What's a Vampire in AFU: Heavy Bomber Drone and Cargo Delivery
Heavy bomber drones in AFU. Updated: October 2026.
"Vampir" is a Ukrainian heavy copter, which AFU is used for night bomb strikes and delivery of cargo up to 9 kg directly to the position. One drone can both hit a target and deliver a package — without risk to people. Details below.
The role of heavy drones of the "Vampire" type
"Vampire" is a heavy copter that works on two tasks:
- bomber: night strikes — destruction of enemy shelters, equipment, and warehouses;
- delivery: transportation of goods weighing up to 9 kg at the position — ammunition, water, medicines, batteries.
Night mode for heavy flights is common practice: at night, the drone is harder to see with the naked eye.
How heavy drones changed frontline logistics
Delivery to position is exactly what AFU heavy drones are for: short precision flights instead of people in the fire zone. Together with ground UGV, they form a complete undercarriage link:
- UGV;
- heavy aviation UAV — delivery by air, cargo up to 9 kg.
About the role of the operator of such systems: operator UAV in AFU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "vampire" the name of a specific system?
Yes, this is a Ukrainian development among heavy copters. The name has become generic for a class of heavy night bomber drones.
What happens to the operator if the heavy drone is shot down?
The operator works from a safe position. Losing a drone is a loss of equipment, not people.
Who flies the heavy drones?
The role of operator UAV: Do you need to know how to fly a drone?.
Legal & Regulatory Sources
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