Image Credits : Breaking Defense
Russian forces have introduced a new line of ground drones that are making an impact on the battlefield. These cost-effective, versatile drones have demonstrated their utility in special operations by performing tasks such as machine guns and grenade launcher fire and delivering munitions.
The drones, developed by the “Lynx” special operations team, feature a four-wheel platform controlled remotely. The innovative design incorporates components from consumer-grade self-balancing scooters, including control elements and wheels. This choice of materials and design has led to a lighter and more manoeuvrable vehicle that excels in off-road conditions.
According to Tanchik, head of the advanced designs division, the reduced weight enhances the drone’s ability to navigate obstacles and terrains. The lighter construction also makes the drones more cost-effective, allowing for inexpensive one-way missions compared to more expensive vehicles. The drones can carry up to 20 kilograms of cargo, travel distances of up to 2 kilometres, and operate for about an hour on a single battery charge. Their price is comparable to that of an affordable FPV drone.
Different models of the drones serve various purposes. For example, the “Mashenka” drone is designed to transport cargo, including ammunition and food, or to deploy anti-tank mines behind enemy lines. On the other hand, the “Tanyusha” model is equipped to carry a machine gun into enemy trenches. These drones have proven effective in the field, remaining difficult to detect during aerial reconnaissance and resilient against electronic jamming due to their proximity to the ground.
The technology has garnered interest from other military units, as the division’s jammers and electronic warfare systems have been employed effectively at the frontlines in Donbas and Novorossiya. The “Lynx” team also assembles specialized aerial drones tailored for specific tasks across different sections of the frontline.
In addition to their operational benefits, these ground drones represent a strategic advancement in unmanned technology, contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of Russian military operations.