Brief
Ukraine tests StarGate evacuation drone developed by SkyFall
The StarGate drone can carry a stretcher‑loaded casualty up to 15 km into contested zones, according to the Associated Press.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ukraine conducted a field demonstration of the StarGate evacuation drone on 15 October, handing the system to a combat brigade for frontline evaluation, the Associated Press reported.
What happened
Six propellers lifted the large unmanned aircraft over a field while a weighted stretcher, simulating a wounded soldier in body armour, was secured to its frame. The test showed the drone’s one‑way range of 15 kilometres, enough to reach deep into areas described as “kill zones” where enemy drones and artillery pose constant threats. The demonstration took place away from active front‑line positions, with the testing location undisclosed for security reasons.
What the reports add
The AP noted that the drone was developed over the past year by SkyFall, a Ukrainian defence‑technology firm, and that it could transform battlefield evacuations by reaching spots ground vehicles cannot. The spokesperson for SkyFall, who remained unnamed and wore a balaclava, said the concept originated directly from frontline troops’ needs. The report also mentioned that the idea stemmed from a request by Flint, commander of the 475th Separate Assault Regiment (Code 9.2), who approached SkyFall’s founder last year for a safer casualty‑evacuation method.
What was said
“The idea came directly from the front line, from the trenches,” the SkyFall spokesperson told the AP, speaking under a balaclava and refusing to reveal his name for security reasons.
How it came about
The StarGate project grew out of a specific military request to address the difficulty of retrieving wounded soldiers from hard‑to‑reach positions where ground vehicles are vulnerable to enemy drones. SkyFall’s development over the previous year aimed to create an unmanned solution that could bypass mud, craters and artillery fire, complementing the increasing use of unmanned ground vehicles for casualty evacuation.
Key facts
- StarGate drone can carry a stretcher‑loaded casualty up to 15 km into contested zones. (independent.co.uk)
- The system was handed to a combat brigade for frontline evaluation on 15 October. (independent.co.uk)
- SkyFall developed the drone over the past year in response to a request from the 475th Separate Assault Regiment. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Ukraine testing new 'evacuation drone' that can fly wounded soldiers to safety”
