“Buggy” and “Despatch”: new RTKs from “High-Precision Complexes”
RTK "Buggy" with combat module
As part of the Special Operation to Protect Donbass, robotic systems of various types and for various purposes are used or tested. Recently it became known that two new multi-purpose robotic platforms were sent to the operation area. The Depesha and Buggy products, developed by the enterprises of the High-Precision Complexes holding, must confirm the design characteristics in real army operation conditions.
Premiere in testing
On June 1, the High-Precision Complexes holding company, part of the Rostec state corporation, spoke for the first time about two of its new developments. In the interests of the armed forces and other structures, the holding's enterprises have developed multi-purpose robotic platforms called “Depesha” and “Buggy”.
The Depesha RTK was developed by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau, and the Buggy was developed at the Kovrov All-Russian Research Institute Signal. Both enterprises are part of the “High-Precision Complexes” and have extensive experience in the development of military equipment. At the same time, VNII “Signal” is one of the leading domestic developers of RTK and related equipment.
The goal of the two projects was to create self-propelled platforms with remote control and a number of autonomous functions. At the same time, “Buggy” and “Depesha” differ from each other in design and chassis, and also have different carrying capacity. They are designed to accommodate various combat and auxiliary loads.
Cargo Buggy and operator
To date, both projects have reached the stage of manufacturing prototype equipment with subsequent testing. According to the holding developer, two RTKs are currently undergoing comprehensive testing, and some of these activities are carried out in the Special Operation zone. Apparently, based on the results of current events, conclusions will be drawn about the future fate of the two developments.
On the same day, the Ministry of Defense published a video of the tests of the new RTK in a cargo version. The department did not specify the type of this product, but from the available data it follows that it was the Buggy complex. Judging by the tactical sign, the tests are being carried out as part of the Sever group. The video showed the loading process and the robot's ride across the terrain. The video also included a short interview with an officer of the unit operating the experimental RTK. He noted that the new platform allows for the transportation of necessary cargo without risk to people.
On wheels and on tracks
Rostec and the Ministry of Defense have already shown the Buggy RTK in two versions - with a platform for transporting cargo and with a combat module for performing reconnaissance and target destruction missions. Some features of the complex as a whole and its main technical characteristics are also revealed. It is obvious that the amount of available data about this project will increase in the future.
The “buggy” has a compact rectangular body, inside of which all the necessary devices and mechanisms are placed. It is equipped with two-axle chassis units at the front and rear. The payload is mounted on top of the body, either directly on its cover or using various brackets. The dimensions of the platform are not specified, while the weight, according to known data, does not exceed 100 kg.
RTK "Buggy" is completely electric. There are batteries on board connected to a traction electric motor or motors. The chassis has wishbone suspension with springs. Low pressure wheels are used. According to some reports in the domestic press, on the highway the platform reaches speeds of up to 40 km/h. The power reserve, without specifying modes, reaches 40 km.
The platform is equipped with a set of cameras and remote control electronics. The operating modes of the control system are not specified. The RTK must carry out the operator's commands. Whether there is an automatic mode is unknown. A tablet computer with a gaming-type controller is used as a control station.
The prototype demonstrates the possibility of equipping the Buggy with a remotely controlled combat module for a machine gun. In this case, the RTK's own optics are supplemented by the module's optical-electronic station, which improves visibility and allows searching for targets for shelling. Perhaps in the future, the Buggy RTK will be able to carry other remotely controlled combat modules, including those with a grenade launcher or rocket weapons.
The Buggy RTK is considered as a load carrier, and this opportunity is used in the most literal way. A robotic flatbed truck is being tested. It is capable of transporting 250 kg of various cargo - ammunition, various property and even the wounded.
Platform on the go
The promising Depesha RTK is also being tested, but it has not yet been demonstrated, and the appearance of this product remains unknown. At the same time, in some media and blogs news about “Despatch” was illustrated with a photograph of the “Marker” experimental complex, which can lead to confusion.
It is known that “Depesha” is a compact tracked platform. Apparently, it also uses an electric power plant based on batteries and electric motors. The design of the chassis remains unknown. Technical and driving characteristics were also not specified.
The tracked platform has optics and remote controls. There is no information about offline operation. The operator controls the complex using a controller and FPV glasses. The first-person view should to some extent simplify the operator’s work and control the movement of the complex.
Like the Buggy, the Depesha platform can carry different loads and modules. However, its carrying capacity is limited to 150 kg. This reduces the range of compatible DUBMs, but allows you to transport various loads. If necessary, the tracked RTK can even be used as a ground-based drone-kamikaze.
Combat and support
Domestic industry, including enterprises of the High-Precision Complexes holding, is actively developing a variety of robotic systems for military purposes. In particular, the direction of multi-purpose ground systems in the form of platforms compatible with various payloads is being developed. Two new models of this class became known just a few days ago.
All capabilities and exact technical characteristics of the “Buggy” and “Despatch” products are not yet known. However, the available information allows us to draw the first conclusions. In general, we are talking about interesting and promising developments that can really find application in the armed forces and other structures. The only question is the ability of specific samples to pass tests and confirm their parameters.
Two new RTKs from High-Precision Complexes are proposed to be used for transporting various cargoes in dangerous environments. In particular, they can deliver ammunition to the front line and take the wounded to the rear. At least one of the new complexes is already undergoing tests of this kind. In general, this function is useful and may be of interest to the army. The presence of a cargo transport complex will to a certain extent simplify the supply of existing units and provide other advantages.
With all this, “Buggy” and “Despatch” can carry combat equipment and carry out fire missions. It is also possible to use it as a disposable impact device. Considering the payload capacity of these RTKs, one can expect the use of a variety of weapons with high combat qualities. It is quite possible that the Buggy with a 250 kg payload will surpass in firepower almost all existing domestic RTKs, second only to the heavy Uran-9.
To date, two platforms have passed the development stage and exist in the form of prototypes. They are already being tested, and at least one of them is showing its capabilities in a combat zone. Such a test is best able to show the real potential of a new product and its prospects. Thus, it is during the current tests that the future fate of the latest domestic RTKs is being decided.
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