The unique IDF Caterpillar D9R bulldozer, nicknamed the “teddy bear,” is in service with the Israeli army and is used to resolve conflicts with the Palestinians. A heavy armored tracked armored vehicle is used to demolish buildings in which armed people have settled. In addition, it is used to demolish the houses of relatives of people suspected of having connections with Palestinian armed groups.

The bulldozer has 15-ton armor, glass that can withstand fire from any small arms and grenade launchers, and protective screens against RPGs. In addition, the IDF Caterpillar D9R can be equipped with additional attachments (smoke screen system, machine gun and grenade launcher), which can be controlled directly from the cab. The bulldozer's crew consists of two people, and none of the weapons available to Palestine can stop it. Even powerful landmines that were placed in the path of the “teddy bear” could not cause any significant damage to it.

Let's find out how this monster was created...

History of creation.

For specialists who swim in the world of bulldozers like fish in water, the name of the American company Caterpillar sounds as familiar as the word “caterpillar”. Largely because Caterpillar and “caterpillar” are the same word, just in different languages. So, as promised, we will talk about one of the tractors of this company with more than 75 years of experience - Caterpillar D9.

Compelling size, durability, reliability and reasonable operating costs have made the D9 one of the most popular large crawler tractors in its class and in the world. One of its most serious competitors is the Japanese Komatsu D275A.

The history of the Caterpillar D9 family of bulldozers dates back to 1954, when an experimental series of 10 bulldozers, designated D9X, was launched into production. Subsequently, bulldozers were constantly modified. Numerous modifications were produced under different letter indices, differing in appearance and technical characteristics: D9E, D9G, D9H, D9L, D9N, until the D9R version went into production in 1995. Basic performance characteristics of the D9: power 410 horsepower, weight 54 tons, length more than 8 meters, height about 4 meters.

Don't think that the D9 is the largest bulldozer in the world or the largest Caterpillar produced. With its power and weight, it is inferior, for example, to its colleague D11 (850 “horses” - 124.3 tons).

Over the course of its career, the Caterpillar D9 has produced several generations, in which various technical improvements have been invested. However, visually they are practically no different - the differences are internal. The current version is the D9R, but older brothers like the D9N and D9L are still widely used.

With its massive blade, controlled by 4 hydraulic “arms,” the Caterpillar D9 can row everything it can, as well as move heavy objects more or less carefully. An optional rear ripper rips out large rocks and crushes frozen ground.

The size and weight of tractors of this type dictate their field of application: construction, forestry, mining, landfill raking, and so on. However, in the case of D9, the profession of a bulldozer was not limited to peaceful specialties.

Shortly after its birth, the D9 bulldozer was put under arms. His baptism of fire took place during the Vietnam War. Military engineers used a fleet of such bulldozers, noting that one D9 could do the work of four D7 bulldozers at once! This was especially true during fighting in the jungle. However, after the end of the war, the D9s were withdrawn from service in favor of the same D7s, which turned out to be cheaper and easier to maintain.

The next military episode in the fate of D9 was directly related to the Israeli Self-Defense Forces (IDF). Moreover, Caterpillar Inc. does not produce a military version of the D9, which is exactly what the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) wanted.

This is what the Caterpillar D9 was like until it fell into the hands of the Israeli military.

Having reached an agreement with the Americans, the IDF independently redesigned the giant bulldozer to suit its needs. D9 bulldozers were actively used during the Arab-Israeli wars, but they gained worldwide fame much later, in 2003, thanks to footage from news programs in which D9s simply swept away Palestinian houses like houses of cards. During one such operation, D9 crushed to death a member of a “human shield” that had been “built” in an attempt to protect Palestinian homes. This episode received worldwide publicity.

The Americans from Caterpillar could hardly have guessed what their tractor would be used for

These operations involved armored D9s - real tanks for street fighting. The fact is that Israeli Military Industries has developed special armored kits (Tractor Protection Kits) for D9 bulldozers, taking into account the specifics of combat operations characteristic of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank of the Jordan River. These kits made it possible to maximize the survivability of the bulldozer, essentially turning it into a kind of tank, armed with a bulldozer blade instead of a gun. The driver, as well as the engine and important components of the bulldozer are reliably protected from small arms, mines and landmines. When using Slat Armor's spaced armor, the D9 can withstand even direct hits from strands fired from RPGs. At the same time, the bulldozer can respond with attacking fire from the FN Mag machine gun mounted on the roof. All this made it possible to use these combat vehicles for clearing rubble, evacuating damaged equipment and clearing mines during intense shelling. During the intifada, bulldozers were also used to demolish the houses of Al Aqsa terrorists. For example, a sniper has holed up in a house, or terrorists have barricaded themselves with explosives. An armored D9 arrives and simply destroys this house along with what and who is there.
Military experts tend to consider the D9 one of the key factors in avoiding high casualties among IDF personnel during street fighting.

