Russia Develops Geran-4 and Geran-5 for Airborne Launch

Reports from Russian sources show that two new variants of the Geran kamikaze UAVs, Geran-4 and Geran-5, meant for aircraft launch are in development.

Months after the turbojet-powered Geran-3 made it to the field in significant numbers as a speed upgrade over the piston-powered Geran-2, Russia is going for new variants of Geran, which are larger with more flight performance compared to the latest variant in service.

A document from Russian or Ukrainian sources on four of the Geran variants hints that the two new variants will be available for both surface launch and aircraft launch (Shown on a Su-25 close air support aircraft).

Moreover, the kamikaze UAVs also appear to support the integration of short-range air-to-air missiles, similarly to a Geran-2 previously spotted with an R-60 WVRAAM likely pulled from the reserves. It was previously discussed by TurDef that the lightweight air-to-air missiles are likely to serve as risk factors to the intercepting aircraft, which have to come close and might not be able to spot the missile at a distance. However, the use of missile-hauling Gerans onboard aircraft can also serve as self-defence, which can be described as a primitive form of what is planned with the LongShot programme of the US, aiming for fighter-launched munition carriers for remote missile launches.

Geran-4

Geran-4 is mostly identical to Geran-3 in terms of layout, with a considerable difference in total weight at 450 kg versus 350 kg and maximum speed at 500 km/h versus 330 km/h. This is more than likely to render Geran-4 far less susceptible to the high-speed interceptor kamikaze UAVs used by Ukraine, coupled with a higher operational ceiling.

The turbojet engine used on Geran-4 is specified as a 160 kgf (352 lbf) class, allowing for a range of 850 km alongside the larger fuel reserves.

Geran-5

Geran-5 adopts a radically different frame with high aspect ratio wings and a slender fuselage, much like modern cruise missiles. However, the wings are still fixed for easier manufacturing. A rocket can be mounted below for RATO launch like the other Geran variants.

Geran-5, weighing 850 kg, can reach a range of 950 km and a speed of 600 km/h with a 90 kg warhead.

A 200 kgf class turbojet engine is used for Geran-5, which is more powerful compared to Geran-4’s, but still within a class that can be described as considerably cheaper compared to high-end cruise missile engines.

It can be said that Russia is moving towards alternatives to existing air-launched cruise missiles with similar reach, quicker production, and lower cost, but lower performance with the new members of the Geran family. Similar projects have been launched by the Western bloc countries like the US, UK, and Spain. The existence of such munitions is envisioned to keep a steady supply of stand-off weaponry alongside the not-so-plentiful cruise missiles in the event of a conflict.