Solutions to win: Ukrainian engineers develop “Trembita” cruise missile to challenge Russian defense

Volunteer engineers are developing the Ukrainian combat missile "Trembita.» It is proposed to be used to destroy targets and as a decoy for the air defense equipment of the aggressor country.

The French TV channel France 24 reported this.

What is the problem?

Russian stocks of missiles and anti-aircraft missiles are quantitatively superior to Ukrainian ones.

Ukraine is currently developing missile weapons capable of hitting enemy targets.

What is the solution?

Ukrainian inventors have developed a cruise missile that can overload Russian air defense systems, making missiles with warheads more likely to hit their targets.

Engineers of the PARS volunteer design bureau are engaged in developing the rocket together with volunteers of the public organization "Vidsich."

How does it work?

Ukrainian engineers working on the project said that the main idea of "Trembita" is to overload the enemy's air defense systems by launching many decoy missiles. So missiles with warheads will have more chances to hit the target.

"It is extremely profitable for us to 'exchange' a penny rocket for more expensive shots of Russian air defense systems. A swarm of thirty Trembits will still overcome the anti-aircraft defense and deliver thermobaric 'gifts,'" says Serhiy Biriukov, the designer of the project who joined it on a volunteer basis.

Biriukov adds that the main idea behind the loud missile is that it would be "clearly visible on the radar" of the Russian air defense forces and be forced to react to it.

"Missiles with warheads will have more expensive electronics to hit targets accurately. But thousands of false targets will be very cheap: we want to overload Russian air defenses so that our strike missiles hit targets," explained volunteer designer Serhiy.

This rocket is the creation of a group of volunteers led by the project's chief engineer Akim Kleimenov and former deputy Viktor Romaniuk.

^{Designer Serhiy works in the workshop. Photo: The Guardian}

^{Viktor Romaniuk. Photo: The Guardian}

The rocket is known for its economy: the estimated construction cost is about 3,000 dollars, making it a competitive alternative to modern counterparts. By investing another $7,000, the rocket can be equipped with modern navigation systems, further increasing its effectiveness.

With a mass of 100 kg, the missile can carry a warhead weighing 20 kg, consisting of a thermobaric charge or a combined high-explosive charge. With a flight range of 140 km and a maximum speed of over 400 km/h, it provides flexibility when engaging targets at different distances. In addition, the missile can reach a flight height of 30 to 2,000 meters, which allows it to be used in various combat scenarios.

^{The chief engineer of the project is Akym Kleimenov. Photo: The Guardian}

"Trembita" is powered by a jet impulse engine and carries 30 liters of fuel, using diesel or gasoline. Moreover, the absence of moving parts in the propulsion unit simplifies production and maintenance processes, contributing to its economy. The compact dimensions of the rocket allow it to be easily transported by placing it in the trunk of a car. The missile can be launched using a pneumatic catapult or a solid-fuel booster, which provides flexibility during its deployment by the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

Another feature of the rocket is its deafening sound of 100 dB during flight. It is assumed that this will have a psychological effect on Russian soldiers.

The project's authors are preparing for further rocket tests at one of the ranges.

For reference:

In addition, the engineers demonstrated another project — a "Chumak" self-guided installation for 120-mm mortars. It can automatically target a specific location while factoring in any necessary adjustments using a designated point on the map.

The inventors note that this technology will enable the military to deploy the battery swiftly, engage in an offensive attack, and retreat. This will prevent them from having to receive enemy fire.

In April, Rubryka reported that Ukrainian designers were creating a small cruise missile, "Trembita," with a pulsating jet engine.

Rubryka also wrote that a robot hunter with remote control was created in Ukraine.