Source: Robotized Complexes
Even to the more casual follower of the Russo-Ukrainian War, it is clear that the conflict is very much dominated by electronic warfare (EW). The heavy deployment of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and FPV (First Person View) drones by both sides in the war have shown the militaries of the world that no longer are UAVs just pure reconnaissance platforms and that effective drones and UAVs are no longer the province of military forces with massive budgets. The Ukrainian Army, by necessity, has revolutionized UAV and drone usage. In part, this is to create a low cost, but effective, force multiplier that permits the Ukrainian military to extend strike capability far into Russia. It also permitted the Ukrainian Navy to reassert dominance in the Black Sea where sea-going drones (USVs or Unmanned Surface Vehicles) have kept the Russian Black Sea Fleet impotent. Advancements in remote operated self-defense weapons on Ukrainian USVs has seen Russian aviation finding that attempting to destroy Ukrainian USVs is a risky prospect. The Ukrainian Army has been expanding the usage of UGVs, or Unmanned Ground Vehicles, to extend the capabilities of Ukrainian drone operations as well as defensive, offensive, and logistical support tasks. An example of the former is shown here, the Plyushch (“Plush”).
Developed and built by Robotized Complexes, the Plyushch is a UGV that is designed to work in cooperation with Ukrainian UAV and drone units. The tracked vehicle is equipped with an electro-hydraulic motor that, at full charge, provides for a range of just shy of 25 miles (24.8 miles). Top speed is 5.5 miles per hour. By not having a internal combustion engine, the Plyushch enjoys a measure of stealth due to the lack of engine noise. The Plyushch is not light, having a weight of a bit over 1,700 pounds (1,708lb. to be exact). Using a commercially available 5.8GHz radio system and ground controller built by SIYI (a division of the Chinese company Reebot Robotics), the Plyushch can be remote controlled from as far away as 6 miles in open terrain. The Plyushch's small size makes it easily transportable and deployed quickly to where needed while that same small size provides for a level of concealment from detection.
Of course, the main “weapon” of the Plyushch is a collapsible/telescoping mast antenna atop the vehicle's hull. It takes 1 minute, 20 seconds for the antenna to fully deploy and only a minute to return to travel order. At full extension, the mast is 32.8 feet high. The top of the antenna houses electronic equipment for two purposes...though for operational security, the specifics and capabilities of both have not been disclosed. The first purpose is for radio relay and this is used to extend the signal range of command channels of drones. This allows drones to loiter over the battlefield at further distances than would otherwise be possible without a relay. By consequence, this allows the drone operator to be further away from the front line and thus enjoying a measure of enhanced protection from detection and retaliation if spotted. Also, the use of the Plyushch as a relay means improved signal in areas where signal infrastructure is damaged or degraded, terrain lessens signal range, or Russian jamming is heavy. The second purpose is as a EW platform, jamming communication and navigation frequencies utilized by Russian UAVs and drones.
