ROSTOV-ON-DON, December 11. /TASS/. Scientists of the Don State Technical University (DSTU) have developed "Dontech", Russia's first unmanned tractor of traction class 1.4 with a hybrid drive which can be used in most types of field work, comissioned by the Rosspetsmash Association, the university's press service reported.

"A universal unmanned machine with an electric drive, tractor "Dontech", is developed in DSTU on the principle of a universal platform for maximum compatibility and application in most types of field work. The use of electricity as a drive system allows to significantly reduce operating costs. At the same time, it provides the machine with optimal performance characteristics: tractive force up to 12 kilonewtons (kN), payload up to 3.2 thousand kg," the report says.

The university stated that the development was ordered by the Rosspetsmash Association. The machine took four years to develop, it consists of 90% domestic components and costs about 30 million rubles. It is expected that by 2035 the production of such tractors will reach 150 units per year.

"Creating an unmanned machine will reduce the cost of ownership of agricultural machinery for farms by about 7%, and increase the efficiency of agricultural work as a result of autonomy and electrification. The advantage for farms will be in the acceptable cost of the machine, low power and minimum traction class, compatibility with tools and equipment, including those for harvesting fodder crops. The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Emergency Situations can use the unmanned platform in hard-to-reach places," the report quotes Vladislav Pigenko, head of research and development, director of the Rostselmash Institute for Advanced Mechanical Engineering at DSTU as saying.

According to Pigenko, the development of an unmanned universal machine will allow to optimize the work process, reduce inefficient use of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and fuel, and increase productivity.

Currently, the specialists have produced and tested a full-scale prototype using semi-industrial technology.