Russia unveils world's first unmanned artillery vehicle armed with 122mm cannon

Russia unveils world’s first unmanned artillery vehicle armed with 122mm cannon

Army 2024 It is an international defense and security exhibition organized by the Ministry of Defense of Russia every year and that these days is taking place in Moscow. It displays a wide range of military equipment, weapons, vehicles, defense systems and advanced technologies from various branches of the Armed forces Russians, and among the novelties presented this year is the first unmanned ground vehicle, UGV, artillery of the worldAccording to the Militarnyi media, it is based on the robotic tracked chassis MTS-15armed with a cannon D-30 122mm and combines the versatility and mobility of a tracked vehicle with the destructive power and precision of traditional artillery.

The D-30 is a Soviet-designed 122 mm towed howitzer that was introduced in the 1960s and has since become one of the most widely used artillery pieces in the world. Known for its durability, reliability and versatility, the D-30 features a distinctive three-leg support system that provides a stable shooting platform and allows a quick 360 degree rotationIts ability to fire a variety of ammunition types makes it effective both in direct and indirect fire rolesThe D-30 has been used by numerous countries in a wide range of conflicts, earning a reputation as a robust and effective artillery system.

One of the most notable features of this system is its firing range. The D-30 howitzer, mounted on the UGV, can engage enemy targets at a maximum distance of 15.3 kilometers. This long range provides the UGV with a strategic advantage by allowing it to attack from a safe distance. The system is capable of Go from a marching position to a firing position, and vice versa, in just 30 seconds.

The autonomous capabilities The UGV’s capabilities are another notable aspect of its design. Equipped with an automatic loading system, the vehicle can carry and fire ammunition without human interventionwhich improves its operational efficiency and reduces the risk to personnel in combat zones.

The MTS-15 chassis, designed for high mobility in diverse terrain, enhances the operational capabilities of the UGV. With a payload capacity of 15 tonsthe UGV can carry enough ammunition and supplies for long-duration missions, has a range of 120 kilometers and a maximum speed of 12 km/h. Its remote control range is up to 500 meters and can be used for both direct fire support and long-range bombardment, depending on the tactical situation.

This development introduces a new type of weaponry into ground warfare, providing a tool for both for offensive and defensive operations. The flexibility of the system, whether for autonomous or remote-controlled missionsmaking it an invaluable asset in combat scenarios where traditional manned artillery might pose too great a risk to soldiers.