Russian manufacturers continue to enhance the Geran-2 drones, copies of the Iranian Shahed-136, by implementing a maximally simplified design to reduce production costs.
Defense express notes that an analysis of the wreckage from downed drones revealed changes to the MD550 engine, which is a simplified version of the German Limbach L550E. In the Russian versions, the starter and flywheel have been removed from the engine design, significantly lowering the cost of components and speeding up assembly.
The engines for the "Geran-2" are mostly produced in China, and Russia specifically orders components in a reduced configuration to lower the cost per unit. This allows for the procurement of a greater number of engines and increases drone production.
During the localization of the Shahed-136 at the Russian factory "Alabuga" in Tatarstan, other modifications were also made: materials for the body, the warhead, and electronics were replaced, which also reduces production costs and shortens manufacturing time.
As a result, according to analysts, Russia is ramping up "Geran-2" production volumes faster than anticipated. If the plan is to produce around 6000 units by the end of 2024, the factory in Tatarstan has already reached this figure a year ahead of schedule. As of September, the monthly production volume reached 600-800 units.
Source: defence-ua.