An American startup has released the specifications of its newest kamikaze drone offering, which looks like a football used in the NFL.
The drone named P.S. Killer (PSK) is unique not just by its shape – which is like a rugby or NFL ball – but also because it can be hand-launched by soldiers to attack the desired target.
The company describes it as a “throw-and-forget multi-role tactical unmanned aircraft system (UAS).”
It also states that the kamikaze drone PSK can be deployed in just two seconds – simply by a soldier throwing it in the air. The action involved is just like that of a quarterback throwing a rugby ball in the air during a game.
A made-in-America offering – PSK
Deploying the PSK involves three simple steps, grabbing hold of it, turning it on, and then lobbing it towards the target. While there are many kamikaze drones that the United States and its allies use, this unique launching system makes it stand apart from the other offerings in the market.
According to the details provided by XDown, the PSK weighs just 1.7 lbs, and it can carry payloads of the same weight. Further, the company says it can reach an impressive top speed of 135 knots (155 miles per hour). Moreover, depending on the payload it is carrying the drone is capable of traveling over 40 miles.
The company’s website states that it is primarily meant for the US Special Operations Forces (SOF) to help give them additional speed, stealth, and swarm capabilities.
The secure and strategic deployment measure can allow it to be used with an increased degree of stealth – which is a must for the SOF units on the ground.
The company says that its mission “is to anticipate modern warfare and future combat strategies by providing the US army with complex aerial support through cutting-edge technologies integrating stealth, a rapid deployment high-speed tactical modules.”
Roles that the kamikaze drone can take over
The multi-role PSK can also be used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes by ground teams. The explosive payload can be switched with cameras to enable it to provide ground reports to the units.
Moreover, it can also be used to supply essentials such as food, ammunition, or medical kits to the soldiers on the battlefield.
Furthermore, XDown also says that the kamikaze drone is capable of neutralizing the threats posed by battle tanks and armored vehicles with its ability to carry out precision strikes.
PSK could also be used in air defense roles – like for counter-UAS operations – and also by working as a layer of security for protecting against other aerial threats.
The recon function will allow it to be used by the teams on the ground to detect enemy snipers, hideouts, and fortifications. Further, it can also help to provide aerial surveillance and quick counter-action capability for army convoys that are moving to give them an extra edge.
The company also says that it can prove to be equally useful in the open seas, where it can help in ISR, search and rescue, and other missions.
“Imagine, I can upload the mission in a second, throw it from here, forget about it, and it will strike a high-value target (HVT) 40 miles away – fast, accurate, and quiet,” said Alexander Balan, XDown founder, in a post on LinkedIn.
XDown estimates that the cost of the PSK will be fairly competitive, making it a lucrative offering for the US armed forces. The price and its formal launch date is yet to be announced.
Drones have been used extensively in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. China, on the other hand, is also making rapid strides in drone and other warfare technologies.
Therefore, the US needs to have an extra edge in its arsenal. The PSK and other offerings of a similar nature are aimed at boosting the chances of US troops if they face any threats.
