In recent years, the Belarusian defense industry has presented several promising military robotic systems. One of the latest and most interesting developments of this kind is the so-called. robotic firing complex (ROC) "Berserker". This car was repeatedly demonstrated at various events and even received an assessment from the country's leadership.
Short story
The ROC Berserk project was developed by the Belarusian company BSVT - New Technologies. This organization is well known for its developments in the field of military and civil electronics and robotic systems. For example, in 2017 it presented the Mantis RTK capable of carrying anti-tank guided missiles.
A new sample of ROC called "Berserker" was first presented on July 3 last year at the parade dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus. In early October 2018, a demonstration of promising equipment was held at one of the Belarusian training grounds, during which the leadership of the country got acquainted with the Berserk. President Alexander Lukashenko highly appreciated such systems and offered to put them into service.
In March, Minsk hosted the MILEX-2019 exhibition, during which "BSVT - new technologies" again showed its modern developments. One of the exhibits at the company's stand was ROC "Berserk". The advantages and positive qualities of the complex were again mentioned, but no messages about its real prospects have yet been received. Whether it will be adopted for service is not clear.
Design features
The new ROCK "Berserker" is a remotely controlled tracked vehicle with machine-gun armament. It is built on the basis of the chassis previously created for the RTC "Bogomol". A new combat module is installed on this platform, corresponding to the tasks being solved.
The basic chassis is made in the form of a compact lightly armored tracked vehicle. It has a complex-shaped body with rational angles of inclination of the armor and developed fenders. A seat for the combat module is provided on the roof. The layout is determined taking into account the specifics of the power plant and a set of onboard equipment. It is noted that the overwhelming majority of the components used are of Belarusian origin.
The Mantis chassis is equipped with a hybrid power plant based on a diesel engine and an electric generator. The stern drive wheels are connected to a pair of electric motors. During the development of the Berserk, the chassis was not changed. Five road wheels and one support roller remained under the side covers, placed inside the tracks.
For monitoring the terrain and driving, the chassis is equipped with a set of video cameras. Several of these devices are assembled into a single unit on the nose of the hull and provide an overview of the front hemisphere. Another camera is placed in the stern. Onboard radio equipment provides video signal and telemetry transmission to the operator's console in real time.
ROCK "Berserker" received a new combat module with machine-gun armament. This product is made in the form of a platform with a stern support for a swinging weapon unit. Probably, guidance drives are installed in the platform, and ammunition is also stored. The armament unit is made in a rectangular case and has two places for machine guns. To the right of it, a block of optoelectronic equipment is installed to search for targets.
In the presented form "Berserker" is armed with two machine guns GShG-7, 62 rifle caliber. A machine gun with a rotating block of four barrels is capable of developing a rate of fire of up to 6 thousand rounds per minute. Machine guns are intended for firing at ranges up to 1000 m. The possibility of attacking ground and air targets is indicated. The maximum target speed is 300 km / h. High accuracy and accuracy of fire is ensured.
OES detection and guidance allows you to find various targets in a wide range of ranges. Human detection is carried out at ranges of up to 2 km, unmanned aerial vehicles - up to 3 km. Larger aerial targets such as helicopters are visible from 10 km away.
The ROC "Berserker" is controlled by the operator's console. Two-way communication with transmission of commands, video signal and telemetry is provided at ranges of up to 5 km in urban areas and up to 20 km in open areas. It is possible to use the complex with different kinds of repeaters. An automated patrol mode is provided.
The choice of targets for escort and the decision to use weapons remain with the person. In the future, BSVT - New Technologies plans to create algorithms for automatic acquisition for tracking and target recognition.
A remotely controlled machine of medium size and weighing no more than 1.5-2 tons is capable of operating in an autonomous mode for 24 hours. The fuel range is 100 km.
Targets and goals
ROCK "Berserker" is intended for patrolling, searching and destroying various objects. It can be used to protect stationary objects, escort some types of equipment and fire support for infantry units. The combination of a unified tracked chassis, advanced surveillance equipment and relatively powerful small arms contributes to the successful solution of all these tasks.
The developer considers the basic unified tracked chassis to be one of the main advantages of the Berserker. The hybrid powertrain platform provides ample mobility for urban and terrain applications. High cross-country ability and mobility are declared. The chassis, suitable for the installation of various combat modules and other means, gives the project a great modernization potential.
In its current form, the ROC "Berserk" is equipped with two GShG-7, 62 machine guns with rotating barrel blocks. Such a weapon is capable of showing a total rate of fire of up to 12 thousand rounds per minute, which gives an obvious increase in firepower in comparison with other options for machine gun armament of the same caliber. It is the high rate of fire that makes it possible to effectively combat both ground and high-speed air targets.
However, the use of GShG-7, 62 has a serious drawback. Rapid-fire machine guns quickly consume ammunition, the dimensions of which are limited by the available volume of the combat module and the carrying capacity of the chassis. As a result, the operator must take into account not only the defeat of the target, but also the economy of ammunition.
The Berserker project in its current form has the potential for updating and improving, and BSVT - new technologies is working in this direction. First of all, the modernization of control systems and algorithms of automation is carried out. In the future, it is possible to create modifications of the ROK with other equipment and weapons.
A copy for an exhibition or a series for the army?
Last year, President A. Lukashenko highly appraised the Berserk missile launcher and pointed out the need to put such systems into service. It is possible that the Belarusian Defense Ministry will listen to the recommendations of the head of state and take the necessary steps. It is the army of the Republic of Belarus that can become the starting customer of the new robotic complex.
Several main factors can contribute to the decision to adopt the Berserker into service. The Belarusian army seeks, whenever possible, to update its material part and introduce new models. Also, a course has been taken to create their own projects of various kinds with the subsequent adoption into service. Against this background, ROCK "Berserk" looks promising and promising.
However, the Belarusian RTK should not be overestimated. The previous development of "BSVT - new technologies", ROK "Mantis", also received high marks and praise, but has not yet entered the series. Its real prospects are still uncertain. The same can be with the Berserker. As often happens, the statements of high-ranking officials may not correspond to real actions.
The prospects of the ROC "Berserk" on the international arms market (if it will be offered to foreign customers) are no less vague. Now there are many RTKs on the market with different features, capabilities and advantages. A certain part of such products are direct competitors of the Belarusian "Berserk". Whether he will be able to successfully resist foreign designs is a big question. This is not only about technical aspects, but also about political difficulties. Finally, one should not forget that Belarusian manufacturers have not yet managed to gain a reputation as market leaders, which promotes the appearance of orders.
Thus, at the moment the ROC Berserk project creates an ambiguous impression. The technical aspects of this development look interesting and promising. However, the practical prospects are questionable. How events will develop will become clear later. For now, the "Berserk" will get into the army just as likely as retaining the status of an exclusively exhibition model.
