Opto -fiber stacker: In the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the DESERTCROTS was reworked for land robots (video)

This was reported by Russian military media. The idea is simple and pragmatic: to put forward the technique to the place of laying, to start automatic soaking of the coil with the cable and to remove people from dangerous zones, where in normal conditions, communications could be a easy target for artillery, drones or snipers.

The initial platform, Desertcross 1000-3, is a full-wheel drive quadrocycle with a gasoline engine with a capacity of 72 hp, a capacity of the fuel tank 50 l, a full weight of 916 kg and a capacity of up to 300 kg. Initially, this unit was positioned as a tourist/recreational vehicle, but Russian military purchased thousands of similar machines and modify them for a variety of tasks - from logistics to direct support of assault operations.

According to Defense Blog, a key feature of modernization is the use of commercially available remote control modules and components partially printed on 3D printers. Such solutions make it possible to quickly and cheaply process commercial equipment for remote work. Operators operate the machine at a safe distance, or send equipment on pre -programmed routes, which makes the cable laying process safer and less dependent on the availability of people in hazardous corridors.

However, such a decision also has its disadvantages. Desertcross is a lightweight platform with limited load capacity and thrust, the autonomy of fuel is small, and the running part and vulnerable to shelling and mines. However, the use of such machines is already expanding. In addition to laying cables, Desertcross is modified for transportation of ammunition and cargo to the front edge, used as carriers for tow mortars, attracting machines in assault.