The current situation on the front requires our Defense Forces to be as careful as possible about equipment. And one of the options for its maximum preservation — is the creation of military equipment mock-ups.
The representative of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Yuriy Ignat, once noted that mock-ups are also combat units manned by people. Their main task is to mislead the enemy. The enemy spends up to $4 million to launch one Iskander missile. A mock-up costs up to $25,000, which is significantly cheaper than one Iskander. If we talk about the „Kinzhal“, then a missile of this type costs up to 500 million hryvnias».
Patriotically minded domestic companies joined the production of military equipment models almost immediately after the war began. In particular, a number of enterprises have established the production of engineering structures that completely repeat the appearance of radar stations and artillery installations.
So, how models mislead the enemy and force him to use expensive high-precision ammunition, ArmyInform asked Mr. Oleg— a representative of one of the companies that specialize in manufacturing models of munitions:
About the account in our favor
«One of models that we manufacture can cost 100 thousand hryvnias. And a real unit of military equipment, which we want to replace with this mock-up, costs 5-7 million hryvnias.
Therefore, our goal — is to inflict material losses on the enemy. The cost of one «lancet», for example, can be about 30 thousand dollars. And if this drone hits a mock-up, which costs 2-3 thousand, then the score will be in our favor. And in addition, the enemy thereby reduces the amount of his ammunition — it is a double benefit.
The model should not just resemble military equipment in outline, it should be very similar to it. If you cannot mislead the enemy, that is, he recognized that this is not a real unit of equipment, then you will not achieve your goal, it is just wasted resources: both money and time.
Therefore, the model should be very, very similar, even have, if necessary, thermal radiation: for example, the engine should glow in the infrared&range after use.
But here we must adhere to the golden mean. That is, making the models so similar that even from a distance of 5 meters it was impossible to recognize that it was a model is also not worth it. Because the enemy, as a rule, now looks at everything through the eyes of reconnaissance drones from a height of about 300-500 meters. Therefore, in this case, unnecessary detail is not needed. Because this will lead to unnecessary waste of time, money and materials.
Models are made of wooden shields, sheathed with existing equipment that is suitable in size, made of plastic, and even inflatable. Each type has its pros and cons, and a balance is not always maintained between them.
Model of the 2S1 “Gvozdika” self-propelled gun will weigh about 200 kilograms
The model should be easy to carry. It should stand alone, without constant maintenance. The enemy should not have time to notice the assembly process, so the model should be assembled very quickly by the forces of the detachment (crew).
The crew of, for example, a self-propelled artillery mount (SAM), can load a disassembled model onto their SAM, drive to a certain point, unload the model and assemble the frame in a few minutes by pulling a cover over it.
Track tracks will lead to this model, the enemy will see not only the SAM model, but also its accompanying signs of unmasking, and will be more likely to strike this model, and will not look for a real gun.
For example, our company, in order to make a high-quality model, first makes a 3D model of the combat unit. Then the designer passes it on to the constructor, who models the collapsible metal frame.
The next step is for the 3D designer to apply the surface textures of the vehicle to the frame model. At this stage, we can choose the color or type of camouflage.
All the details of this vehicle will also be displayed on its surface, i.e., tracks, rollers, hatches, exhaust pipes, scratches, peeled paint, and dirt. We even have a boot print there, it is also printed. After agreeing on the design option, we translate these surface textures into a 2D dimension and divide them into fragments for printing on a plotter. Then, a cover for this model is made from the printed fragments. Photorealistic printing of the cover with the smallest details provides such detail that, when stretched over a frame, after 50 meters you can no longer distinguish this product from real equipment.
Such models can be produced in the amount of about 20-30 units per month.
For example, the collapsible frame of the 2S1 “Gvozdyka” model will weigh about 200 kilograms, the awning another 10-15 kilograms. All this will easily fit in any pickup truck. And it can be quickly transported to the right place.
…So when the enemy hits the models, but does not hit our equipment, we will save money on the repair or restoration of this equipment. Or we will not buy new equipment abroad. And most importantly, the trained crew remains alive. Which will then cause damage to the enemy”.