Russia's Airborne Forces (VDV) are testing the Mars A-800 logistics unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), a source from the military service told Jane's at the Army 2019 defence exhibition held in Kubinka near Moscow from 25-30 June.
The Mars A-800 unmanned ground vehicle can be airdropped. Source: Nikolai Novichkov
"The Mars A-800 utility tracked robot is now passing through the trials being conducted by the VDV," said the source. "The platform has already passed through some tests conducted at a range of the Ryazan Airborne Troops School."
The Mars A-800 has been developed by the Ryasan-based Design Bureau Aurora. The UGV is designed to provide battlefield support to an airborne motor rifle squad and can transport up to six fully equipped soldiers.
The Mars A-800 weighs 950 kg and can carry a 500 kg payload. The UGV can attain a maximum speed of up to 35 km/h and can cross water obstacles at 5 km/h. It can be operated at temperatures between -40°C and +40°C and is controlled by a single operator via radio channel.