Writer

Charlotte Bailey

Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyfall is certainly sinking its teeth into the enemy with its “Vampire” heavy bomber. This six-motor hexacopter has risen from the shadows to become the most popular UAV of its type, responsible for around two-thirds of missions on the battlefield since entering the fight in 2023. Just over three years since its formation, Skyfall has grown exponentially to become the largest and most prolific drone manufacturer in Ukraine.
As its namesake would suggest, the Vampire “works at night, and it’s pretty scary—flying up to 500 meters above the target and dropping munitions,” a Skyfall spokesperson told&nbsp;AIN. (It’s usually 100 meters on average, since this is the most convenient with non-guided munitions.)
The platform was specifically designed to address the challenges posed by the Russian invasion and was operational within a year. Since then, its effectiveness against a variety of targets has earned it the unofficial moniker of the “Baba Yaga” drone by Russian personnel, referencing a mythical witch of Slavic folklore. Tens of thousands of units are operational on the battlefield.
The versatile Vampire has the capacity to carry up to four munitions with an optimum payload of 15 kilograms, complemented by a stabilization system aiding precision. Among the most effective targets destroyed to date has been a $200 million electronic warfare system (which, while still operational, wasn’t able to jam or spoof the Vampire). Built-in redundancy allows it to fly with at least two rotors inoperable. Additionally, around 30% to 40% of its missions support humanitarian requirements.
While more than 150 Skyfall products are currently in the R&amp;D phase, the company’s latest product to enter theater is the P1-SUN: a fast interceptor specializing in hunting and destroying Shahed drones and their variants from an altitude of up to 5,000 meters. “This is the cheapest way to destroy them,” the spokesperson said, adding that the use of the new drone is up to 1,000 times cheaper than alternatives such as missile-based solutions.
The P1-SUN’s research and development team has confirmed a recent successful Shahed strike 25 km from the launch point with the latest P1-SUN modification. Skyfall also offers 24/7 technical support, free-of-charge service hubs close to the frontline, and a pilot academy that has trained more than 15,000 personnel to date.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Skyfall’s Vampire Sinks Teeth into Russia

New interceptor complements the most-used Ukrainian heavy bomber drone 

Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyfall’s heavy-bomber Vampire drone is joined by the company’s newest product, the Shahed-destroying P1-SUN interceptor.

Skyfall’s Vampire Sinking Teeth into Russia

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

David Donald

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

UAVs offer surveillance, delivery, and attack capabilities

Dynamic Drone Designs Highlight Russian UAV Ambitions

 Testing and evaluation of Lodd’s freight-carrying drone will start in the UAE

Gulf Carrier Etihad Set to Trial Autonomous Cargo Aircraft

Crewed and uncrewed variants to support offshore energy industry 

Falcon Aviation Services Orders 50 AutoFlight eVTOL Aircraft

Hanneke Weitering

Research will support next-generation uncrewed and collaborative air systems

Merlin, USAF Team on Autonomous Contingency Management

Aliaca and Capa-X join Airbus Helicopters’ growing tactical UAS portfolio

Airbus Helicopters Takes Over Survey Copter Drone Lines

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Honeywell and partners are working on the Operate Anywhere Ground Control Station 

OperA Team Chases EASA Approval for UAV Ops Management Technology

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

SkyOS flight automation system makes its fixed-wing debut

Skyryse’s SkyOS Takes Flight on Cirrus SR22

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Dubai Airshow 2025

More In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles