Unmanned snowmobile
Mechatronic Systems
"When some years ago politicians began active talks about the Arctic exploration, we realized there were no any effective snow-going vehicle on the market. There are many rovers, but this mission is most suitable for snowmobiles. However, at that point there were no unmanned robot of this kind, so we decided to be the pioneers", said Alexander Kudryavtsev.
One of the robot’s features is the stabilization platform that, turning on its axis, changes the vehicle’s gravity center and keeps the course on the harsh snow terrain. Real field trials of the drone snowmobile is scheduled in the coming winter.
Currently, the vehicle is controlled remotely, however, by the yearend it may probably move in a standalone mode. Other alterations are being considered as well. Designers outlined the particular drawbacks of the available engine regarding power and response on control commands.
"We’re focused on cooperation with other labs. Recently, we got to know the developers specialized in electrification. I hope they’ll help us to replace the combustion engine for electric motor drive. This will resolve a bunch of technical issues and lighten the body", explained the director of Mechatronic Systems. "Other cooperation area is automation. Now our snowmobile is controlled remotely, but we plan to equip it with an autopilot. In Russia, there’s lots of companies developing hardware/software packages, so I think we’ll definitely find good partners. Hopefully, this winter our snowmobile will move automatically".The Fifth International Military & Technical Forum Army-2019 takes place in June 25-30 at Patriot Congress & Expo Center, at Alabino Range and Kubinka Airbase. The forum is open for experts in June 26-27, and for mass visitors in June 28-30.
As a priority partner of the exhibition, Mil.Press publishes overviews of the novelties and business events in the section Army Forum.
Ilya Bezruchko
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