Arkan 3D-Printed Airless Wheels Help Ground Robots
Print&Live and iSCALE3D develop Arkan 3D-printed airless wheels for unmanned ground vehicles to evacuate casualties and transport supplies, tested in Ukraine.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Print&Live and iSCALE3D developed Arkan 3D-printed airless wheels
- Designed for unmanned ground vehicles for casualty evacuation and logistics
- Increases vehicle driving range by up to 30% compared to alternatives
- Successfully tested in field and combat operations by Ukrainian forces
Print&Live and iSCALE3D have jointly developed Arkan, a set of innovative 3D-printed airless wheels engineered specifically for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). These specialized wheels are tailored to support critical frontline missions such as casualty evacuation, ammunition transportation, and logistical support across rugged off-road terrains, addressing durability and field maintenance challenges.
The wheels are constructed using load-bearing elastomers combined with advanced polymer composites. Their airless design entirely removes the risk of punctures, while the enclosed sidewalls and rounded treads actively prevent mud, stones, and ice from building up inside the structure. A complete set weighs between 32 and 56 kilograms, offering a substantial weight reduction compared to conventional Western alternatives that weigh 88 to 144 kilograms.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
An internal lattice structure is engineered to preserve load-bearing capacity even if the wheel sustains partial structural damage. Furthermore, a proprietary two-piece rim system enables field technicians to install or replace tires using standard hand tools without requiring specialized machinery. Wheel stiffness, damping, and geometry can also be digitally customized to match different vehicle weights and mission profiles. A set costs approximately €680, considerably lower than overseas alternatives priced between $3,000 and $4,000 or more.
Integrating additive manufacturing into military hardware marks a vital shift toward decentralized logistical support. By allowing operators to replace damaged components in the field using basic tools, this technology minimizes the need for heavy replacement stockpiles and enhances mission continuity during critical rescue operations.
Arkan has successfully completed rigorous field and combat trials with Ukrainian Defence Forces units. A TARGAN 3K 244 EVO 1 vehicle navigated 210 kilometers on a test track and 151 kilometers across 11 winter combat missions, carrying 1,825 kilograms of cargo and successfully evacuating a wounded individual. Despite noticeable tread wear, the wheels maintained full operational functionality. Trials utilizing the Rys Pro UGV similarly demonstrated robust load-bearing performance without structural delamination or cracking across frozen and boggy terrain.
Having concluded the research and development phase, Arkan is now entering small-batch production for active military units. Print&Live and iSCALE3D are actively scaling up manufacturing capabilities to fulfill growing demands from UGV manufacturers and defense clients worldwide.
Source: designboom
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