A highly mobile 16-wheel undercarriage designed by Platform-O R&D for Topol-M and Yars missiles has been accepted into service, a source in the defense industry told TASS. "After successful trials the family of highly mobile Platform-O chassis has been accepted into service," he said.  It had been unveiled at Army-2018 near Kubinka, Army Recognition observed.

16-wheel drive Platform-O R&D for Topol-M and Yars missile, demonstrated at Army-2018 defense exhibition near Kubinka(Picture source: Army Recognition)

At present, Topol-M and Yars operate on Belarussian-made multi-axis undercarriage produced by Minsk plant of heavy prime movers (MZKT). The source said the first batch will comprise five Platform-O units designed by KamAZ plant and produced by Remdiesel. Three units have a carrying capacity of 25, 50 and 85 tons with 8x8, 12x12, and 16x16 wheel  drive, all-wheel steering arrangement. The holster-body and ballast prime movers (8x8) are designed to transport 165-ton hardware and tow trailers and aircraft up to 400 tons.

Platform-O has electric engines for each wheel, but no clutch, gearbox, torque divider, driving shafts, and differentials to decrease weight. The vehicle duck walks, which means all wheels turn one way to promote side movement.

It is reported that Platform-O will replace Belarussian undercarriages in ten years.