Ukrainian developers have unveiled VARKHAN: an electric ground-based drone-loader for the «last mile» of frontline supplies. The platform can carry up to 220 kg, operates quietly, is remotely controlled, and is designed to reduce risks for soldiers when delivering ammunition, water, or medicine.
Ukrainian developers have unveiled VARKHAN: an electric ground-based drone-loader for the «last mile» of frontline supplies. The platform can carry up to 220 kg, operates quietly, is remotely controlled, and is designed to reduce risks for soldiers when delivering ammunition, water, or medicine.
The Military publication lists the key characteristics of the machine: 4×4 all-wheel drive, 270 mm ground clearance, 1088 N m of traction torque, 440 kg gross weight, a range of up to 20 km and up to 3 hours of autonomous operation. The drone overcomes swamps, snow, rubble and destroyed infrastructure areas, and control is possible at a distance of up to 10 km (via a repeater).
Quiet electric traction and infrared illumination allow you to work at night and «glow» less for the enemy, which is important for transportation under fire. IP65 protection and thermal protection of the electronics mean resistance to dust, rain, dirt and low temperatures — exactly what a logistics platform that runs between shelters, strongholds and observation posts needs.
Off-road capability is provided by a suspension with shock absorption and four-wheel drive: VARKHAN can approach positions where pickup trucks or tracked vehicles are too loud, visible or risky for the crew. In practice, this reduces the number of dangerous foot trips and makes supply routes more predictable: from delivering BC and water to quickly removing spent batteries or evacuating lightly injured people over a short distance.
A separate advantage is remote control via a repeater: the operator can remain in a safer spot, while the machine can work in the «gray zone.» This simplifies flight planning, allows you to quickly respond to changing conditions, and avoid wasting time searching for a «window» for wheeled equipment to approach.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how the first separate medical battalion conducted the rescue operation «Gver» to save a soldier who was evacuated 33 days after being wounded with the help of an IRC. He was saved from enemy airdrops by an armored capsule.
