Solutions to win: Ukrainian company unveils "Pliushch" drone equipped with retractable mast
"Pliushch" ground robotic complex with a deployed 10-meter mast, February 2025. Photo: Robotic Complexes
The Ukrainian company Robotic Complexes has unveiled its latest innovation, the "Pliushch" ground drone. This advanced drone features a 10-meter retractable mast capable of supporting a repeater and electronic warfare (EW) systems.
"Militarnyi" reported this.
What is the solution?
As noted, the company's strategy is based on the principle of "universal platform + unique module for solving a specific military task."
The basic platform is constantly being improved, and new modules are being created to perform various missions.
How does it work?
The company recently introduced the "Pliushch" ground robotic complex, which is an autonomous platform with a retractable mast that can act:
- As a repeater to provide communications in hard-to-reach areas,
- As a mobile EW station to counter enemy systems.
The "Pliushch" drone features a tracked platform, offering impressive cross-country capability and silent operation due to its electro-hydraulic drive. Moreover, it can be remotely controlled from several kilometers away.
"Pliushch" ground robotic complex in the stowed position. Photo: Robotic Complexes
The complex can independently:
- deploy to a combat position within 80 seconds,
- return to the stowed position in 60 seconds.
According to the developers, the "Pliushch" drone, equipped with a 10-meter mast, weighs 775 kilograms. It boasts a maximum speed of 9 km/h and a range of 40 kilometers.
Control over the "Pliushch" complex is facilitated by radio communication using a SIYI 5.8 GHz patch antenna. This setup enables the drone to operate:
- up to 10 kilometers in open terrain;
- and up to 3 kilometers in rough terrain.
In addition, 1-2 operators control the drone via a video channel from an optical module.
For reference:
The company has reported that it is currently delivering the "Murakha" logistics ground drone, built on this tracked platform, to the Defense Forces. The "Murakha" drone is specifically designed to transport cargo up to 1 ton and evacuate wounded personnel.
The mobile firing point "Bohomol" has also been developed. It is equipped with a turret and a 12.7 mm machine gun.
"Bohomol" ground robotic complexes with an M2 Browning machine gun. Photo: Robotic Complexes
Notably, the "Murakha" logistics ground drone was developed entirely from scratch by the Ternopil company Robotic Complexes. Development of the platform commenced in October 2022, with the manufacturer's goal to produce a universal robotic complex. This complex was designed to match foreign counterparts' tactical and technical characteristics while being significantly more cost-effective.
Today, "Murakha" has already passed third-generation tests and is constantly being improved. The first complexes were delivered to the Kharkiv front, where they are used in real combat situations by Ukrainian military units.
The Ukrainian company Frontline also announced the scaling up of production of a robotic turret for the Mk 19 "Buria" grenade launcher. This will significantly reduce risks for operators, as they can control the weapon remotely from cover.
