Conceived by Ukraine’s First Separate Medical Battalion with Ukrainian manufacturer DevDroid, the platform demonstrated how far this technoloigy has come when it was used to rescue an injured Ukrainian soldier stranded around 30 kilometres behind Russian lines.
He’d been isolated for a month with a shattered foot and food and water had been delivered via aerial drones.
The six-hour mission, detailed in the battalion’s official social media channels, saw the Maul Evac UGV dispatched to bring him in, but it rolled over an anti-personnel mine halfway there, blasting off one of its wheels.
However, the platform remained controllable and the operators carried on with their task.
When the UGV reached the casualty, he climbed into its armoured casket, a feature that would go on to save him on the long return journey.
It suffered direct hits from a Russian drone attack but the UGV’s armour withstood the blasts and saved the soldier’s life.
When the platform reached Ukrainian-controlled territory, medics provided first aid and stabilised the wounded man, who has since had his limb amputated and is undergoing rehabilitation in Kyiv.
Top speed: 43 mph
Spec: Metal wheels do not contain air, designed to withstand mines and
rough terrain
Cost: Around £15,000 each
Range: Up to 150km on hard surfaces and 100km off-road
