Phantom remotely operated mini tactical unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is developed by SpetsTechnoExport, Ukraine’s state-owned enterprise engaged in armament export / import.
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The UGV is intended to perform a variety of tasks in complex urban environments. Its mission capabilities include combat, reconnaissance, ammunition transportation to forward operating bases, and evacuation of wounded soldiers from the battlefield.
The vehicle was unveiled during the Arms and Security 2016 exhibition held in Kiev, Ukraine, last October. It was also demonstrated at the IDEX 2017 (International Defence Exhibition and Conference) held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in February.
Phantom ground vehicle demonstration
SpetsTechnoExport demonstrated combat capabilities of the Phantom unmanned ground vehicle to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, and the National Security and Defense of Ukraine in December 2016. The demonstration was made under freezing rain conditions at Honcharivske proving ground in Chernihiv region located in northern Ukraine.
It involved evaluation of the Phantom’s capabilities, including information gathering, target recognition and destruction with a 12.7mm machine gun.
Design and operation of Phantom UGV
Based on 6×6 all-wheel drive chassis, the Phantom UGV can carry two injured soldiers or payloads weighing up to 350kg. It has a length of 3m, a width of 1.6m and a height of 0.91m.
The vehicle is remotely operated from the command and control station, which comprises a laptop with user control panel.
The operator transmits commands such as guidance, navigation, obstacle avoidance and control to the vehicle through a 5km-long fibre cable or a secure radio link within a distance of 10km.
Two wide-screen monitors are located in the control station to display the vehicle’s movement and video telemetry to the operator.
Phantom UGV armament
The Phantom tactical robot is armed with a single 12.7mm x 108mm heavy machine gun fitted to a roof-mounted, remote-controlled turret. The machine gun is effective against lightly armoured ground-based vehicles, unarmoured vehicles, helicopters, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The UGV also carries four container-launched barrier anti-tank guided missiles at the rear. Weighing approximately 16kg, the Barrier anti-tank missile system can engage armoured fighting vehicles equipped with protection systems such as composite armour, active protection system, spaced armour, and explosive reactive armour (ERA).
Equipped with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, the missile can penetrate 800mm of rolled homogenous armour (RHA) behind the ERA and has a firing range between 100m and 5km.
The weapon’s semi-automatic laser guidance system allows for engaging targets in all-weather and day / night conditions.
Five smoke grenade launchers are fitted in the forward section of the vehicle to provide self-defence for the UGV.
Observation system
Each weapon is provided with a separate observation and sighting system consisting of a stabilised day / night sight. The sighting system allows the weapons to perform precise firings against targets over a distance of 1km, both during day and at night.
An optical camera mount can be fitted on top of the vehicle at the rear to provide a 360° unobstructed view for the operators.
Phantom UGV engine and mobility
Powered by a 30kW hybrid engine, the multi-purpose Phantom tactical UGV can attain a maximum speed of 38km/h and travel to a distance of up to 20km.
Independent suspension is provided on all wheels to deliver high mobility on cross-country terrains. The UGV also features a hydraulic brake system to ensure a smoother ride and better control in difficult terrain conditions.
