Named after a team from the Russian State University, AN Kosygina has developed a wired drone prototype designed to maximize endurance in the air and provide Internet access anywhere using Wi‑Fi. This development was shared with Gazeta.ru from the press center of the National Technology Initiative Platform, the operator behind Russia’s acceleration programs.
In discussing the project, a fourth-year student from the Russian State University, ONE, Kosygin Alexey Guskov, explained that the aim is to restore reliable communication quickly in disaster zones. Earthquakes, fires, and floods often leave cellular networks partially degraded. The team prioritizes a robust, autonomous link between the drone and the power source, along with the necessary communication hardware or devices to support operations on the ground.
The concept relies on a wired connection to prolong flight time. The drone can remain aloft for extended periods at altitudes up to 100 meters. It is designed to be deployed on vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and ATVs, enabling rapid placement in strategic locations during emergencies.
According to Guskov, a Wi‑Fi router connects to the wired drone, which then ascends to a chosen height, stabilizes, and broadcasts Wi‑Fi as needed. The wired setup permits greater flexibility in altitude, allowing responders to position the drone where coverage is most critical and to maintain a steady data link for relief teams.
Two lifting approaches are currently under evaluation. One option uses a sail-based lift, while the other explores a coaxial rotor arrangement, which involves rotors turning in opposite directions to achieve stable lift and maneuverability in confined spaces.
Guskov indicated that the decision about implementation could involve the Ministry of Emergency Situations and other agencies involved in post‑emergency operations. He emphasized that the prototype is built from existing components but is aimed at achieving full localization of production within Russia.
Earlier reports mentioned ongoing tests at the technopark of TsAGI, the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute. There, the development of an unmanned tiltrotor with smart wings demonstrated the ability to carry cargo and highlighted ongoing efforts to expand capabilities in unmanned aerial systems in the region. The broader objective appears to be establishing rapid, resilient, and locally produced aerial communication assets that can function when traditional networks are compromised, helping responders coordinate relief efforts more effectively .