Robotization complex "Prometheus" and its potential
MGR-4 mine clearing vehicle. The operator's console is shown on a mannequin nearby. Photo Kovrovsky EMZ
The Russian defense industry has already developed a number of different robotic systems for military purposes. Some of these samples were created on the basis of existing equipment of different classes, incl. armored fighting vehicles. This concept has been developed, and now a universal software and hardware complex is offered, with the help of which almost any sample can be turned into an RTK. The Prometheus complex is already undergoing tests, and its future fate will become clear in the near future.
Universal complex
The hardware-software complex (SHC) for the robotization of Prometheus equipment is being developed by the Kovrov All-Russian Scientific Research Institute "Signal", which is part of the High-Precision Complexes holding company (Rostec). This company has extensive experience in the field of various types of automatic systems, and in recent years has been actively involved in the topic of military-grade robotic systems. The accumulated experience and new ideas formed the basis of the promising project “Prometheus”.
According to known data, work on the new PAK started in the recent past, but by now it has managed to produce real results. Prometheus was first publicly discussed in July last year. At that time, information was revealed about the very existence of the project, its main capabilities and great future. A few weeks later it was reported that Prometheus had reached the stage of preparation for field testing.
Also last summer, shortly before the Army-2023 military-technical forum, NPO High-Precision Complexes presented the first sample of equipment manufactured using the Prometheus PAK. It was a humanitarian demining vehicle MGR-4 "Shmel", built on the basis of a domestically produced serial mini-loader. In February 2024, they announced testing of the BMP-3 robotic infantry fighting vehicle.
Heavy anti-mine demining complex "Passage" from VNII "Signal". Photo "High-precision systems"
According to published information, the Prometheus PAK can be installed on other platforms in service with our army. It is also possible to create similar RTKs based on other equipment. Apparently, this potential of the complex will be realized in the future - by building and testing new models of one kind or another.
Robotization kit
The development organization has already revealed the main features of the Prometheus PAK. Its approximate architecture, operating principles, etc. are known. In addition, in open publications and at public events, the operator’s console was shown along with robotic equipment. At the same time, devices mounted on the equipment being modified have not yet been demonstrated. Their design, appearance and characteristics also remain unknown. Perhaps these units, which are of greatest interest, will be shown later.
The Prometheus PAK is equipped with a portable operator console. This device has a screen for displaying video signals and other information, and is also equipped with the necessary controls. There is a radio station for data exchange with other components of the complex. The range of the radio system is not specified.
Several systems and devices are mounted on a robotic machine. First of all, these are data processing and control system blocks with several operating modes. The platform also receives a set of sensors and video cameras to collect all the necessary information. The control units are connected to actuators that transmit operator commands to the machine controls.
"Pass" in testing. Photo by VNII "Signal"
For driving and using weapons, Prometheus includes a set of video cameras that transmit images to the operator. The cameras must provide the necessary viewing angles of the surrounding space, transmit video from weapon control optics, etc.
The actuators are made in the form of separate devices mounted at the appropriate crew workplaces. Mechanisms, at the command of the operator or automation, produce forces on the controls. At the same time, the layout of these devices does not interfere with the use of work stations by humans - the possibility of normal operation remains.
The control systems included in Prometheus are of particular interest. They have several operating modes and allow you to solve different problems. In automatic mode, the system uses technical vision and information from sensors, with the help of which it surveys the area, plots a route and performs driving. There is probably a fundamental possibility of automating the use of weapons. With all this, there is also a remote control mode with all the necessary functions.
PAK "Prometheus" has a modular architecture. The exact composition of the devices, their types and quantity, depend on the model of the robotic machine, the assigned design tasks and other factors. The part of the units responsible for control and driving is common to all variants of the kit, while other devices are optional - for example, weapons control devices.
RTK mine clearance "Uran-6" in Donbass, 2022. Photo by UNM DPR
With clear benefits
The Prometheus hardware and software complex for robotic equipment is of great interest in the context of the further development of military RTKs and the army equipment fleet as a whole. It has several obvious advantages, due to which you can create successful and effective examples of equipment of different classes, as well as gain new capabilities.
First of all, you should pay attention to the concept underlying the Prometheus project. In the mass of previous RTK projects, control systems were developed from scratch specifically for each new project and without noticeable unification. VNII Signal has implemented a project for a unified set of control tools compatible with different basic platforms.
The construction of an RTK based on a finished machine has well-known advantages. At the same time, the Prometheus project significantly simplifies this process. In addition, the design of control devices and actuators is made taking into account the ergonomics of habitable compartments and work stations. Thanks to this, the vehicle with Prometheus receives remote or autonomous control, but retains the ability to work with a regular crew. All this increases the flexibility of using equipment and solving combat or other tasks.
To date, the Prometheus PAK has been used in at least two projects of robotic systems - on the MGR-4 mine clearing machine and on the modified BMP-3. At the same time, the possibility of similar improvements to various other equipment has been declared. Apparently, in the near future, “High-Precision Complexes” will present similar samples on different bases and with different capabilities.
Reconnaissance and combat "Uran-9". Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense
Robotics have been used in the field of mine clearance for quite some time. Experiments were also carried out with reconnaissance and attack armored vehicles -robots. These ideas can be developed with the help of Prometheus and lead to the emergence of even robotic tanks.
It should be expected that the Ministry of Defense will be interested in such a project and study its potential. A positive decision is quite possible, which will give rise to the development of different versions of the Prometheus kit for certain types of equipment in service. It is unknown what kind of combat and auxiliary RTKs the army will want. However, she now has a wide range of options to choose from.
Reserve for the future
In recent years, the Russian defense industry has been actively developing the robotics field and creating both the necessary technologies and full-fledged models of equipment. In the case of the Prometheus PAK project, we are talking about a set of technologies and components that will make it possible to create new RTKs of the desired appearance in the future.
Due to all the characteristic features and advantages, the Prometheus project may become the first step in creating a new generation of domestic military RTKs. How exactly such opportunities will be used, and when the first results will appear in the troops, time will tell.
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