Will the Belarusian "Berserk" in the series?
In recent years, the Belarusian defense industry has presented several promising military robotic complexes. One of the latest and most interesting developments of this kind is the so-called. robotic fire complex (ROCK) "Berserk". This car was repeatedly demonstrated at various events and even received an assessment of the country's leadership.
Project ROCK "Berserk" was developed by the Belarusian company "BSVT - new technologies." This organization is well known for its developments in the field of military and civilian electronics and robotic systems. For example, in 2017, it presented the Bogomol RTK, capable of carrying anti-tank guided missiles.
A new sample of ROCK called “Berserk” was first presented to 3 in July last year at a parade on the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus. At the beginning of October, 2018, at a Belarusian landfill, was a show of promising technology, during which the leadership of the country got acquainted with Berserk. President Alexander Lukashenko highly appreciated such systems and suggested putting them into service.
In March, an exhibition MILEX-2019 took place in Minsk, during which “BSVT - new technologies” again showed its modern developments. One of the exhibits at the stand of the company was ROC "Berserk". The advantages and positive qualities of the complex were mentioned again, but no reports on its real prospects have been received so far. Whether it will be adopted is not clear.
New ROCK "Berserk" is a remote-controlled tracked vehicle with machine-gun armament. It is built on the basis of the chassis, previously created for the Bogomol RTK. A new combat module is installed on this platform, corresponding to the tasks to be solved.
The base chassis is made in the form of a compact, lightly armored tracked vehicle. It has a complex-shaped body with rational angle of armor and developed fender shelves. On the roof provides a seat for the combat module. The layout is determined taking into account the specifics of the power plant and a set of onboard equipment. It is noted that the overwhelming majority of the components used are of Belarusian origin.
The “Mantis” chassis is completed with a hybrid power plant based on a diesel engine and an electric generator. Stern drive wheels are connected to a pair of electric motors. During the development of the Berserk, the undercarriage chassis was not changed. Under the side covers, placed inside the tracks, there were five support rollers and one supporting.
To monitor the terrain and driving the chassis is equipped with a set of video cameras. Several such devices are assembled into a single unit on the nose of the case and provide an overview of the front hemisphere. Another camera is placed in the stern. The on-board radio equipment ensures the transmission of video signal and telemetry to the operator’s console in real time.
ROCK "Berserk" received a new combat module with machine-gun armament. This product is made in the form of a platform with a stern support for a swinging armament block. Probably, guidance drives are installed in the platform, and ammunition is also stored. The armament unit is made in a rectangular case and has two places for machine guns. To the right of it, an optoelectronic unit is installed to search for targets.
In the present form, "Berserk" is armed with two machine guns GSHG-7,62 rifle caliber. A machine gun with a rotating block of four barrels capable of developing a rate of fire up to 6 thousand shots per minute. Machine guns are designed for firing at ranges up to 1000 m. Indicates the possibility of attacking ground and air targets. The maximum target speed is 300 km / h. High accuracy and accuracy of fire is provided.
ECO detection and targeting allows you to find different targets in a wide range of ranges. Detection of a person is carried out at distances up to 2 km, an unmanned aerial vehicle - up to 3 km. Larger air targets such as helicopters are visible from 10 km.
Management of ROCK "Berserk" is carried out with the help of the operator console. Two-way communication with the transmission of commands, video and telemetry is provided at distances up to 5 km in urban areas and up to 20 km in open areas. It is possible to use the complex with repeaters of various kinds. Provides for automated patrols.
Selection of targets for maintenance and application decision weapons remain for the person. In the future, BSVT - new technologies are planning to create algorithms for automatic taking on tracking and target recognition.
A remotely controlled machine of medium size and with a weight of no more than 1,5-2 can operate offline for 24 hours. Cruising range - 100 km.
ROCK "Berserk" is intended for patrolling, searching and destroying various objects. It can be used to protect stationary objects, escort certain types of equipment and fire support infantry units. The combination of a unified tracked chassis, developed observation means and relatively powerful small arms contributes to the successful solution of all these tasks.
The developer considers the basic unified tracked chassis one of the main advantages of the Berserk. The platform with a hybrid power plant provides sufficient mobility for working in urban conditions and in other terrain. Declared high permeability and mobility. The chassis suitable for mounting various combat modules and other means gives the project a great modernization potential.
