Russia’s new Army snowmobile
The country is pumping billions and trillion into its armed forces.
But not all new equipment looks like a lethal threat to the neighbors. Take a closer look at Russia’s new Army snowmobile.
The snowmobile TTM -1901, also called the Berkut, is based on a Lada engine. It has a regular gearbox, three pedals, a steering wheel, two seats with included heating and two cabin heaters. With its roof and interior it is more like a car with skies.
The main asset of this vehicle is the high level of comfort, producer NPO Transport says. According to company, two passengers can comfortably make it through the wilderness at a top speed of 60 km/h and a maximum fuel distance of 200 km. The Berkut also has high safety standards and can be meneuvered in all snow depths, a representative of the company says in a presentation video.
The NPO Transport is now about to start serial production of the snowcar and has signed a delivery contract with the Russian Armed Forces, newspaper Murmansky Vestnik reports. From before, the vehicle has been used by the Russian Border Guard as well as the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Russia has over the last years significantly upped its military spending which now exceeds four percent of the country’s GDP. In 2015, the country is expected to spend more than $80 billion on its national defence, an increase of about 25 percent from 2014.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: (Video) Canadian Rangers – The Watchers, Radio Canada International
Finland: Finland to participate in NATO crisis management exercises, YLE News
Norway: More naval activity in Norway’s northernmost regions, Barents Observer
Russia: Russia moves first troops to Arctic base near Finnish border, Yle News
Sweden: “Not enough money for Sweden’s defence” says armed forces, Radio Sweden
United States: U.S. Arctic rep: Russia’s Arctic buildup not necessarily martial, Alaska Public Radio Network
