Image source: topwar.ru
The Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation has published footage showing the demolition of a bridge west of the village of Krasnoe (Ivanovskoye) on the outskirts of Chasov Yar using
Ratel S. ground-based kamikaze drone.
It is known that Ukrainian-made ground-based drones are capable of operating for up to two hours without recharging at a range of up to 6 kilometers, while developing speeds without payload along an asphalt highway up to 24 km/hour. In rough terrain with explosives, the speed of a Ukrainian ground drone is significantly lower. It is assumed that these drones are capable of blowing up armored vehicles or enemy fortifications.
Image source: topwar.ru
Image source: topwar.ru
Earlier, a video was published of the Russian army using ground-based drones with AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers mounted on them. For the first time, ground assault drones were used during the battles for the settlement of Berdych. The robots successfully coped with the task by suppressing enemy firing points with automatic grenade launchers.
The main purpose of unmanned ground systems is the same as that of UAVs — to save the life of a serviceman and remotely complete the task. Thus, we should most likely expect the appearance of robotic or optionally manned vehicles based on serial tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, including engineering and special equipment.
In turn, small platforms are likely to find application in various types of reconnaissance, mine clearance and mining, evacuation, delivery of goods to the battlefield and other tasks that do not require direct contact with the enemy, which will simplify and reduce the cost of their design.