Russian Chelnok UGV Spotted on Front Line for First Time
Russian forces have deployed the Chelnok unmanned ground vehicle in the Kharkiv sector.
According to Defence Blog, this is the first recorded use of the Russian unmanned ground vehicle since its public unveiling in April 2024. At the time, the platform was presented as an engineering mine-clearing vehicle, equipped with a UR-83P mine-clearing system.
The vehicle’s wheeled chassis is typical of amphibious all-terrain vehicles equipped with ultra-low-pressure tires, allowing the Chelnok to overcome water obstacles.
The use of such tires not only improves mobility but also reduces the likelihood of triggering anti-tank mines.
Thanks to this configuration, the platform is capable of effectively overcoming ditches, craters, rough terrain, and water obstacles.
The unmanned vehicle is equipped with a 100 kW electric motor and is powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries, which provide approximately six hours of operation.
The platform measures 3.8 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and 3.4 meters in height. Its weight without payload is 1,350 kg. The maximum speed is 50 km/h on land and 5 km/h on water.
Meanwhile, its large size may be a significant drawback: the Chelnok is highly visible and, in terms of dimensions, is comparable to a passenger car, making it difficult to conceal in terrain folds or forest belts.
There are also concerns about the ergonomics of cargo handling: placing loads at chest height may complicate loading and unloading processes.
