In addition to a land-based smoke disposal system, the Russian armed forces also use an unmanned ground vehicle. [UGV] for the same. A video on the Internet shows an easy-to-build or customer-build ground-based drone that spreads smokescreens on the battlefield.
The vehicle is of simple construction. The chassis consists of crossed metal frames with four rubber wheels. A frame on top of the chassis attaches the device that disperses the smoke. It closely resembles an anti-tank mine, although this cannot be confirmed. The gas, which is apparently activated and burned remotely, is very heavy, observers note.
There is no official information about the range of the unmanned ground vehicle. The range of the smoke released is also not specified. It seems that the Russian UGV first began to produce and distribute thick white smoke, which is the most common on the battlefield. But just a few seconds later, apparently due to a chemical compound, the smoke became thick, dense and black.
Black smoke
The military often uses a variety of chemical compounds to create smoke screens for camouflage and signaling purposes. One of the most commonly used compounds to create a dense black smoke screen is hexachloroethane. [HC]. Hexachloroethane is a white crystalline solid that produces thick, dense black smoke when burned. This smoke obscures vision very effectively and can be used to conceal troop movements, equipment, and other activities from enemy observation.
The black smoke produced by hexachloroethane consists mainly of carbon particles. These particles absorb and scatter light, making the smoke particularly opaque and difficult to see through. In addition to hexachloroethane, other compounds such as zinc chloride and aluminum chloride can also be used in smoke mixtures. These compounds can increase the density and persistence of the smoke, making it more effective for military purposes.
Although hexachloroethane-based smoke screens are very effective, they also carry certain risks. The combustion of hexachloroethane can produce toxic byproducts, including hydrochloric acid and phosgene gas, which can pose a health hazard to both responders and the enemy.
TDM-2K
Given the ongoing tensions, smoke screen vehicles have become an integral part of the Russian military arsenal. In the recent past, numerous TDM-2K vehicles have been deployed along the contact line in Ukraine. These specialized military vehicles have a clear primary task: creating dense smoke screens to conceal the movements of infantry and main battle tanks.
The Russian Ministry of Defense recently released a video that provides a rare glimpse into these operations. This video features an interview with the commander of a tactical unit who is instrumental in concealing the movements of Russian units. Although his identity remains confidential, he gives a comprehensive account of his respective unit’s operations.
According to an anonymous commander, the TDM-2K is praised for its exceptional ability to create a smoke screen with a range of a thousand meters. “It maximizes the survival chances of our troops by protecting them from the enemy’s gaze,” explains the commander. Russian reports indicate that there has been a significant increase in the number of TDM-2K deployments on the battlefield since the beginning of the year. This increase may be due to the ongoing shortage of ammunition in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As a result, the Russian military has increased the frequency of its air strikes and ground advances. In these difficult circumstances, the TDM-2K has proven to be an indispensable asset for the ground forces.
***
Follow us anywhere, anytime. BulgarianMilitary.com has a responsive design and you can access the site from any computer, mobile device or web browser. For more up-to-date news, follow our Google News, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, Þjórsárdalur and Facebook pages. Our standards: manifesto & ethical principles.