In its current form, the ROCK Berserk is equipped with two GSHG-7,62 machine guns with rotating blocks of barrels. Such a weapon is capable of showing a total rate of fire up to 12 thousand gunshots per minute, which gives an obvious increase in firepower compared to other types of machine gun weapons of the same caliber. It is precisely the high rate of fire that makes it possible to effectively combat both ground and high-speed air targets.
However, the use of GSHG-7,62 has a serious drawback. Rapid machine guns quickly spend ammunition, the size of which is limited by the available volumes of the combat module and the chassis payload. As a result, the operator must take into account not only the defeat of the target, but also the savings of ammunition.
The project "Berserk" in its current form has the potential for updating and improving, and in "BSVT - new technologies" work is being done in this direction. First of all, the modernization of control systems and automation algorithms. In the future, it is possible to create modifications of the ROCK with other equipment and weapons.
Last year, President A. Lukashenko highly appreciated ROCK “Berserk” and pointed to the need for putting such systems into service. It is possible that the Belarusian Ministry of Defense will listen to the recommendations of the head of state and take the necessary steps. It is the army of the Republic of Belarus that can become the starting customer of the new robotic complex.
The decision on the adoption of "Berserk" may be contributed to several major factors. The Belarusian army seeks, whenever possible, to update its material part and introduce new models. Also, the course was taken to create own projects of various kinds with subsequent adoption for service. Against such a background, ROCK Berserk looks promising and promising.
However, the Belarusian RTK should not be overestimated. The previous development of "BSVT - new technologies", ROC "Bogomol", also received high marks and praise, but still has not entered the series. Her real prospects are still uncertain. The same can be with the Berserk. As often happens, the statements of high-ranking officials may not correspond to real actions.
The prospects of ROC Berserk on the international arms market (if it will be offered to foreign customers) are no less vague. Now on the market there are many RTK with different features, capabilities and benefits. Some of these products are direct competitors of the Belarusian “Berserk”. Whether he can successfully resist foreign models is a big question. In this case, it is not only about technical aspects, but also about political difficulties. Finally, we should not forget that the Belarusian manufacturers have not yet managed to gain a reputation as market leaders, contributing to the appearance of orders.
Thus, at the moment, the project of ROC "Berserk" creates an ambiguous impression. The technical aspects of this development look interesting and promising. However, practical perspectives raise doubts. How events will develop will become clear later. For the time being, the "Berserker" will be in the army as likely as maintaining the status of an exhibition sample only.
Short story
Project ROCK "Berserk" was developed by the Belarusian company "BSVT - new technologies." This organization is well known for its developments in the field of military and civilian electronics and robotic systems. For example, in 2017, it presented the Bogomol RTK, capable of carrying anti-tank guided missiles.
A new sample of ROCK called “Berserk” was first presented to 3 in July last year at a parade on the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus. At the beginning of October, 2018, at a Belarusian landfill, was a show of promising technology, during which the leadership of the country got acquainted with Berserk. President Alexander Lukashenko highly appreciated such systems and suggested putting them into service.
In March, an exhibition MILEX-2019 took place in Minsk, during which “BSVT - new technologies” again showed its modern developments. One of the exhibits at the stand of the company was ROC "Berserk". The advantages and positive qualities of the complex were mentioned again, but no reports on its real prospects have been received so far. Whether it will be adopted is not clear.
Design features
New ROCK "Berserk" is a remote-controlled tracked vehicle with machine-gun armament. It is built on the basis of the chassis, previously created for the Bogomol RTK. A new combat module is installed on this platform, corresponding to the tasks to be solved.
The base chassis is made in the form of a compact, lightly armored tracked vehicle. It has a complex-shaped body with rational angle of armor and developed fender shelves. On the roof provides a seat for the combat module. The layout is determined taking into account the specifics of the power plant and a set of onboard equipment. It is noted that the overwhelming majority of the components used are of Belarusian origin.
The “Mantis” chassis is completed with a hybrid power plant based on a diesel engine and an electric generator. Stern drive wheels are connected to a pair of electric motors. During the development of the Berserk, the undercarriage chassis was not changed. Under the side covers, placed inside the tracks, there were five support rollers and one supporting.
To monitor the terrain and driving the chassis is equipped with a set of video cameras. Several such devices are assembled into a single unit on the nose of the case and provide an overview of the front hemisphere. Another camera is placed in the stern. The on-board radio equipment ensures the transmission of video signal and telemetry to the operator’s console in real time.
