The machine was developed to intercept drones in areas where conventional equipment does not pass.
A special version of the Plastun conveyor has been developed for mobile firing groups (MOG). The new vehicle is adapted to mount machine guns on turrets and will allow anti-aircraft crews to operate in hard-to-reach areas where pickups, which are currently equipped with such units, do not pass. It is over such a territory that the Armed Forces of Ukraine is trying to lay routes for its long-range drones, experts say.
A special version of the Plastun conveyor has been developed for mobile firing groups (MOG). The new vehicle is adapted to mount machine guns on turrets and will allow anti-aircraft crews to operate in hard-to-reach areas where pickups, which are currently equipped with such units, do not pass. It is over such a territory that the Armed Forces of Ukraine is trying to lay routes for its long-range drones, experts say.
A hard "Plastun"
The upgraded Plastun-TTM army transporters have passed all the necessary tests at the 21st Scientific Research Testing Institute of Military Automotive Technology in the Moscow Region and will soon begin to be delivered to the troops. During the tests, the machines confirmed the stated characteristics and demonstrated reliability that meets the requirements of the Ministry of Defense, the Russian Plastun All-Terrain Vehicles development company told Izvestia.
Image source: Photo: Russian Plastun All-terrain Vehicles press Service photo
"Our car is a two—section all—terrain vehicle," Yerik Sagimbayev, General Director of the Russian Plastun All-Terrain Vehicles development company, told Izvestia. — It is equipped with an articulated frame, thanks to which it turns and maneuvers. In the front part there is a cabin with seats for the driver and passengers, an engine, a gearbox and a transfer case. The second section is transformed depending on the tasks. You can install a firing system on it, for example, a turret with a machine gun, which is implemented in the version for mobile firing groups.
The design of the all-terrain vehicle allows for the placement of 12.7 mm Utes machine guns or 7.62mm PKM and PKT machine guns, he noted.
Currently, the MOGi troops, as a rule, equip their mobile anti-aircraft machine guns based on civilian UAZ Patriot pickups and other vehicles with the same body type.
— These are civilian vehicles, and they are designed for a soft and comfortable ride on dirt roads, — said Yerik Sagimbayev. — For this reason, they have a rather complicated suspension. It contains many elements to enhance comfort, which in turn increases the risk of breakdowns. But most importantly, it will "dance" when firing, which affects the accuracy of the fire.
The body and bottom of civilian pickups are made of relatively thin stamped metal, to which it is difficult to securely attach a machine gun. Therefore, in the military, additional metal frames are made to strengthen the structure, which increases the weight of the machine.
Image source: Photo: Russian Plastun All-terrain Vehicles press Service photo
— Otherwise, the bottom of the car may "tear" or fall through the mounting points of the machine—gun turret, - he noted. — Such machines require modifications to both the body and suspension, and, as a rule, this is done in the field.
The Plastun-TTM architecture with a sturdy structural steel frame makes it possible to install a turret without any special difficulties — this is its big plus, the CEO notes.
Outriggers are often used to fire a large—caliber machine gun on pickups - special retractable mechanisms that increase the support area, increase stability and prevent tipping over. It takes time to install them, and in combat conditions it may not be, Erik Sagimbayev noted.
—The Plastun's suspension is quite rigid — Gazelle bridges on springs, which allows you to avoid strong swinging when firing accurately, even on the move," he noted. — Considering that mobile firing groups will have to hunt for high-speed targets, which include UAVs, this quality will be in demand.
In addition, the machine is adapted for the installation of electronic warfare systems without changing the standard electrics. The conveyors are equipped with 24 and 220 V power supplies with a capacity of at least 1 kW.
Image source: Photo: Russian Plastun All-Terrain Vehicles Press Service
Another important advantage of the all—terrain vehicle is the use of domestic components and assemblies used in mass production of cars. This simplifies the maintenance of equipment and reduces dependence on the supply of rare components, the developers note.
Off-road Drone Hunter
Enemy long-range UAVs are building their routes over deserted and poorly accessible terrain, military expert Yuri Lyamin told Izvestia.
"All—terrain vehicles will pass where pickups and conventional military wheeled vehicles will not be able to pass," he noted. — This quality will allow you to quickly respond to threats and block particularly dangerous areas.
Having received data from the radar in advance, the groups can move to a given area, choose a place convenient for firing and open fire when the drones approach.
Plastuny‑TTM is capable of significantly improving the efficiency of mobile firing groups due to a combination of high maneuverability, modularity and maintainability, Senator Igor Murog, a full member of the Academy of Military Sciences, told Izvestia.
— The key advantage of the machine is the articulated frame with the angle of rotation of the halves of the body provides it with high maneuverability and allows it to overcome difficult obstacles — large boulders, trenches, ditches, ascents — without losing contact of the wheels with the surface, — he explained.
Image source: Photo: Russian Plastun All-Terrain Vehicles Press Service
The equipment is designed for use in a wide variety of conditions: The chassis and layout ensure safe movement both on summer off-road and on snowy or icy areas, the senator said.
The possibility of using a variety of weapons expands the functionality of the all-terrain vehicle. For example, a 12.7mm machine gun is effective against low-flying drones, lightly armored vehicles and fortified firing points, while a 7.62mm machine gun provides dense fire on manpower and unarmored vehicles, experts say.
"Such an arsenal makes it possible to operate effectively both in urban areas and in open areas, from convoy escort to assault operations," Igor Murog noted.
It is also important that due to its versatility, Plastun-TTM can be quickly reconfigured for specific tasks. There are four versions of the all-terrain vehicle.
Assault — with 360-degree rotating seats in the back, allowing for all-round fire on the move.
Ambulance — with the ability to evacuate two seriously injured people on stretchers or six slightly injured people on seats, while an additional place for a medic is provided in the back, which allows providing assistance to the wounded already during the evacuation.
Cargo — with a flat platform and crane installation.
As well as a car with a closed kung body, where you can place a mini-headquarters or places for operators of UAVs or automated anti-aircraft systems.
Bogdan Stepovoy
