Ground drone Omsk-2: Russia's VDV airborne forces test new robotic system

New multifunctional Omsk-2 ground robotic systems have arrived for trials with the Russian Airborne Forces VDV (Vozdushno-desantnye voyska) – a ground drone built to the troops' specific requirements.

The Russian air assault troops' request apparently reflects experience from the war of aggression against Ukraine: they wanted a remote-controlled vehicle carrying a heavy machine gun or an automatic grenade launcher and able to transport at least minimal cargo or wounded under front-line conditions.

Omsk-2 was developed in Omsk, supported by the so-called Kulibin Clubs of the People's Front. With an empty weight of 650 kilograms, the tracked vehicle carries 350 to 500 kilograms of cargo or up to four people. It pulls a trailer weighing more than one tonne and can tow cars and minibuses.

What the ground drone is meant to do

The vehicle is controlled either remotely or manually, similar to a motorcycle. The remote-control range remains open; the aim is a double-digit kilometre figure. Later, the vehicle is also to cover recurring routes fully automatically, without an operator.

Powered by electric motors, Omsk-2 is designed for around 40 minutes of autonomous operation and covers 20 to 30 kilometres in that time. It accelerates to its top speed of 40 km/h in less than three seconds. The fireproof batteries can neither explode nor burn, and the electric motor and rubber tracks make the vehicle almost silent.

Together with the developers, the Institute of Armoured Vehicle Engineering in Omsk is looking for further fields of application in industry, firefighting and municipalities. Key for the airborne forces: Omsk-2 is likely to be compact enough for at least two vehicles to fit into a Mi-17 transport helicopter.