Russia Pushes FPV Drone Range Beyond Line of Sight With Airborne Relay System

Russia’s Aviatechnolab Design Bureau has developed a drone-based signal relay system designed to extend the operational range of first-person view (FPV) strike drones by tens of kilometers.

Funded by a Kremlin-backed startup incubator for military projects, the Odyssey airborne repeater has been tested and delivered to the country’s airborne special forces.

The system relays control signals from a ground-based pilot to the drone and transmits the video feed back to the operator, extending communication beyond line-of-sight limits imposed by the radio horizon and terrain.

FPV systems rely on line-of-sight radio links, where range is ultimately constrained by the radio horizon — the distance beyond which Earth’s curvature prevents direct signal propagation.

According to the developer, the system can extend the FPV drone range to around 70 kilometers (43 miles), enabling deeper strikes against enemy positions.

Electronic Warfare Resistance

In addition, the Odyssey system can switch relay frequencies to help reduce the risk of jamming, addressing a key challenge faced by FPV systems operating in electronic warfare environments.

Based on a 15-inch (38-centimeter) drone developed by Prometey Design Bureau, the Odyssey can hover at altitudes of up to 100 meters (328 feet) and remain airborne for more than an hour.

“When attack drones operate through a ground control station, they are hampered by the radio horizon and terrain,” Russian state-backed TASS quoted Aviatechnolab Design Bureau as saying.

“A repeater drone bypasses these obstacles by transmitting the signal to the operator as if it were a communications tower. This extends flight time and also allows for low-level descents without losing video or control. It has been tested with combat units, who have given positive feedback and recommended its adoption by the military.”

Tested By Russian Special Forces

The system’s development has been supported through the Kulibin Club, a Russian government-funded startup incubator for defense projects under the All-Russian People’s Front.

Aviatechnolab Design Bureau worked with a Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) brigade during development, including testing and initial field deployment.

“We secured our first contract through the Kulibin Club, and together we completed testing and a test delivery to the troops,” TASS quoted the company as saying.

“Together with a VDV Spetsnaz brigade, we developed the Odyssey drone repeater, tested it at range with the help of the Kulibin Club, received recommendations, and are currently finalizing it.”