ROCK "Berserk" received a new combat module with machine-gun armament. This product is made in the form of a platform with a stern support for a swinging armament block. Probably, guidance drives are installed in the platform, and ammunition is also stored. The armament unit is made in a rectangular case and has two places for machine guns. To the right of it, an optoelectronic unit is installed to search for targets.
In the present form, "Berserk" is armed with two machine guns GSHG-7,62 rifle caliber. A machine gun with a rotating block of four barrels capable of developing a rate of fire up to 6 thousand shots per minute. Machine guns are designed for firing at ranges up to 1000 m. Indicates the possibility of attacking ground and air targets. The maximum target speed is 300 km / h. High accuracy and accuracy of fire is provided.
ECO detection and targeting allows you to find different targets in a wide range of ranges. Detection of a person is carried out at distances up to 2 km, an unmanned aerial vehicle - up to 3 km. Larger air targets such as helicopters are visible from 10 km.
Management of ROCK "Berserk" is carried out with the help of the operator console. Two-way communication with the transmission of commands, video and telemetry is provided at distances up to 5 km in urban areas and up to 20 km in open areas. It is possible to use the complex with repeaters of various kinds. Provides for automated patrols.
Selection of targets for maintenance and application decision weapons remain for the person. In the future, BSVT - new technologies are planning to create algorithms for automatic taking on tracking and target recognition.
A remotely controlled machine of medium size and with a weight of no more than 1,5-2 can operate offline for 24 hours. Cruising range - 100 km.
Goals and objectives
ROCK "Berserk" is intended for patrolling, searching and destroying various objects. It can be used to protect stationary objects, escort certain types of equipment and fire support infantry units. The combination of a unified tracked chassis, developed observation means and relatively powerful small arms contributes to the successful solution of all these tasks.
The developer considers the basic unified tracked chassis one of the main advantages of the Berserk. The platform with a hybrid power plant provides sufficient mobility for working in urban conditions and in other terrain. Declared high permeability and mobility. The chassis suitable for mounting various combat modules and other means gives the project a great modernization potential.
In its current form, the ROCK Berserk is equipped with two GSHG-7,62 machine guns with rotating blocks of barrels. Such a weapon is capable of showing a total rate of fire up to 12 thousand gunshots per minute, which gives an obvious increase in firepower compared to other types of machine gun weapons of the same caliber. It is precisely the high rate of fire that makes it possible to effectively combat both ground and high-speed air targets.
However, the use of GSHG-7,62 has a serious drawback. Rapid machine guns quickly spend ammunition, the size of which is limited by the available volumes of the combat module and the chassis payload. As a result, the operator must take into account not only the defeat of the target, but also the savings of ammunition.
The project "Berserk" in its current form has the potential for updating and improving, and in "BSVT - new technologies" work is being done in this direction. First of all, the modernization of control systems and automation algorithms. In the future, it is possible to create modifications of the ROCK with other equipment and weapons.
Copy for the exhibition or a series for the army?
Last year, President A. Lukashenko highly appreciated ROCK “Berserk” and pointed to the need for putting such systems into service. It is possible that the Belarusian Ministry of Defense will listen to the recommendations of the head of state and take the necessary steps. It is the army of the Republic of Belarus that can become the starting customer of the new robotic complex.
The decision on the adoption of "Berserk" may be contributed to several major factors. The Belarusian army seeks, whenever possible, to update its material part and introduce new models. Also, the course was taken to create own projects of various kinds with subsequent adoption for service. Against such a background, ROCK Berserk looks promising and promising.
However, the Belarusian RTK should not be overestimated. The previous development of "BSVT - new technologies", ROC "Bogomol", also received high marks and praise, but still has not entered the series. Her real prospects are still uncertain. The same can be with the Berserk. As often happens, the statements of high-ranking officials may not correspond to real actions.
The prospects of ROC Berserk on the international arms market (if it will be offered to foreign customers) are no less vague. Now on the market there are many RTK with different features, capabilities and benefits. Some of these products are direct competitors of the Belarusian “Berserk”. Whether he can successfully resist foreign models is a big question. In this case, it is not only about technical aspects, but also about political difficulties. Finally, we should not forget that the Belarusian manufacturers have not yet managed to gain a reputation as market leaders, contributing to the appearance of orders.
Thus, at the moment, the project of ROC "Berserk" creates an ambiguous impression. The technical aspects of this development look interesting and promising. However, practical perspectives raise doubts. How events will develop will become clear later. For the time being, the "Berserker" will be in the army as likely as maintaining the status of an exhibition sample only.
Information