Improvised monster
Video shows turtle shell with extra protection
May 7, 2024, 8:31 a.m
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Russian turtle shells are proving to be an effective weapon on the battlefields of Ukraine. A video now shows a new version. In addition to the improvised protective covering made of metal plates, the specimen also has an all-round cage.
It’s been about a month since a so-called Russian tortoise shell was first spotted at the front in Ukraine. Since then, both the design and tactics of the modified tracked vehicles have changed. Footage published online now shows a turtle shell with mine clearing wheels, which is equipped with a second layer of protection: In addition to the additional plates, the vehicle also has a metal cage that protects the sides and roof. When and where the video was made is unclear.
According to the US magazine Forbes, the turtle shell in the video is probably intended to be used as a mine clearing vehicle at the head of attack columns. A group of stormtroopers can also find space under the high protective cladding and be transported to the operational area. This means that the vehicle is also suitable as a “front taxi” for the infantry.
The double protective device, consisting of the temporarily welded plates and the metal cage, should effectively protect the turtle shell from drones, says Forbes. The Ukrainian armed forces are having problems defending themselves against the monsters due to a lack of artillery shells, mines and anti-tank weapons. “Everyone laughs at the design of their armor, but in reality they work damn well,” a pro-Ukrainian war blogger wrote on Telegram a few days ago about a turtle shell advance on the city of Chasiv Yar.
According to Forbes, the days of turtle shells could soon be numbered. The reason is the recently passed US aid package worth $61 billion. If enough US Javelin anti-tank weapons arrive in Ukraine soon, Kiev’s troops would have an effective weapon against the vehicles. Because of their tandem hollow charge, Javelin rockets can penetrate several layers of protection.