions, concrete shelters and sites where new warehouses are under construction. Cranes and drones positioned in the open can also be seen.

According to Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, the Geran-5 loitering munition has a maximum take-off weight of about 850 kg, a cruising speed of 450-600 km/h, a flight duration of up to two hours and a range of up to 950 km. Its maximum altitude is stated as up to 6 km, although in practice it has been used at altitudes between 200 m and 3 km.

The Geran-5 uses components similar to other drones in the series, including the Kometa-M12 satellite navigation system with a 12-element antenna.

Background: Ukrainska Pravda reported earlier that Russia is expanding the production of Shahed-type loitering munitions in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, with new facilities under construction.

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