“Kupiansk Hyperloop”: Khartiia explains how it built an underground transport system for Operation Veles

For the Veles counteroffensive operation, one of the battalions of the Khartiia Brigade built a system for rapid underground movement. This mobile platform can carry more than a tonne of cargo and has already undergone several modifications. A prototype of this ‘scooter’ was created in 24 hours, a serviceman with the call sign Lieshyi told Defender Media.

As the troops advanced 15 km during the offensive, they needed an optimal way to travel through the underground pipe rather than on foot. The further Khartiia advanced in the pipe, the greater the need for rapid means of movement, the unit says. To build the ‘scooter’, they had to reconnoitre the pipe and prepare it for use.

The video from the operation shows servicemen carrying out maintenance work. Lieshyi says he inspected the pipe together with fellow soldiers to determine the optimal dimensions of the movement system. Building the prototype took 24 hours.

The group’s logistics are built around this ‘scooter’, and its payload capacity exceeds one tonne. It can be used to transport ammunition and other cargo, evacuate the wounded and deliver troops to positions. ‘There are certain combat operations underground that require a very rapid response’, explains a serviceman with the call sign Sam.

Over the past six months, the ‘scooter’ has received several modifications. The first version could move in only one direction, so the soldiers had to cut out sections of the pipe in certain places, widen the space and use winches to turn it around.

It later turned out this couldn’t be done everywhere, so the idea for another version emerged. The servicemen nicknamed it ‘CatDog’ because it can move in both directions without turning around. The ‘scooter’ has since received several more modifications, but the details are not being disclosed for now.

The same unit also maintains the ‘scooter’. The design is being simplified so people without special skills can replace consumable parts. If something more serious breaks, such as the electronics, Lieshyi carries out the repairs.

For operations underground, the Khartiia Corps has also applied its own technological solutions for communications and navigation, but keeps these details secret for now. Thanks to the offensive, which became known at the end of October, the Russians were deprived of the opportunity to get into the rear of Kupiansk. In addition to the 30 taken prisoner, the enemy lost more than 100 further personnel.