IDF Caterpillar D9R armored bulldozer, nicknamed "דובי" (Teddy Bear) in Israel. Its armor allows it to work even under fire.

It is impossible not to mention another episode of the combat use of the D9. In 2003, during preparations for Operation Iraqi Freedom, the US Army and Marine Corps purchased 12 armored bulldozers from Israel, similar to those used by the IDF. These vehicles were used during the military operation in Iraq.

American D9Rs are preparing to be launched from transporters

The armored Caterpillar D9 was also appreciated by the French: in addition, they came up with the idea of ​​attaching a plow to the car to clear minefields.

CATERPILLAR D9 French version with mine clearance plow

At the moment, the most advanced modification of the D9 is the “unmanned” version, developed in Israel. As in the case of flying drones, Israel was ahead of the rest in that direction. Such machines are used in the IDF along with “inhabited” bulldozers. Being equipped with several video cameras, such a device provides the operator with even better visibility compared to a regular D9. Well, the most important thing is that the operator is not in danger, unlike the driver of the regular version.

During public field tests, Technion and Israeli officers said that every $1,000 invested in the new machines would save lives: “Today, the lives of bulldozer drivers are at great risk when they destroy buildings in which armed men are hiding.”

Armored remote-controlled CATERPILLAR D9N IDF

A few more photos of the armored monster.

Armored D9 in Lebanon in 2006

“The unmanned D9 performed admirably during Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip in 2008, clearing roads of mines and explosive devices,” an unnamed IDF officer told the newspaper. “The unmanned version is very useful as it can save lives when operating in a mined area.”

Caterpillar's regular D9 bulldozer is impressively large. It weighs almost 50 tons (according to some reports, the armored IDF D9 weighs more than 60 tons), is driven by a 450 horsepower diesel engine and, as a rule, is equipped at the front with a conventional semi-universal dozer blade and a rear single-shank ripper. The unmanned version of Black Thunder is equipped with video cameras and remote actuators, and is capable of operating unmanned or with a driver.

The history of Caterpillar's "D" family of bulldozers dates back to 1954, when an experimental series of 10 bulldozers, designated D9X, was put into production. Subsequently, bulldozers were constantly modified.

Numerous modifications were produced under different letter indices, differing in appearance and technical characteristics: D9E, D9G, D9H, D9L, D9N, until in 1995 the D9R version went into production, which was released in resin by Vajra Miniature. Basic performance characteristics of the D9: power 410 horsepower, weight 54 tons, length more than 8 meters, height about 4 meters.

History of creation and use of the combat version

Vietnam War

The D's first combat use was during the Vietnam War (D7). US military engineers used large numbers of these bulldozers to clear terrain during jungle warfare.

Development of an Israeli modification

Israeli Military Industries has developed special armor kits (Tractor Protection Kits) for D9 bulldozers, taking into account the specifics of combat operations characteristic of the Gaza Strip, Judea and Samaria. These kits made it possible to maximize the survivability of the bulldozer, essentially turning it into a kind of tank, armed with a bulldozer blade instead of a gun.

The driver, as well as the engine and important components of the bulldozer are reliably protected from small arms, mines and landmines. When using Slat Armor's spaced armor, the D9 can withstand even direct hits from RPG rounds.

At the same time, the bulldozer can respond with attacking fire from the FN Mag machine gun mounted on the roof. All this made it possible to use these combat vehicles for clearing rubble, evacuating damaged equipment and clearing mines during intense shelling.

Thus, the improvement of the D9 turned it into a real tank for street fighting.

Arab-Israeli conflict

Despite its widespread use, the D9 only gained widespread recognition in 2003 during Operation Protective Wall. On April 2, 2002, after heavy losses during the fighting in the Jenin refugee camp, the IDF command decided to use D9 against houses that served as shelter for terrorists. It was decided to destroy any house in which terrorists could hide, using D9 bulldozers.

At the same time, the terrorists were asked to surrender before each destruction of the building. It was in this way that the leaders of the Islamic Jihad, Taabat Mardawi and Ali Sfuri, were captured. While bulldozers caused significant damage to buildings - about 150 houses were demolished - their use did not result in a significant number of casualties.

In fact, this hastened the surrender of the militants hiding in the houses and led to a quick end to the fighting.

The new tactics triggered a wave of hostile propaganda and outright slander against the TsAL. Arafat's standard claims of "crimes" were echoed by officials in the US administration and the UN. Rumors spread that the entire city of Jenin had been wiped off the face of the earth. An Israeli director made a politically motivated film, Jenin, Jenin, full of direct slander.

But all this was less important in the public consciousness than preventing casualties among Israeli soldiers. In addition, the Western press was unusually quick to publish materials refuting the slander.

The use of the D9 in Jenin showed its high tactical and technical qualities. As D-9 moved through the streets of the city of Jenin, destroying buildings, 124 explosive devices detonated beneath him, including mines weighing up to 100 kilograms, but he continued to work. The Jenin refugee camp was even more heavily mined.

