Ukrainian company BlueBird Tech introduced a new generation of the portable radio-electronic reconnaissance device «Chuika 4.0», designed for early detection of FPV drones via their analog video signal. The main distinction of the new model from previous versions is the addition of a fourth scanning module to extend the operating frequency range.
The previous version of the device from BlueBird Tech operated in three bands — 900–1800 MHz, 2870–4080 MHz, and 4860–6060 MHz. These correspond to the common frequencies of 1.2, 3.3, and 5.8 GHz used by most FPV drones with analog video transmission. In the «Chuika 4.0», the developers retained these three bands but added a fourth — 6100–8600 MHz.
The manufacturer states that the need to expand the frequency range is related to changes in the radio environment along the line of contact. Enemy FPV drone operators are increasingly using non-standard analog video transmission channels around 6 GHz to bypass electronic warfare systems and detectors of previous generations.
The extension of the operating range to 6100–8600 MHz is one of the first publicly announced solutions of this class among Ukrainian portable FPV drone detectors. In the open specifications of most similar systems, the primary bands remain 1.2, 3.3, and 5.8 GHz.
For the 6100–8600 MHz band, the preliminary detection range is up to 2–2.5 km, while for the main bands the stated range is up to 4 km depending on operating conditions, terrain, antenna types, and signal characteristics.
The scanning speed remains at the level of previous generations — 4–8 seconds for the entire range. The device, as before, operates in passive mode and does not emit its own signals during scanning, thereby not revealing the user’s position.
Among other design changes are a new housing, a fourth antenna, and an additional battery unit. While the «Chuika 3.0» is equipped only with a built-in battery, the new version supports connection of an additional battery pack, providing up to 6 hours of autonomous operation.
«We are constantly improving «Chuika», taking into account real-world experience at the front. The key objective remains unchanged — to provide early warning of a threat and help save lives», — the company stated.
According to the manufacturer, the «Chuika 4.0» is currently undergoing combat trials.