Text taken from the news article in topwar.ru
Commentary by Russian military journalist Boris Rozhin is in italics.
[ColonelCassad] NRTK "Kurier" in the SVO The Russian Army uses a variety of ground robotic systems in the area of ​​Special Operations. Since the beginning of last year, multi-purpose "Courier" products have been working at the front.
Remotely controlled tracked machines of this type are capable of transporting various loads or serving as a platform for various weapons. Depending on the load, such a NRTK can be a transport or a combat vehicle. Initiative at the front
After the start of the Special Operation for the Protection of Donbass, interest in various unmanned and robotic platforms grew. Various organizations and companies, as well as groups of enthusiasts, were engaged in the development of such technology. In particular, in 2022-23 the company "Sadaev Group" from Ulan-Ude took up the creation of its ground RTK.Later, the project called "Courier" received support from the "People's Front" as part of the "Kulibin-club" initiative.
In addition, well-known bloggers and the leadership of Buryatia helped implement the project. Thanks to state and public organizations, it was possible to complete the development of the project and establish the production of new RTKs.NRTK with a machine gun and mine release devices.
(NRTC) "Kurier" has passed field tests. Then the first batch of such equipment was sent to the active army for use in the combat zone on the basis of military trials.After that, the production of complexes continued. The developer company regularly delivers new batches of such equipment to the army in various configurations.
In addition, proposals were made to expand production and organize new assembly sites, including outside Buryatia.By now, the army has received several batches of "Kurierov". As early as 2024, the number of such equipment was in the tens. At the same time, the production continues, and the transfer of new batches is regularly reported.
The new NRTK in various configurations are actively used on training grounds and at the front to perform various tasks. The combat path of the NRTK "Courier" first took part in the battles in March 2024 during the liberation of Avdeevka. As reported later, two robots with AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers supported the advancing infantry with fire. They suppressed the enemy's firing points and helped the personnel to complete the assigned task.Combat module with PKTM machine gun.
In the future, bloggers who supported the project, the press and the Ministry of Defense repeatedly talked about the combat use of "Kurierov". Photos and videos from the training grounds and from the combat zone were published, as well as the details of the battles and the use of new equipment were revealed.
Most often, NRTK "Courier" are used as carriers of small arms or grenade launchers. Combat robots help conduct reconnaissance and clarify the situation. In addition, they undertake the destruction of a part of the detected enemy forces. Also, the NRTK is responsible for the fire support of the main forces during assaults.
With the help of standard equipment provided by the project, robotic complexes play the role of mine blockers. They are capable of placing anti-tank mines or other ammunition at a given site. At the same time, the probability of detection by the robot is reduced, and there are practically no risks for the ego of the operator.
NRTK also solves transport problems. Robots with a cargo platform transport various property. In addition, with their help, if necessary, ammunition and other cargoes are transported to the front line. "Courier" in the role of a truck is able to carry a significant load and is not exposed to significant risks, unlike the second transport.
It was previously reported that the NRTK "Kurier" can also work as a self-propelled engineering charge. In this case, the kamikaze robot receives a combat load in the form of various ammunition, mines, etc., after which it goes to the target. Sufficiently high carrying capacity ensures the guaranteed destruction of various objects - however, the NRTK itself is destroyed at the same time.
It is known about the experiments of the developers with the replacement of the payload. First of all, new variants of the robot's weapons are being developed. Such modernization allows to increase firepower, range of effective fire and other key parameters.
It should be noted that NRTK "Kurier" are used not only at the front. For example, a few days ago, such equipment participated in the international maneuvers "Selenga-2025". During this event, Russian servicemen practiced the use of robots, and their Mongolian colleagues got acquainted with our development.
The multi-purpose platform of the NRTC "Kurier" is a compact multi-purpose platform capable of carrying various loads and solving various tasks. It is characterized by a simple design and uses mainly available components from the commercial market. At the same time, a sufficiently high level of characteristics is achieved.
"Courier" has a rectangular body that accommodates all the main units. In the bow part, a wedge-shaped structure made of metal profiles is provided for overcoming obstacles. There is a place on the roof for mounting the load. The total length of the robot reaches 1.4 m. The curb weight is 250 kg.
NRTK has an electric power plant. Accumulator batteries of unspecified capacity and two traction electric motors with a capacity of 4.4 kW are placed inside the case. Each engine rotates its own drive wheel and drives one of the tracks. On a flat surface, "Courier" develops a speed of up to 25 km/h. The chassis ensures overcoming low obstacles.
The Courier complex has a remote control system. Commands are transmitted over a secure radio channel. There are two video cameras on board the robot responsible for viewing the front and rear sectors. The video signal is transmitted to the operator's console. Payload management functions are also available. Communication with the operator can be established directly or through a suitable repeater, including on the basis of UAVs.
Several payload options and special modules are offered. So, in the cargo version, the "Courier" receives the simplest platform with sides, covering the entire upper projection of the hull. In this configuration, the robot can transport tens of kilograms of cargo. It is also possible to transport a person, but the dimensions of the platform limit its convenience.
A universal combat module in the form of a base with a swinging installation is proposed. With the help of appropriate adapters, machine guns, grenade launchers or other weapons can be mounted on it. There is also a video camera used for guidance on the general installation. According to available data, the module does not have stabilization, which limits its fire characteristics.
The module can carry a normal-caliber PKTM machine gun or a large-caliber NSVT. Ammunition — 200 or 600 cartridges, respectively. It is possible to install automatic grenade launchers AGS-17 or AGS-30. Installation of a pair of rocket launchers, grenades or flamethrowers of the RPG-7 type, RPO-A "Bumblebee", etc. is proposed.
A device for mining has been developed. This is a tray with a movable pusher driven by its own winch. Such a device accommodates four TM-62 type mines and ensures that they are dropped on the ground. Two devices can be placed on the "Courier" case, including without the need to dismantle the main weapon.
In June, the "Schwabe" holding, which is part of the state corporation "Rostec", showed another version of the module for the existing platform. An experimental self-propelled laser complex was completed at the "Kurier" base. It is proposed to be used for demining the area.
For self-defense, the NRTK can carry light and compact jamming stations. Such devices are powered by common batteries. At the same time, protection against enemy UAVs conducting reconnaissance or attempting to strike is provided.
COMMON BUSINESS
Domestic industry monitors the needs and requirements of the armed forces and tries to respond to their requests as quickly as possible. Thanks to this, in recent years, a lot of various samples of equipment of various classes have appeared. Many of them have already entered the army and found employment in Special Operations.
The Courier NRTC project is a good example of this trend. Through the efforts of enthusiasts, a new multi-purpose robotics complex was created, which is now successfully used at the front. In addition, different variants of ego development are offered. The common cause is beneficial and gives reasons for optimism.
https://topwar.ru/270221-nrtk-kurer-v-specoperacii.html - zinc
In fact, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Until the end of the year, expect a lot of very interesting news on the production and equipment of these drones. "Kurierov" will be many.