The Arctic zone of the Russian Federation occupies an area equal to about a quarter of the area of our entire country. These are huge territories, the development of which still requires considerable heroism and large funds. For example, all equipment for the northern expanses must meet increased requirements: be ready for severe frosts, exposure to sea water, etc. The development of Rostec enterprises helps sailors, oilmen, scientists and the military to conquer the harsh north.
You'll see, it's boundless
The development of the Arctic and the Far North is of strategic importance for Russia for a number of reasons. The Arctic zone of the Russian Federation possesses untold wealth of natural resources, such as oil, gas, and mineral ores. This is a huge economic potential for the country, and taking into account the development of technology and technology, activities in the Far North are becoming economically more profitable.
In addition, with the melting of ice in the Arctic, new sea routes are opening up, which reduces the distances for merchant ships between Europe and Asia. Russia, which controls a significant part of the Arctic coast, plays a key role in development
The so–called Northern Sea Route is the shortest sea route from Europe to Asia.
Photo: Boris Solovyev / wikimedia.org
The Arctic zone is also of great strategic importance for the defense and security of Russia. Control over these territories ensures the protection of the northern borders of the country.
The Arctic is of great interest for scientific research, as climate change is more obvious here than in other parts of the world. Studying the Arctic ecosystem and climate change is important for understanding global processes. With the growth of activity in the Arctic, attention to environmental issues is also increasing. It is important for Russia to preserve the natural environment and biodiversity of this region during its development.
Thus, the development of the Arctic zone is an important strategic direction for Russia, ensuring the economic, geopolitical and scientific interests of the country. To support Russia's large-scale presence in the Arctic, a large amount of equipment adapted to the harsh northern realities is required. Rostec enterprises have been producing civilian and military equipment for many years, which has been successfully used in the Arctic latitudes, Siberia and the Far East.
Helicopters for eternal winter
Helicopters are considered one of the most practical modes of transport in the Arctic, as they can easily overcome water, ice and forest obstacles. The use of helicopters in this region began in the 1950s. They can be based on icebreakers, perform tasks for the delivery of people and goods, participate in rescue operations and ice exploration.
Photo: Russian Helicopters
In 2020, the Russian Helicopters holding company of Rostec State Corporation released the first civilian Arctic helicopter Mi-8AMTSh-VA. One of its features is the unique heating system of the transmission units, which allows you to start the engine at temperatures up to -60 °C.
The Mi-38 helicopter has also been modified for use in the Arctic, receiving a new de-icing system. In addition, last year, the latest unmanned helicopter BAS-200 was successfully tested, which can also be used to deliver goods to regions beyond the Arctic Circle.
Cars for romantics
TM-140 all-terrain vehicles from Kurganmashzavod help to conquer the "north" on earth. Last year, this machine successfully passed Arctic tests during the exercises of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation "Safe Arctic", covering more than 1.5 thousand km in the northern regions of the country. The all-terrain vehicle is designed according to the modular principle, which allows you to install a cargo platform, a passenger module, a workshop module or even a crane on one base, depending on the tasks. The engine preheating system allows you to start the car even at -40 ° C.
Photo: Kurganmashzavod
And the Vityaz company, which is part of the Uralvagonzavod concern, has been producing unique floating two-link all-terrain vehicles of various lifting capacities for many years, including the powerful DT-30PM for 30 tons. These tracked vehicles are capable of overcoming the most difficult off-road conditions of the Far North and the Arctic. They can be used for cargo and passenger delivery, inspection of oil and gas pipelines, rescue operations and much more.
And about the weather
To work in Arctic conditions, it is vital to have the most complete information about weather changes. With the advent of weather satellites, it has become much easier to do this. Modern monitoring systems collect data from Earth remote sensing satellites and generate hydrometeorological reports for any areas, including for ships that are out of touch with land.
Photo: Roselektronika
Such a complex for monitoring meteorological and ice conditions has been developed at the Television Research Institute, part of the Roselektronika holding. The system is capable of operating at ambient temperatures up to -60 °C and wind speeds up to 50 m/s. The complex receives and processes information about the type and degree of clouds, precipitation intensity, surface temperature, and the data obtained are displayed on the monitor of the workstation.
Turbines for gas, light and heat
In order to support the operation of oil and gas fields in the Arctic and to pump the extracted fuel, gas turbine installations are needed, which are manufactured at the enterprises of the United Engine Corporation Rostec.
Photo: Gazprom PJSC
Gazprom is the main customer of such equipment. For many years, UEC gas pumping units have been helping to deliver gas to consumers, including in Siberia and the Far East. But until recently, the energy equipment in Russian fields was foreign. But in the near future, the first domestic power plant for Arctic production platforms, based on the GTA-8 gas turbine unit, will come into operation. The power plant is adapted to the northern climate and marine influences, can run on diesel and gas produced immediately and generates not only electricity, but also heat for heating. The Corporation plans to create a line of Russian power units.