Robotic complex RS1A3 Minirex and ways of its development
Experienced RTK RS1A3 with a raised boom
A few years ago, Lobaev Robotics introduced a promising light combat robotic complex RS1A3 Minirex. In the future, work on this project was suspended, but now it is planned to resume them. The result of this in the indefinite future will be a light RTK with the ability to conduct reconnaissance and engage targets using its own small arms weapons.
Suspend and resume
The group of companies of Vladislav Lobaev is known, first of all, for its high-precision small arms. However, in the recent past, she tried her hand in other directions. In particular, Lobaev Robotics was founded for research in the field of combat robotics.
The first development of the new company was the robot RS1A3 Minirex. In 2015-16 this project has reached the assembly of a prototype and factory testing in a test site. In addition, the prototype was shown at the Interpolitech-2016 exhibition. Then the main design features were revealed, as well as the expected capabilities and design characteristics of the complex.
However, the development of Minirex was soon suspended. Lobaev Robotics decided to focus its efforts on new stationary combat RTK projects. The further fate of the self-propelled Robot RS1A3 was in question. Over the next few years news did not arrive, and this allowed us to talk about the actual closure of the project.
Fleet Configuration
During the recent Army-2022 forum, V. Lobaev recalled the Minirex project and revealed its prospects. According to him, it is planned to resume the development of this RTK. When the new stage of work will begin, the head of the enterprise did not say. Accordingly, the timing of the completion of the project and entry into the market remain unknown.
It should be noted that in the past, the RS1A3 project went through a number of first stages and even got to the test. This means that the development of the robot from scratch is not required, and further work will be related to the improvement and fine-tuning of the design. Such circumstances will help save time and speed up the appearance of the final version of the complex.
Robot with weapons
The RS1A3 Minirex of the 2016 model was a remotely controlled complex designed for patrolling, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as the detection and fire destruction of "soft" targets. A characteristic feature of the complex was the reduced dimensions and weight. All his means weighed only 35 kg; the mass of the robot itself did not exceed 23-25 kg. For transportation, two special knapsacks carried by operators were offered.
The basis of "Minirex" is a remotely controlled tracked platform. It is made in a rectangular flat body, on the sides of which are the main tracks. Additional movable caterpillars are installed on the driving wheels. The chassis was driven by electric motors powered by an onboard battery. It was reported that the platform shows high speed, and is also able to overcome various obstacles, incl. stairs. It is also possible to return to the working position after falls.
Climbing the stairs
On top of the platform was placed a two-section boom-manipulator for the payload. By controlling its position, the operator could change the overall dimensions of the robot or raise the payload to the required height.
In the reconnaissance and combat configuration, the RTK RS1A3 carried a combined module with optoelectronic equipment and small arms. The built-in fire control system included daylight and thermal imaging optical devices, a ballistic computer and a target tracking machine. In this case, the command to open fire in all modes is given by the operator.
A shooting complex was placed in one casing with optics and electronics. In fact, it was a self-loading rifle chambered for 7,62x39 mm with ammunition from standard AKM magazines. Two unified versions of such weapons were proposed. Universal equipped with a barrel length of 400 mm, assault - 200 mm. Weapons and SLAs could hit a chest target from a distance of 400 m, a growth target from 700 m.
In the future, the RTK could receive other weapons that correspond to the capabilities of the platform and the manipulator. The possibility of using other cartridges was mentioned, incl. in non-lethal performance. A functional analogue of the machine could be replaced with a sniper rifle in a similar design.
The operation of all robot systems was provided by a built-in rechargeable battery. She allowed to move and use optics / weapons for 4 hours. When on duty, the work time increased to 15 hours.
Machine gun at maximum height
The remote control is intended for the operator in a protected portable design. The remote control supports two-way radio communication with the robot. From Minirex, the console receives a video signal and telemetry, and the operator's commands go back. The remote control is equipped with a screen for displaying video and other information and has the necessary controls.
Ways of development
The development of the RTK RS1A3 has not yet been resumed, but it is already possible to imagine exactly how this project will develop in the future. Some development paths were revealed during the first demonstrations of the robot, while others look obvious in the light of stories the project.
So, it makes sense to rework the project using a new component base. The first version of the Minirex product was created in the middle of the last decade, and some of the components could be outdated. The use of new ones, in turn, will improve certain characteristics. In addition, the issue of component availability is now of particular importance. Due to sanctions and other negative factors, not all desired and optimal products may be available for order.
The greatest difficulty in the projects of robotic complexes of the RS1A3 type is the development of control systems with a high degree of automation. At the same time, the result of such work fully justifies the efforts made. RTK gets ample opportunities of various kinds, incl. in the context of combat use - with or without the participation of the operator.
In the Minirex project, the possibility of creating new shooting systems is of great interest. Lobaev Arms has extensive experience in this area, and a combat robot can receive not only an analogue of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, but also other weapons. In addition, the integration of other types of weapons and someone else's development, depending on the wishes of the customer, cannot be ruled out.
Unclear future
RTK RS1A3 Minirex in its original form is of certain technical and practical interest. As part of this project, Lobaev Robotics managed to solve a number of important issues and create a groundwork for further development and creation of a full-fledged robot suitable for use in various army units or special services.
It can be assumed that RTK of this kind is able to interest potential customers and has certain commercial prospects. Analogues of the light "Minirex" with similar reconnaissance and fire capabilities are being created in different countries, and some of these samples reach adoption. Accordingly, the RS1A3 can count on a place in the army or other structures.
However, the real prospects for such a robot depend on the development progress and its results. Lobaev Robotics is only planning to resume the project and does not specify when the real work will begin. In addition, she will have to solve certain technical and engineering problems. And only after that the prospects for the new RTK will become clearer. However, the presence of a real project and a prototype already gives reason for restrained optimism.
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