Russia tests remote-controlled T‑72 tanks amid crew crisis
The Russians are experimenting with remote-controlled T-72 tanks, which may signal a shortage of crews. Here's what they have developed.
A video has surfaced online showing a Russian experiment with a remote-controlled T-72 tank. When equipped with a mine plough, it is likely to serve as the spearhead of an assault. Due to the prevalence of mines in Ukraine, no offensive is feasible without a vehicle creating a safe pathway through a minefield.
Specialised vehicles for this task are limited, and tanks fitted with mine ploughs are well-suited. However, it is worth noting that such machines are the enemy's priority target, and their battlefield survival is exceptionally brief. Regarding Russian tanks, a single successful hit essentially guarantees a massive explosion.
It's understandable that some units are looking for ways to survive. Moreover, such projects may suggest that, ironically, Russia is starting to run out of tank operators, as they rarely survive a tank hit.
One solution is the revival of the concept of tele-tanks from the 1930s, when the USSR experimented with radio-controlled tanks. The video below shows a modern adaptation of this concept that can not only drive but also fire and rotate its turret.
Robotic T-72 - Russian tele-tank 2.0
The Russian remote-controlled T-72 tank aligns with global attempts to modernise outdated military equipment. For example, in the USA, obsolete M113 armoured personnel carriers are widely used as a base for robotisation experiments.
In the Russian design, thanks to an automatic loader, the tank can be controlled and fired from the main gun. Interestingly, the Russians have even made it possible to aim accurately, taking distance measurement into account (most likely using a laser rangefinder). However, it should be noted that the firing capacity is limited to the automatic loader, which holds 22 projectiles and propellant charges.
Furthermore, communication with the control station is expected to be possible through radio communication using a drone as a relay or signal booster. This allows the operator to be further from the tank’s operation area, reportedly up to 100 kilometres. This seems doubtful but is theoretically possible.
