The list of models of Russian combat robots has recently been replenished with a new model. The developer, this time the Advanced Technologies Foundation, showed a video of the new "Marker" combat robot. The new car has already rolled around the winter range and fired at targets. We will devote this article to the analysis of this development.
The first thing to note is that the designers and developers clearly read the "Military Review", in particular, my articles on criticism of previous models ("Companion") and consideration of what is needed for combat robots of this type.
In any case, the "Marker" has outlived many of the shortcomings of previous models. Further, the developers of the new model, realizing that their car will not be left without attention, immediately made a reservation that this is an experimental model designed to demonstrate the technology, and also have not yet presented any tactical and technical characteristics. Well, nobody likes criticism.
However, in relation to this machine, it should be said right away that there is nothing special to criticize in it, and in my opinion, this is the best machine in the "machine gun with a motor" nomination. Moreover, with some relatively simple modification that does not affect the structure as a whole, it can be brought to a model suitable for combat.
Undoubted advantages
The first advantage is the "Marker" body. The designers made the robot squat. Judging by the frames of the short video, the body of the fighter is approximately up to the waist, that is, its height is unlikely to exceed 120 cm. Together with the combat module, the robot is about the shoulders of the fighter (maybe a little higher), that is, the height of the vehicle is about 160 cm. The width of the body, as far as can be judged from the video, also about 160 cm, maybe a little more.
This immediately puts the "Marker" in the category of vehicles most suitable for battle, since it is very difficult to get into such a compact and squat vehicle, it is easy to camouflage it, and indeed, it is hardly noticeable on the battlefield, especially in the presence of vegetation.
The second advantage is the location of the upper and lower frontal plates at large angles, which sharply increases the bullet resistance of the hull, even with rather weak armor. Only a small vertical forehead (about 10 cm high) is left, which is quite acceptable. If necessary, the design of the frontal part of the vehicle can be modified by removing this forehead completely, for example, by installing an additional lower armor plate.
The third advantage: the designers got rid of the protruding track idler, which was a serious disadvantage of the previous models. The design of the body allows additional protection of the guide wheel by installing an armor plate or reinforcing the body with a lining.
The fourth advantage is the use of standard weapons: a 12.7-mm Utes machine gun and a block for two RPG-26s. Moreover, the unit is equipped with grips that allow you to drop the tube of the used grenade launcher, and also allow you to quickly install a new grenade launcher on it. On the back of the robot, you can install mounts for several RPGs as a transportable ammunition.
The fifth advantage is the remote control of the combat module using an aiming device installed on the fighter's machine gun. This moment caused numerous grins when the module in the video turned towards the soldier and the barrel of the machine gun was directed at his back. Like, you can shoot yourself like that. In my opinion, this is a clever idea, very valuable in a battle. In case of fire contact with the enemy, the fighter is unlikely to stand in front of the robot at full height. Rather, he will control the robot while lying down, crawl 20-30 meters ahead of it, and from the cover will control the fire of a combat robot that will shoot from a machine gun over it. In my opinion, this control method is the simplest, most suitable for combat conditions, intuitive and does not require special operator training. In addition, the operator himself can take part in the battle.
So the Marker has enough merits to be recognized as the most successful car of this type.
Some modifications
Apparently, the "Marker" as presented does not have a reservation. So you can judge by the appearance. But this does not mean at all that the car has no protection. Armor plates protecting the most important components of the vehicle can be located inside the hull, the internal volume of which is compressed to the lowest possible. In fact, in order to protect the engine, transmission, fuel tanks and the electronics unit, a kind of armored box mounted inside the case is required, the thickness of which may well reach 10-12 mm. Even if this is not the case, the design of the case allows the installation of external screens made of steel, textolite or composite armor.
Further, the combat module on the experimental model is made to the very minimum and, apparently, is not protected by anything. However, it is quite possible to install an armored shield that protects the swivel mechanism, machine gun and devices. If desired, you can make an armored half-tower for the combat module.
The front-view camera installed on the lower frontal plate is not yet protected. But it is not so difficult to cover it with a triplex armored mask.
Some disadvantage is the lack of panoramic view cameras, which significantly improve the reconnaissance capabilities of the combat robot. Apparently, the developers tried to quickly submit the car for testing and therefore attributed this moment to the category of secondary ones. However, it is possible to install a telescopic rod with an all-round camera on the left side of the combat module, next to the machine gun, opposite the antenna located on the right side of the combat module.
Thus, the modifications that transform the "Marker" from an experimental into a completely combat vehicle are relatively small and can be produced fairly quickly.
The most serious question at the moment is what the "Marker" has a real power reserve, speed and service life. This information can only be obtained by experience, during special wear tests of equipment. This will lead to an answer to a question that is very important for combat use: will the robot have enough power reserve and operational resource to follow its own power in one column along with the rest of the military equipment assigned to a motorized rifle unit, and then take part in the battle?
If there is enough, and this has been proven by tests, then the "Marker" will stand half a step from being put into service.
This is a very important question. The point is that, according to its capabilities, the "Marker" is fully integrated into the structure of a motorized rifle company. Two options are visible. The first is to give each platoon one robot (with a calculation of two people: an operator-gunner and an operator-mechanic) as a means of reinforcement at the disposal of the platoon commander. In this form, the robot replaces the calculation of the PKM subordinate to the platoon commander. The replacement significantly strengthens the platoon, since the commander receives a highly mobile reconnaissance and fire weapon that replaces the crew of a machine gun and at least one grenade launcher. "Cliff" or other large-caliber machine gun is a compelling argument that allows you to fight lightly armored vehicles, suppress and destroy firing points.
Second: to form a robotic-machine-gun platoon as part of a motorized rifle company, consisting of: 3 infantry fighting vehicles, 8 robots and 16 crew members, a total of 21 people in the platoon. It is more expedient to attach tracked robots to motorized rifle companies on BMPs, which facilitates their maintenance and possible repairs. Each BMP is followed by three robots, their crews occupy the landing places, two more robots with the crews follow the commander's BMP and are at his disposal. The platoon can act independently or be assigned to other platoons in the company as a means of reinforcement. As a result, a motorized rifle company receives 8 self-propelled heavy machine guns, which dramatically increases its firepower.
This becomes possible if a combat robot can independently move in a column of armored vehicles of a motorized rifle company and its power reserve and resource is enough for all movements and participation in combat. A robot that requires a transporter for transportation is very difficult to include in an existing motorized rifle company, since it would be overloaded with equipment. If the robot is able to move itself, then this problem disappears.
In general, as we can see, if the developers listen to the criticism and take into account the considerations expressed, then quite quickly they get a machine that is very suitable for battle. If the developers of the "Marker" carry out the above modifications and tests, then in a year or a year and a half we will already have a model of a combat robot that can be adopted and included in the combat equipment of motorized rifle subunits.
