Robotic complex "Cultivator"
General view of the product "Cultivator"
The domestic defense industry develops, manufactures, and supplies a wide range of systems, complexes, and prototypes to the army. Furthermore, the necessary products are often created and assembled by army units. The latest intriguing example of such technical creativity in the military is the "Cultivator" strike robotic system. This product has already been deployed in combat and is demonstrating its capabilities.
Homemade and self-propelled
Izvestia reported on a new Russian robotic complex on February 17. Information about it was obtained literally firsthand—from the military personnel who developed and built it. Key details about the robot and its capabilities were revealed. Furthermore, initial conclusions can be drawn from the publicly available data.
The "Cultivator" project was developed by service members of the Burevestnik Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment, part of the Volunteer Corps. They are currently deployed to the Special Operations zone, operating various types of unmanned and unmanned systems. They applied their accumulated experience with such equipment to the development of their own project.
It's not clear when work on the "Cultivator" began. However, a system has now been built and is now in use on the front lines. The RTK has reportedly demonstrated its firepower and inflicted some damage on the enemy. Moreover, the robot lives up to its name: it literally plows up enemy positions.
According to the Izvestia publication, only one example of the "Cultivator" system currently exists. However, the robotic complex shown bears the letter "4." This may indicate a build of several robots. However, it's also possible that the number doesn't indicate the system's serial number and has another meaning.
In any case, one of our army's units independently developed and built a new combat RTK. The "Kultivator" is now being used on the front lines, complementing other equipment and assisting in the destruction of enemy targets. Perhaps more such systems will appear in the near future, further enhancing the combat capabilities of the Burevestnik Regiment.
Weapon platform
The "Cultivator" is distinguished by its relatively simple design, which is primarily due to its origins. The robotic complex is designed as a tracked platform with a minimum of necessary components and remote control. Mounted on this platform is a unique launcher based on readily available products.
The basic chassis has a fairly simple design. It consists of a frame made of metal sections, onto which all other components are mounted. Atop this frame is a flat rectangular platform. The nose is equipped with a grille to improve maneuverability and protect the main components. The launcher is located in the center of the platform. missiles.
The "Cultivator" has an electric propulsion system. Two electric motors of an unknown type are responsible for propulsion. They are located in the forward section of the hull, and each drives the drive wheel of its own track. Power is supplied by a battery located inside the hull.
The tracked undercarriage has several small-diameter road wheels on each side. The suspension design is unclear. Solid rubber tracks are used. It's noteworthy that the tracks are almost completely covered at the front and top by other platform components.
The platform is remotely controlled via radio. However, the exact electronics and their capabilities are unknown. In particular, the control and guidance principles for entering the platform are questionable.
The overall length of the "Cultivator" is likely no more than 1,8-2 meters. Its width and height are approximately 1 meter. Its combat weight is unknown, but should not exceed several hundred kilograms. The ammunition load alone weighs at least 120 kg. Performance and maneuverability characteristics have not been disclosed. It can be assumed that the RTK does not achieve high speeds, although it has good cross-country ability.
In firing position
Weapons for the platform
The Kultivator platform houses a unique launcher for unguided rockets. It is manufactured using off-the-shelf components, which play a key role. The launcher is designed to use mass-produced ammunition, which our army has in large quantities.
The basis of this launcher is a metal frame. Its rear section is hinged on supports, while the front section has a remotely controlled electric drive for vertical aiming. Horizontal aiming, in turn, is accomplished by rotating the entire vehicle.
Two blocks of unguided UB-16-57 rockets, borrowed from aviationEach of them has 16 tubular guides of 57 mm caliber for launching into the forward hemisphere. Launch control is electrical, using the standard unit devices.
The Kultivator can carry and fire various modifications of S-5 unguided air-launched rockets. These rockets are housed in a cylindrical body up to 880-890 mm long and 57 mm in diameter. The tail section features fins that fold out in flight. Depending on the type, the rocket weighs no more than 4 kg, of which the warhead accounts for up to 800-850 g.
Using a solid-fuel motor, the unguided rocket launches from its launch pad and accelerates to a speed of 720-725 m/s. Ground launch and ballistic flight allow for a maximum range of 4 km. The effective firing range is 2 km.
RTK carries out firing
There are nearly fifteen modifications of the S-5 missile, each with distinct features. Specifically, production models were equipped with various types of warheads—high-explosive fragmentation, shaped-charge fragmentation, flechette-shaped fragmentation, and so on. The UB-16-57 pods are compatible with the entire range of such munitions.
In terms of combat use, the Kultivator is a type of multiple rocket launch system. It is designed to simultaneously launch a variable number of rockets at the enemy, up to a full salvo. The large number of rockets must compensate for their limited accuracy, payload, and firepower.
An interesting example
The Kultivator strike robotic system clearly demonstrates several interesting trends. For example, it demonstrates that combat robotic systems can be developed not only by established industrial enterprises but also by teams of enthusiasts—including in combat zones and military workshops. The Burevestnik robot also demonstrates how existing and new products and components can be combined to achieve desired results.
The resulting combat RTK has several advantages. First and foremost, it is relatively simple and inexpensive in terms of production, operation, and combat deployment. Its design does not use complex or expensive components, and some can even be sourced from existing stockpiles.
Missiles C-5
At the same time, the Kultivator is capable of carrying missiles and attacking the enemy at ranges of several kilometers. It becomes a scaled-down version of existing MLRS systems, capable of performing similar combat missions at a different range.
Like other robotic systems, the Kultivator operates remotely from the operator. While the system may be exposed to risks, personnel remain safe. Proper selection of firing positions and reloading locations minimizes the risk to personnel.
However, the Burevestnik-based RTK is not without its drawbacks. First and foremost is the lack of protection and the exposed placement of critical components. Stray bullets and shrapnel can damage wiring or electric motors. Conversely, targeted fire or missile/UAV hits virtually guarantee the loss of combat capability.
The S-5 unguided rocket imposes a number of limitations on its combat use and effectiveness. It is not the longest-range domestic air-to-air missile, nor does it boast superior combat performance. However, salvo launches and proper operational management will allow these missiles to achieve the best possible results.
At the front and in the rear
Thus, enthusiasts from combat units developed a new type of equipment they needed to accomplish combat missions. Using their own resources and readily available components, the Burevestnik Regiment of the Volunteer Corps created a rocket launcher with multiple rocket launcher capabilities.
Apparently, the "Cultivator" currently exists in a single unit. However, the possibility of developing new models of this type of equipment cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, the system's simple design could attract interest from other units, leading to the development of copies and modifications. All of these would, to one degree or another, improve the army's firepower.
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