SOURCE: AFI
The Krushna Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), developed by Jaipur-based Club First Robotics, has emerged as a game-changing asset for the Indian Army in providing combat fire support. Designed with advanced features and tailored for military use, the Krushna UGV is a robust, versatile, and powerful platform that plays a critical role in modern warfare scenarios. The vehicle’s “Make in India” status further enhances its importance, showcasing India’s ability to design and produce indigenous defense technology.
The Krushna UGV is packed with impressive features that ensure its effectiveness in combat support roles. It is particularly well-suited for operating in rugged terrains and difficult combat environments, offering both agility and power. Some of the most notable features include:
Thermal Remote-Controlled Camera: The inclusion of a PTZ thermal remote-controlled camera enhances the UGV’s reconnaissance capabilities, enabling it to perform in low-visibility conditions while maintaining a safe distance from potential threats.
Adaptive Braking Technology: Ensuring safe and precise movements, this technology gives the UGV enhanced control in challenging environments, making it adaptable to various battlefield scenarios.
Payload and Towing Capacity: The UGV can handle up to 1000 kg of payload and has the capacity to drag vehicles weighing up to 10 tons, in addition to towing a charged hose up to 100 meters, making it ideal for carrying supplies or towing other equipment in combat zones.
Iron Core Rubber Track: With a 25mm thick, 180mm wide track, the Krushna UGV boasts excellent durability and stability, allowing it to traverse challenging terrain with ease while offering high endurance in combat operations.
Endurance: The UGV offers a solid endurance of 5-6 hours, providing enough operational time for missions that require extended deployment without needing immediate recharging.
Gyro-Based Control and Algorithm: Equipped with a gyro-based straight line and angular following algorithm, the UGV features individual differential gears for each drive, enhancing its maneuverability with short-turning capability and a 360-degree angular control system.
Firefighting Capability: In addition to its combat roles, the Krushna UGV comes with automatic fire point detection, an alarm system, and a water and foam firefighting monitor. This makes it versatile enough to support military operations in urban or industrial environments that involve fire hazards.
One of the most significant features of the Krushna UGV is its ability to carry and fire the Konkurs-M Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM). In the image, the Krushna UGV can be seen equipped with a single Konkurs-M ATGM, a proven system that significantly boosts its firepower. The Konkurs-M is an enhanced version of the Soviet-era 9M113 Konkurs ATGM, and it provides highly effective anti-tank capabilities, capable of defeating modern armored vehicles.
With the integration of this ATGM system, the Krushna UGV can engage enemy tanks and armored vehicles from a safe distance, offering the Indian Army an unmanned platform for offensive operations without risking human lives. This makes it a potent asset for both defensive and offensive operations in high-threat environments.
The Krushna UGV’s design emphasizes ruggedness, reliability, and simplicity in operation. The UGV has been designed with a focus on easy maintenance, with spare parts readily available and easy to replace. Operators can be trained to use the system in just one minute, and the UGV comes with a 30-month warranty covering all spare parts, including the battery. This level of user-friendliness, combined with the provision for remote service assistance and troubleshooting, ensures that the Krushna UGV is both practical and highly dependable for long-term use.