Ukraine War Update EXTRA: Visiting a UGV Workshop
Table of Contents 📖
"They seem to have the advantage, a bit like with fiber optic drones. They've had the head start with UGVs as well."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:08⏩
Jonathan introduces the video, mentioning that it will offer insight into a recent visit to a UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) manufacturer in Ukraine.
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Introduction to Veprik UGV Manufacturer
🎦 00:08-00:31⏩
Jonathan explains that he visited a UGV manufacturer named Veprik the previous day. He shows the company's website and some of the UGVs they produce.
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Footage Disclaimer and Context
🎦 00:31-01:18⏩
Jonathan apologizes for the random and poorly filmed footage, explaining that he had to be careful about revealing locations and is not skilled with a camera. He praises Myron, the knowledgeable and visionary individual who runs the UGV workshop.
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Veprik UGV Capabilities and Features
🎦 01:18-02:38⏩
- Jonathan highlights a nearly indestructible UGV, built with a suspension system inspired by the World War II Sherman tank.
- He lists its specifications: 300kg payload, 1000kg maximum weight capacity, able to lift and pull heavy objects.
- Jonathan describes a test where the UGV, attached to a concrete block with an iron cable, successfully moved the block, showcasing its power. He mentions that chains broke during testing, but the UGV remained intact.
Invitation for Viewer Feedback
🎦 02:38-02:50⏩
Jonathan acknowledges the randomness of the footage and encourages viewers to share their thoughts in the comments.
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UGV Durability Testing and Improvements
🎦 03:02-03:43⏩
- Myron, the UGV developer, continually tests the vehicles' limits, attempting to break them.
- Jonathan, in response, reinforces the UGV's frame to withstand the rigorous testing.
- After a year of this back-and-forth, the UGV frame has become incredibly robust, capable of withstanding significant force, even impacting walls.
UGV Submersion Capabilities
🎦 03:48-03:54⏩
Jonathan asks if the UGV can be submerged, to which Myron simply replies, "Nope."
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UGV Mobility and Testing Challenges
🎦 03:58-05:18⏩
- Jonathan struggles to locate the concrete blocks for further testing.
- Myron explains that most people don't test their creations as rigorously as he does.
- Jonathan describes the UGV testing as having a "Wally" feeling, referencing the movie "Wreck-It Ralph." He compares Myron to Wally's bigger brother, known for his strength and destructive tendencies.
UGV Stability and Maneuverability
🎦 05:41-09:46⏩
- Jonathan suggests that someone should jump on the UGV's balcony while it's stuck in the mud, prompting a lighthearted exchange about its durability.
- Myron explains the UGV's design features that contribute to its stability: a front bumper, a World War I-style tail, and stable sides.
- He highlights the screen's protective space, designed to withstand a 90-degree flip without damage.
- Jonathan is impressed by the UGV's sturdiness and its ability to handle rough terrain.
- They discuss the UGV's suspension system, based on the Sherman tank's horizontal volute spring suspension.
- Myron explains that he uses affordable and reliable shock absorbers from China instead of traditional volute springs.
- Despite the unconventional choice, the suspension system has proven effective, with a very low failure rate, even after deploying numerous robots to the front lines.
UGV Camouflage and Deployment
🎦 11:27-12:40⏩
- Jonathan examines a UGV that encountered a mine, highlighting its resilience.
- Myron explains how they camouflage the UGVs with branches, making them resemble bushes, especially when stationary.
- Jonathan is impressed by the effectiveness of this camouflage technique.
- He then inquires about the two NLAW (Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon) systems mounted on the side of the UGV.
- Myron confirms their presence and clarifies that they are ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) used for delivery purposes.
UGV Night Vision Capabilities and Testing
🎦 12:40-13:38⏩
- Jonathan asks about thermal cameras for night vision, and Myron explains that this particular model uses night vision cameras instead of thermal imaging.
- He then shows footage of a military brigade testing the UGV.
- In the video, they attach a device to the front for demining but later discover that the UGV's tracks are more effective for this purpose.
- Jonathan observes that another UGV sustained damage after being hit by a VOG-40 millimeter grenade dropped from a drone.
UGV Damage Assessment and Resilience
🎦 14:08-16:43⏩
- Myron shares that the pilot operating the drone was more frightened than the robot during the grenade incident.
- They examine the damage to the UGV, noting that a piece of the track was ripped off, but it remained operational.
- Myron explains that they replaced the damaged track and took the UGV for inspection, discovering that it was still functional.
- Jonathan is impressed by the UGV's robustness and ability to withstand such impacts.
- Myron mentions that later UGV models feature five millimeters of armor on the bottom, further enhancing their durability.
Comparison with Russian UGVs
🎦 16:43-18:10⏩
- Jonathan points out that the UGV's technology isn't particularly advanced, likening it to a well-built electric tractor.
- He contrasts it with the Russian "Kurier" robot, which appears larger, more aggressive, and technologically superior in videos.
- Jonathan speculates that the Russians might be facing production issues with the Kurier, similar to their struggles with the T-14 Armata tank and Tornado-S MLRS.
- He questions why the Kurier hasn't been widely observed on the battlefield despite its apparent capabilities.
UGV Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Capabilities
🎦 18:10-18:28⏩
- Jonathan inquires about the UGV's intended purpose and whether the one he's looking at is for MEDEVAC.
- Myron clarifies that all UGVs equipped with a logistical module are intended for MEDEVAC.
Challenges with Resource Allocation
🎦 18:28-19:19⏩
Jonathan observes that a particular UGV looks different, suggesting a potential design flaw. Myron, however, attributes it to management and resource allocation issues, hinting at challenges within the organization.
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UGV Remote Control System and Adaptation
🎦 19:19-20:09⏩
- Jonathan highlights that the UGV is entirely remote-controlled, removing the need for human presence on the front lines.
- Myron emphasizes that they repurpose readily available materials and equipment for their UGVs.
Scaling Up: Integrating Combustion Engine
🎦 20:09-21:19⏩
- Jonathan is impressed by the size of a larger UGV, measuring two by four meters.
- Myron reveals that this is their first attempt at integrating a combustion engine with their remote control system.
- He details the technical aspects, using a Skoda engine and automatic transmission controlled by servos for gas and gear changes.
- Jonathan is curious about the team's sense of accomplishment when their innovations succeed.
- Myron acknowledges the satisfaction but admits it's not driven by financial gain, implying limited funding.
Engine Selection and Rationale
🎦 21:19-23:15⏩
- Jonathan asks about the specific engine used.
- Myron explains that they initially used a Skoda Fabia engine due to its availability, but the ideal choice would be a 2.0 TDI diesel Golf engine, similar to the one used in the German Wiesel tankette.
- This choice stems from the engine's mass production and reliability.
- They discuss the challenges of adapting the engine to the UGV's remote control system, including adjusting for brake time and delay.
- To compensate for these factors, they incorporate a Unimog axle and portal gears on the wheels, reducing top speed but significantly increasing torque for enhanced mud traversal and pulling power.
Wrap up
🎦 23:15-23:21⏩
Jonathan expresses his amazement at the UGV's capabilities and concludes the discussion.
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