The new complexes are guaranteed to destroy firing points during attacks on enemy fortified areas.
In the area of the special military operation, our soldiers began to use the ground-based robotic complex "Postman". This small vehicle is capable of delivering up to 30 kg of explosives to enemy positions, abandoning it and returning back. The deadly "package" explodes at the operator's command. Thus, the robot becomes reusable. In addition to delivering destructive cargo, it is capable of performing many other tasks, saving the lives of fighters during assaults both outside populated areas and in dense buildings, experts say.
What are the NRTCS for?
The ground-based robotic complex (NRTC) "Postman" was created by engineers of a separate regiment of unmanned systems "Burevestnik" of the Volunteer Corps. This is a small vehicle on a tracked platform, controlled by radio with an explosive compartment located in the stern, the developers told Izvestia.
"The name itself means that the Postman delivers "parcels" — in this case in the form of explosives to enemy positions," said the deputy commander of the Burevestnik with the call sign Cosmos.
The robot is capable of transporting explosives weighing up to 30 kg or three TM anti-tank mines. The power of such a charge makes it possible to destroy even concrete firing points in urban or industrial buildings, the developers explained.
The robot's maneuverability and maneuverability allows it not only to overcome rough terrain, but also to climb into enemy dugouts, the developers noted.
Deputy commander of a separate regiment of unmanned systems "Burevestnik" Kosmos with NTRK "Postman"
Image source: Photo: separate regiment of the Burevestnik unmanned systems of the Volunteer Corps
The "Postman" can reach a decent speed and has a large power reserve. The tactics of using the NRTC are simple: a drone loaded with explosives must make its way to enemy positions, leave a charge there and retreat. The deadly "package" explodes at the operator's command.
Systems such as the Postman are needed to break through the enemy's well-equipped defenses, military expert Vasily Dandykin told Izvestia.
"We saw our soldiers blowing up firing points or dugouts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with anti—tank mines," he said. — This is a huge risk and they take it consciously, otherwise they cannot destroy the enemy. The new drone will help solve these problems without unnecessary risks for the personnel. The dimensions of the vehicle allow you to get close to the enemy's fortifications, including under the protection of a smoke screen, leave your deadly cargo and detonate.
Photo: TASS/Alexander River
Image source: iz.ru
The introduction of combat robots is a transition to a new generation of battles, where the main priority is to save personnel, Igor Murog, a full member of the Academy of Military Sciences, Senator of the Federation Council, told Izvestia.
"Such complexes remotely suppress fortifications and clear minefields, performing dangerous work instead of assault groups," he stressed.
They have been developing NRTC in Russia for more than 10 years. The first production vehicles, the Uran family of combat—ready ground—based NRTKS, were created and tested even before the start of the military operation, Vasily Dandykin recalled.
"It all started with the sapper version of this machine, which was used in Syria," he told Izvestia.
Then we started working on modifying the platform. Combat modules with various weapons, such as machine guns and grenade launchers, began to be installed on it. And our troops approached it with the experience of using ground-based robotic systems.
Unmanned developments of the 1930s
In fact, we are witnessing the return of an idea that was tested back in the first half of the twentieth century, but at a qualitatively new technological stage, experts noted.
— The modern developments of our volunteers are directly or indirectly based on the fundamental basis, — said Igor Murog. — Back in the 1930s, Soviet engineers created, for example, the TT-26 teletanks, laying the foundation for the concept of unmanned platforms.
Photo: separate regiment of the Burevestnik unmanned systems of the Volunteer Corps
Image source: iz.ru
Then other countries joined the race. German troops used Goliath tankettes to deliver charges to enemy fortifications, military expert Vadim Kozyulin recalled. However, these systems were disposable: the car was detonated with explosives and controlled by wires, which made it more vulnerable. Fragments could always break the cable and immobilize the car.
The latest domestic developments turn this concept into a reusable tool, which radically changes the economics of combat and the tactical capabilities of units, Igor Murog summarized.
"The ability to drop explosives allows not only to save expensive robotic equipment, but also to conduct reconnaissance, fire correction and repeated attacks with the same device," Kozyulin emphasized.
How to teach robot control in Russia
The Russian Ministry of Defense has begun large-scale training of motorized infantry in the use of robotic combat platforms, Izvestia wrote . During the training, soldiers learn how to remotely control them, get acquainted with the functioning features of drone-mounted weapons systems and techniques for fine-tuning targeting devices. In addition, they master the repair and maintenance of vehicles directly on the battlefield.
Photo: TASS/Alexander River
Image source: iz.ru
The new robotic technology will lead to a change in the principles of planning and implementing combat operations. Modern complexes can carry heavy weapons such as heavy machine guns and rocket launchers with unguided aircraft missiles. This increases the range of tasks to be solved and allows you to deliver pinpoint strikes on the enemy's infrastructure without endangering the lives of your own soldiers.
Such vehicles can conduct reconnaissance of the territory, maintain fire contact with the enemy and perform a number of other tasks.
Bogdan Stepovoy
Andrey Buevich
