It can be used in assault operations and evacuation of the wounded
Russian engineers have developed a universal tracked platform that can perform both combat and transport tasks. With the help of a combat module, the device turns into a grenade launcher or a machine gun, which will be able to cover infantry when storming enemy positions. The platform can carry loads weighing up to a ton, evacuate the wounded. Its prototype has already been tested in the SVO zone. About what a promising development is — in the material of Izvestia.
Either a machine gun or a grenade launcher
The prototype of the universal tracked platform "Impulse-M" with a combat module has been tested in the zone of its own, the IT company "Gumich RTK" told Izvestia.
The operator can control it using a remote radio communication module (UMR) — the control panel is connected to the module by a cable up to 100 m long. This allows the soldier to be in a safe place if suddenly the coordinates of the UMR are detected by electronic warfare.
Universal tracked platform "Impulse-M" (render)
Image source: Photo: Gumich RTK
A quick-release combat module with replaceable armament is a grenade launcher or a machine gun. The first is either an AGS—30 or an AGS-17 with 100 rounds of ammunition. It can be used against infantry, including those in shelters.
A tank machine gun with 500-1000 rounds of ammunition is designed to destroy manpower. In addition, it can destroy unarmored and lightly armored weapons, military and special equipment of the enemy at ranges up to 1.5 km.
— In the case of a grenade launcher, it is real, like in the movies, in one turn it will be able to cover the football field with explosive shells, — military expert Dmitry Kornev told Izvestia. — Now the grenade launcher is firing, it is detected and immediately covered. And with the help of the platform, it will be possible to go forward 100 m and sit somewhere in a closed place and at the same time fire. Then the operator will survive in case of retaliatory actions.
The Impulse-M can also be used as a launcher for launching anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) "Cornet" or a swarm of kamikaze UAVs from transport and launch containers.
Great prospects
A similar module was developed in the European Union in 2018, former employee of the International Mine Action Center of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Alexey Krot told Izvestia.
"They've even adopted it,— he clarified. — It is produced by the Estonian company Milrem Robotics for the entire collective West. At one time, there were certain skirmishes in Indonesia and Mali, and there such platforms were used to bring supplies, food, and water. According to the technical parameters, it can overcome obstacles, accordingly, it will be able to function even in urban conditions — go around the bend, turn around, see what's there. And given that it is quite compact, it is more difficult to knock it out than an armored personnel carrier or a tank.
Unmanned ground vehicle from Milrem Robotics
Image source: Photo: Global Look Press/ Fabian Sommer
The universal platform can also be used for assault operations, Dmitry Kornev said.
— You drove around the corner, watched what was there, and also fired a machine gun or a grenade launcher. The device can work in open areas and in urban areas. True, the dimensions will not allow her to crawl into a small building, but she will be able to get into some workshop, let's say, on the territory of the enterprise.
All transport tasks in one device
In addition to combat missions, the platform can perform transport tasks — towing, cargo transportation, evacuation of the wounded and equipment. In particular, when lifting at 20 degrees, it carries up to 500 kg of cargo. It is also possible to attach a tow trailer with a weight of up to 1 thousand kg to the platform.
Universal tracked platform "Impulse-M" (render)
Image source: Photo: GUMICH RTK
For mine clearance, she has an anti-mine roller trawl, which allows her to make passages in minefields, clear roads.
Due to the tracks, this platform will be able to drive even over an anti-personnel mine, Alexey Krot noted. According to him, from the point of view of its use for logistics tasks at the moment, from the videos that are posted on the Internet, it can be concluded that it is 100% implemented.
— Impulse-M can also be engaged in clearing snow-covered roads, barriers and rubble using a bulldozer dump. Or perform earthworks," the company clarified.
"Impulse-M" (render)
Image source: Photo: Gumich RTK
In addition, the representative of Gumich-RTK noted that the device can evacuate two fighters with equipment on a stretcher at the same time.
— There can be 10 people crammed in there, and she will quietly take them away. So in any case, such a platform is in great demand at the forefront. We took with us uniforms, equipment, and supplies for several days and left to complete the task. That is, it will also be in demand for special operations. Moreover, again, it can be controlled by wires, which means hidden use, that is, without the operation of the radio station," Dmitry Kornev summed up.
The Inspection robotic complex "STICK" was also transferred to military operation, the IT company added. It is designed for the rapid collection of audio and video information in hard-to-reach and dangerous places for humans during the day and at night. It is a small wheeled platform equipped with cameras and thermal imagers mounted on a lifting rod. The platform, remotely controlled by the operator, is capable of secretly moving to the place of observation and transmitting visual and audio information up to a kilometer away.
Julia Leonova
