The Klimovsk-based TsNIITochMash design bureau, a subsidiary of the Rostec state corporation, has detailed its new exoskeleton, a source from the company said.

Rostec exoskeleton displayed at Army-2017 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The exoskeleton is made of lightweight carbon fiber and have a weight varying between 4 and 8 kg, depending on the configuration. The manufacturer claims it allows a soldier to carry a 50 kg load. "During the tests, a serviceman was carrying a 15 kg backpack, an armour vest without ballistic plates, four loaded magazines, and an assault rifle," the source said. "The exoskeleton has been fully integrated with the Ratnik soldier ensemble. It is almost ready to enter serial production," he added. The exoskeleton has been successfully tested during the counter-terrorism operation in Syria. It also passed through some trials in the special units of Russian law enforcement agencies.

According to the spokesperson for the TsNIITochMash, the bureau has also designed a semi-active exoskeleton, which is designated MEP-05-3R. "This modification is fitted with a ‘third arm’, which can carry a cargo with a weight of up to 15 kg. A soldier can easily carry a general-purpose machinegun, for instance, the Kalashnikov PKM or the Pecheneg," he said, adding that the MEP-05-3R is passing through its trials. "This exoskeleton is finishing its tests and it will be unveiled at an early date," he said.