The Russian Airborne Forces WDW (Wosduschno-dessantnyje woiska) has received a series of new multifunctional ground robot systems Omsk-2 for testing.
Apparently resulting from the experience of the war of aggression against Ukraine the Russian air assault troops wanted a remote-controlled vehicle for transporting a heavy machine gun or an automatic grenade launcher, as well as the ability to transport at least minimal cargo or wounded under front-line conditions.
The vehicle, called Omsk-2, was developed in Omsk with the support of the so-called Kulibin Clubs of the Popular Front. Omsk-2 weighs 650 kilograms and can carry 350 to 500 kilograms of freight or up to four people. The tracked vehicle is capable of towing a trailer weighing over a ton as well as towing cars and minibuses.
The vehicle can be driven manually – similar to a motorcycle – or controlled remotely. The range of the remote control is not specified, but the aim is to achieve a double-digit kilometer value. In the future, the vehicle should also be able to cover constant distances fully automatically and without the intervention of an operator.
Omsk-2 is powered by electric motors and is designed to operate autonomously for around 40 minutes, during which the vehicle can cover 20 to 30 kilometers. It reaches its top speed of 40 km/h in less than three seconds. The vehicle uses fireproof batteries that cannot explode or burn, and moves almost silently thanks to its electric motor and rubber tracks.
The Institute for Armored Vehicle Technology in Omsk is working together with the developers on further possible applications for industry, fire departments and municipal operations. Particularly relevant for the airborne troops: Omsk-2 should be compact enough to fit at least two vehicles in a Mi-17 transport helicopter.
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