Meet "Grandpa": Ukrainian military tells the story of ground robot that has completed nearly 50 missions in a year – photos, video

Ukrainian troops have released a video showing a Ukrainian-made ground robotic system that has served in their unit for almost a year. The robot survived three hits from Russian FPV drones.

Source: Ukraine's 7th Air Assault Corps

Details: The Ratel H ground robotic system is used by fighters from a strike UAV battalion of the 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade. The troops have nicknamed it "Did" (Ukrainian for grandpa or an old man), because it has carried out around 50 missions in almost a year.

Quote: "Ground robotic systems at the front usually don't last long, because the enemy is constantly hunting them with FPV drones, planting explosives along routes and trying to destroy the equipment that supports our soldiers."

Details: According to the corps, the ground robot "Did" has delivered around 19 tonnes of load during its time in the unit. The robot has taken three direct hits from Russian FPV drones and shrugged off anti-personnel mine blasts along the way, not to mention a dozen wheel changes, according to the unit's senior technician responsible for its maintenance.

"This wonderful machine has carried out more than 40 missions. So many that, honestly, I don't even remember the exact number myself. I think it's 47," the service member said.

More details: The Ukrainian troops continue to use this ground robotic system to carry out logistics missions.

"We save human lives by using robots, and we keep those robots running through human effort," the senior technician said.

For reference: The Ratel H ground robotic system was designed as a logistics and evacuation drone. According to the manufacturer, it can be used within a radius of more than 50 km to transport loads, deliver ammunition and evacuate the wounded, with a payload capacity estimated at 400 kg. The system weighs 1.1 tonnes unloaded, has a stated range of up to 60 km, and a speed of 8 km/h. The Ratel H is also equipped with day and night cameras.

Background: Ukrainska Pravda reported earlier that in February, the Ratel H had been adapted as a mobile launch point for FPV drones.

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