Russian forces have deployed an updated Gerbera-2 drone featuring new body materials, a larger wing, and a powerful warhead, according to reports published by the Russian news channel Military Chronicle on Telegram.
The channel highlighted a video clip recorded by an opposing soldier who inspected a fallen Gerbera-2 aircraft. In the footage, the recorder described the uncrewed aerial vehicle as resembling a spaceship due to its redesigned structure.
The newly identified Gerbera-2 is larger than the original base model. Each wing features two elevons controlled by four servomotors, providing aerodynamic stability and maneuverability for the aircraft.
According to the author of the video, the internal compartment of the Gerbera-2 accommodates a massive warhead. A military warhead is the explosive payload carried by a missile or attack drone designed to detonate upon reaching a target. The drone is also equipped with a fuel tank holding 63 litres of fuel, providing extended range and flight endurance.
Technical specifications and flight control
The baseline Gerbera drone was first put into operation by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2024. Built on a tailless aircraft design scheme, the original drone relies on an internal combustion engine for forward propulsion.
In a tailless aircraft layout, traditional horizontal tail surfaces are omitted. Control is instead managed by elevons mounted on the trailing edge of the wing, which perform the combined functions of pitch elevators and roll ailerons. Elevons are hybrid flight control surfaces commonly used on delta-wing aircraft where conventional tail elevators are absent. Moving together in the same direction controls pitch, while moving in opposite directions controls roll.
Electromechanical servomotors adjust these control surfaces dynamically in response to navigation commands. Unlike battery-powered electric drones, an internal combustion engine burns liquid fuel to power a propeller, allowing uncrewed vehicles to carry heavier payloads over longer distances.
Radar detection and deployment history
Russian forces began using the new Gerbera variant in June. In August, photographs appeared showing Gerberas equipped with spectrum analyzers, which allow the aircraft to detect enemy radar installations.
Spectrum analyzers are electronic instruments used to measure and analyze signal frequency and amplitude across radio spectrums. When integrated into uncrewed aerial vehicles, these sensors detect electromagnetic emissions from active radar units, allowing operators to map air defense locations.
Military Chronicle is a Russian media project that distributes defense reporting, combat footage, and equipment analyses via the Telegram messaging platform.
