Robotic complex "Prohod-1" in the area of the Special Operation
RTK "Prohod-1" in the fields of Donbass
Demining activities are being carried out in the liberated territories of Donbass. Sappers look for and clear mines, unexploded ordnance and other threats. In open areas, mine clearance is carried out using special equipment, incl. robotic complexes. In particular, it has recently become known that the newly developed Prohod-1 RTK is operating in the Donbass.
Field work
The presence of the Prohod-1 RTK in the zone of the Special Operation became known on July 19. A short video showing the application of this Robot. Where and when it was filmed is unknown. However, in this case, the video is of great interest.
The video shows the Prohod-1 complex with a TMT-S mine trawl and a Z sign on board. The machine has lowered the trawl to the ground and is slowly moving across the field, maneuvering and keeping the given direction. During such a maneuver, a dark cloud of dust or smoke appears from under the trawl. Perhaps the RTK found the ammunition and caused it to detonate.
In what mode the complex operates is unknown. Apparently, the car uses autonomous control with minimal control from the crew. In this case, the operators of the complex can be at a distance and use remote panels.
Already on July 20, new information appeared. TASS, citing its source in law enforcement agencies, confirms the involvement of Prokhod-1 in demining activities. The RTK operates in an unspecified region of Donbass and is successfully coping with its tasks.
Apparently, the Prohod-1 RTC will continue to work in the liberated territories. For the speedy solution of all assigned tasks, several such vehicles can be sent to the Special Operations zone. In addition, the heavy "Prokhody-1" can be used in parallel with the "Uran-6" robots of a similar purpose. Techniques of these types will not have to stand idle without work yet.
Heavy sapper
The project of a promising heavy sapper robot "Prokhod-1" was developed at the All-Russian Research Institute "Signal" in the first half of the last decade. Its existence was first reported in mid-2016, when development had already been completed. In addition, by that time the finished sample had passed state tests.
In the future, "Pass-1" was repeatedly shown at domestic exhibitions. In addition, the work of such an RTK at the training ground and the process of training demining the area were demonstrated. It was expected that according to the results of state tests, the new complex would go into service and go into series. However, there have been official reports in this regard so far.
Whether the Prohod-1 RTK was adopted by the engineering troops, and when this happened, is unknown. There is also no information on the production and deployment of such equipment in the troops. However, it is now clear that a new type of robot exists, is operated by the army, and even participates in real events.
On a ready basis
The Prokhod-1 engineering robotic complex was developed on the basis of the BMR-3M Verp armored demining vehicle, created in the late nineties. When creating the RTK, the basic sample has undergone minimal changes. The main components and assemblies remained the same, but they were supplemented with new means of control and communication - it is they who make the armored vehicle a robot. In addition, the complex included a new tank trawl with advanced features.
BMR-3M and "Prohod-1" are made on the chassis of the main tank T-90. The regular armored hull with anti-projectile forehead protection is supplemented with a new superstructure with crew jobs. The forehead of the hull and superstructure is additionally covered with dynamic protection. The power plant and chassis did not change. A machine gun mount for self-defense has also been preserved.
The main objective of the Passage-1 project was the creation of remote and automated control systems. The RTC has a set of cameras along the perimeter, a computing unit and communications equipment, as well as actuators on the controls.
Experimental complex at the exhibition. In the background is the control car
The crew of "Prohod-1" consists of two people - the commander and the driver. There is also a troop compartment for three sappers. In the stowed position or when trawling, the crew can be in their places. In this case, the main mode of operation provides for the transfer of the crew to the control vehicle, located at a safe distance.
A mine trawl with hydraulic lifting / lowering drives is fixed on the frontal part of the hull. For Prokhod-1, a new TMT-S "solid tank mine trawl" was developed with several functions. The trawl has 15 rollers, placed in two rows and giving a continuous trawling strip. It also provides for electromagnetic attachments for remotely detonating mines and a device for sweeping anti-aircraft mines. The target equipment also includes a jamming station for suppressing mine control channels and a passage marking device.
Prokhod-1 with the TMT-S trawl can travel at speeds up to 45 km/h. Trawling speed - no more than 15 km / h. Trawl TMT-S neutralizes mines with different principles of detonation, installed on the surface and in the ground, in a strip 4,5 m wide. Anti-aircraft mines are cleared in a strip 100 m wide.
With ample opportunities
Both the "ordinary" BMR-3M and the robotic "Prokhod-1" are distinguished by high performance and are an effective demining tool. At the same time, the new RTK has a number of characteristic features that distinguish it from the base machine and allow it to more effectively solve the main tasks.
First of all, the advantage is the maximum unification with existing samples. "Pass-1" is made on the basis of the "Vepr", which, in turn, is a rebuilt T-90 tank. This greatly simplifies the simultaneous operation and supply of spare parts for three types of equipment at once.
The transition to robotics is of great importance. Remote or autonomous control allows you to remove the crew to a safe distance and virtually eliminate risks for him. At the same time, increasing the safety of people does not adversely affect the capabilities and characteristics of the RTK.
At the same time, the working conditions of the crew are improved, and the load on it is reduced. It also simplifies the organization of shift work of operators. Correspondingly, the duration of the operation of the complex and the area of the cleared territory increase. If necessary, the robot can work almost for days - with breaks for refueling and replacing damaged parts of the trawl.
In comparison with the BMR-3M, the performance of Prokhod-1 has increased significantly. This result was obtained due to the modern multi-component trawl TMT-S. It neutralizes mines of various classes and types, creates a continuous passage of considerable width, and also protects the RTK and the equipment following it from threats from the flank. The advantages over the used track trawls, with or without electromagnetic attachments, are obvious.
Thus, the Prohod-1 RTK has a number of positive features and shows significant advantages over other engineering vehicles. At the same time, the introduction of new technologies did not lead to excessive complexity of the design or loss of functions.
Robotic future
The sapper units of the engineering troops have at their disposal several robotic complexes of different classes with certain functions, and they are actively used in solving real problems. So, over the past few years, RTK "Uran-6" with interchangeable minesweeping equipment has been actively used. Now the heavier Prokhod-1 has joined it.
Currently, existing types of robots are working in the area of the Special Operation and clearing roads, agricultural land, etc. Such work will continue until all the threats left by the retreating enemy are completely eliminated. And this means that "Prohod-1" in the near future will have a long and difficult work, but it will be able to fully show its full potential.
Information