The 92nd Assault Brigade said it evacuated a wounded soldier using a Heavy Shot AYUDAG 6 heavy-lift hexacopter made by Gurzuf Defence. In accounts published on October 19, 2026, the brigade and manufacturer described the mission; the brigade called it the world’s first aerial evacuation of a wounded soldier from the front.
How the evacuation was configured
Gurzuf Defence said the aircraft was fitted with a winch. The soldier received special equipment with carabiners, then attached himself to the evacuation system. At a safer position, comrades met him and arranged onward transport to a hospital. The brigade later said he was receiving treatment and rehabilitation and was no longer in danger of dying.
The 92nd Assault Brigade said specialists adapted and preliminarily tested the aircraft’s configuration to improve stability and limit flipping or excessive swinging while carrying a person. The manufacturer identified the aircraft as the Heavy Shot AYUDAG 6.
Why ground evacuation was ruled out in this case
The 92nd Assault Brigade said mines and intense enemy-drone activity made the ground robotic vehicles considered for the evacuation unusable. The brigade credited the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the 10th Army Corps and Gurzuf Defence with the joint effort. It said an operator from the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade piloted the aircraft.
What the manufacturer reported about the flight
Gurzuf Defence reported that the flight lasted 1 hour, 14 minutes and 36 seconds and covered 62 km (about 38.5 miles). These figures describe the flight, not the soldier’s distance from the frontline.
Why the manufacturer calls aerial evacuation a last resort
Gurzuf Defence co-founder Pavlo Feldblium described aerial evacuation as a high-risk option for a wounded passenger that should be reserved for specific situations and prepared for each mission. He said the company did not expect it to become routine or large-scale practice.
