Ukraine War Update EXTRA: Visiting a UGV Workshop
Title:Ukraine War Update EXTRA: Visiting a UGV Workshop Topics:Hello Team, Introduction to Veprik UGV Manufacturer, Footage Disclaimer and Context, Veprik UGV Capabilities and Features, Invitation for Viewer Feedback, UGV Durability Testing and Improvements, UGV Submersion Capabilities, UGV Mobili
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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