Argo, a Russian company, has developed a groundbreaking wheeled cargo drone named "Cherepakha" ('Turtle'), which has recently begun battlefield testing in the Lugansk People's Republic.
Argo CEO Konstantin Bagdasarov revealed that the primary use of these drones is to deliver shells to mortar crews, as well as rations and ammunition to troops on the front lines.
The drone's small profile of just one meter high and its electric engine that runs on lithium-ion batteries and produces low noise makes it difficult to detect the vehicle. Bagdasarov also claimed that "Cherepakha" does not produce a heat signature visible in infrared imaging.
The unique design of "Cherepakha" makes it a formidable asset in military logistics. Standing just one meter tall, the drone is powered by an electric engine that runs on lithium-ion batteries. This design not only ensures low noise operation but also minimizes its detectability as it doesn't produce a significant heat signature visible in infrared imaging.
Capable of carrying up to 500 kg of cargo, "Cherepakha" is tailored to the pace of military operations, with a maximum speed of 10 kilometers per hour to match a marching infantry unit. It also boasts the capability to follow a radio marker carried by a squad leader, making it highly adaptable to varied battlefield scenarios.
Argo is currently developing other modifications of "Cherepakha" that can be equipped with lidar and satellite uplink. New models can vary in size and can be mounted on both wheeled and tracked chassis.
Promotional material previously circulated by the company also states that in addition to operating as a cargo drone, "Cherepakha" can also be reused for other tasks such as surveillance, fire support, rescue operations and medical evacuation.