Ukraine Approves ‘Donkey’ Ground Drone for Military Use
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has authorized the use of the “Vislyuk” unmanned ground system for a range of applications under the military.
Meaning “donkey,” the Vislyuk system employs an electric-nuclear warfare-resistant control technology that can be coupled with a fiber optic module, allowing remote operability for logistics, evacuation, mining, and engineering.
The platform can also serve as a mobile radio communication repeater, combat module, or surveillance system.
Features
Kyiv said that the terrestrial drone was developed by a local industry partner at the request of the armed forces.
Its design, revealed by the Ukrainian Main Directorate for Lifecycle Support of Armaments and Military Equipment, resembles a small tracked vehicle with a large space atop.
The system’s compact architecture supports convenient transport on the battlefield and maneuverability across complex terrains such as off-road, sand, and swamps.
Vislyuk is powered by two silent electric motors, has an evacuation-ready configuration, a 200-kilogram (441-pound) payload capacity, and a pulling capability that can pull out an SUV stuck on a muddy road.
Large-Scale Ground Drone Testing
The Vislyuk’s fielding approval came after Ukraine’s trial of unmanned ground systems for tactical use.
This event saw more than 70 drones developed by 50 manufacturers complete payload, technical performance, and other high-stress operations across a 10-kilometer (6-mile) proving area.
