Ukrainian military leaders and defense industry officials have unveiled an experimental Phantom robot — and say the high-tech tank could be sent into action against Russia-backed forces as early as next year, Defense One reported.
The bot, featuring an extendable frame that can be outfitted with treads like a tank or with six wheels, and armed with anti-tank weapons, grenade launchers, or machine guns, was unveiled at the Association of the U.S. Army show in Washington on Monday, the outlet reported.
According to Defense One, Russia also has an array of ground bots that could be used in the conflict; Russian drones have already been used there.
“What’s interesting about the Ukrainian conflict is that it’s the Ukrainian side that is developing unmanned systems it thinks will help it fight. Phantom is one such machine,” Samuel Bendett, an associate research analyst with the Center for Naval Analyses’ International Affairs Group, told Defense One.
The Phantom — occasionally spelled “Fantom” in promotional literature — was designed with input from frontline Ukrainian troops, the outlet reported.
According to Defense One, the bot has a backup microwave communication link and can return to its last waypoint when the link to the operator is jammed or severed. If all else fails, you can also steer the robot with a 7 kilometer cable, like a 19th-century diver connected to the surface via a breathing tube, Defense One reported.
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