Russia showed a heavy robotic complex "Sturm" based on the T-72B3M tank. The unmanned vehicle was involved in the strategic exercises "Center-2026", where it was supposed to support assault units. However, the demonstration also showed one of the main problems of such a "tank-robot" - dependence on stable communication with the operator.
Russia showed a heavy robotic complex "Sturm" based on the T-72B3M tank. The unmanned vehicle was involved in the strategic exercises "Center-2026", where it was supposed to support assault units. However, the demonstration also showed one of the main problems of such a "tank-robot" - dependence on stable communication with the operator.
This is reported by Defence Blog. Footage from the exercises was released by the Russian Uralvagonzavod, which is developing this complex.
At the exercises, the Russians showed at least two versions of unmanned vehicles based on the T-72B3M: with a tank combat module and a version whose armament resembles the Russian BMPT "Terminator". According to the plan, they should go ahead and support assault units with fire
At the exercises, the Russians showed at least two variants of the Shturm unmanned vehicle complex: a robotic tank with a 125mm cannon and a support vehicle with a BMPT combat module. Defense Express identifies the latter as an unmanned version of the BMPT Terminator called the Spiridon.
It is remotely controlled by operators from a separate armored vehicle, also built on a tank chassis. The claimed control range is about 3 km. One of the problems with the system is the need to maintain a reliable communication channel between the two vehicles.
Defence Blog, citing Russian sources, claims that the Sturm repeatedly lost radio contact with the control machine. During a demonstration of the complex to Vladimir Putin, it was allegedly decided not to use the remote control at all due to concerns about a malfunction.
Even with the driver, the demonstration was not without its incidents: in the published photos, the car is standing with its nose in a muddy ditch near a dirt road. Defense Blog claims that the "Sturm" got stuck there. The car also does not have the additional anti-drone structures above the turret, which are typical of modern Russian armored vehicles.
Uralvagonzavod publicly announced the creation of the Shturm on behalf of the Russian Ministry of Defense back in 2018. The idea was to transform serial tank chassis into heavy remotely controlled vehicles for the most dangerous areas, in particular for breaking through fortifications and fighting in built-up areas. The design allows the vehicle to be operated by a regular crew, since the Shturm is a converted T-72 with remote control equipment.
Yesterday, dev.ua wrote that Sergey "Flash" Beskrestnov suggested that Russia could use hidden MESH repeaters to provide stable communication during attacks for online control of Shaheds near targets.