Iraq War

In 2003, during preparations for Operation Iraqi Freedom, the US Army and Marine Corps purchased 12 armored bulldozers from Israel, similar to those used by the IDF. These vehicles were used during the military operation in Iraq.

Present and future

To date, the most advanced version of the D9 is an unmanned version developed in Israel. Like the advanced unmanned aerial vehicles used with the D9, the dozer is equipped with a video camera system, giving the machine operator a better view than if he were in the cab. And most importantly, the operator is not exposed to danger, unlike previous versions.

Specifications

Engine

Bulldozer engine. Photo from www.d9r.ru

The most important feature of the reliable and easy-to-maintain 3408E engine is the electronic fuel injection system with hydraulically driven unit injectors, which reduces combustion noise and reduces exhaust gases. The 3408E engine meets current EPA, EU and JMOC emissions standards.

Engine Model Cat 3408C

Flywheel power 302 kW

Total power 354 kW

Net power - according to Caterpillar standard 302 kW

Net power - according to ISO 9249 302 kW

Net power - according to SAE J1349 299 kW

Net power - according to EU 80/1269 302 kW

Net power - according to DIN 70020 425 PS

Cylinder diameter 137 mm

Stroke 152 mm

Working volume 18 l

Weight

Operating weight 48784 kg

Transport weight 36154 kg

Chassis

Due to the high location of the drive sprockets, the final drives are raised above the working surface and are less exposed to the impact of the ground. The elastic suspension provides a large contact area between the track and the ground, which improves traction and traction properties and reduces slipping. The suspension absorbs shock loads well, increasing the smoothness of the machine and increasing its service life.

Shoe type Heavy duty

Shoe width 610 mm

Shoes/side 43

Grouser height 84 mm

Winding pitch 240 mm

Ground clearance 591 mm

Track width 2250 mm

Support surface area 4.24 m2

Track rollers/side parts 8

Transmission

The machine is easily controlled using onboard clutches and brakes.

1st forward gear 3.9 km/h

2nd forward gear 6.8 km/h

3rd forward gear 11.9 km/h

1st reverse gear 4.8 km/h

2nd reverse gear 8.4 km/h

3rd gear reverse 14.7 km/h

1st forward gear - traction force on the hitch (1000) 759.8 N

2nd forward gear - traction force on the hitch (1000) 419.9 N

3rd forward gear - traction force on the hitch (1000) 230 N

Refueling volumes

Fuel tank 908.4 l

Cooling system 129.8 l

Engine crankcase* 45.5 l

Transmission 164 l

Final drives (each) 15 l

Roller frames (each) 45 l

Swing axis compartment 30 l

Hydraulic equipment controls

Pump type: Piston, flywheel driven

Pump capacity (steering circuit) 374 l/min

Pump capacity (working parts circuit) 235 l/min

Flow rate in the rod cavity of the swash cylinder is 137 l/min

Flow rate in the piston cavity of the swash cylinder is 167 l/min

Bulldozer blade safety valve opening pressure 26200 kPa

Opening pressure of the safety valve of the swash cylinder 19300 kPa

Ripper safety valve opening pressure (lift circuit) 26200 kPa

Ripper safety valve opening pressure (tilt circuit) 26200 kPa

Steering 40500 kPa

Hydraulic tank capacity 77.2 l

Winches

Winch model PA110VS

Weight* 1790 kg

Oil tank capacity 15 l

Increased tractor length 559 mm

Winch housing width 1171 mm

Drum width 337 mm

Drum flange diameter 610 mm

Rippers

Type Single column, with adjustable parallelogram mechanism

Total length 1570 mm

Number of slots 1

Maximum height of tooth lift above the ground (to the tip, pin in the lower hole) 882 mm

Maximum loosening depth (with standard tip) 1231 mm

Maximum penetration force (tooth in vertical position) 153.8 kN

Breakout force 320.5 kN

Weight (excluding hydraulic controls) 4854 kg

Total operating weight* (with hemispherical blade and ripper) 48784 kg

Type Multi-post, with adjustable parallelogram mechanism

Number of slots 3

Total length 1330 mm

Total beam width 2640 mm

Maximum height of tooth lift above the ground (to the tip, pin in the lower hole) 885 mm

Maximum loosening depth (with standard tip) 798 mm

Maximum penetration force (tooth in vertical position) 147.9 kN

Breakout force (multi-shank ripper with one tooth) 324.6 kN

Weight (single-tooth, without hydraulic controls) 5449 kg

Additional tooth 340 kg

Total operating weight** (with hemispherical blade and ripper) 49479 kg

Dumps

Capacity (according to SAE J1265) 13.5 m3

Width (side pads) 4310 mm

Height 1934 mm

Cutting depth 606 mm

Ground clearance 1422 mm

Maximum skew 940 mm

Weight* (excluding hydraulic controls) 6543 kg

Gross operating weight** (with blade and single-shank ripper) 48,784 kg

Capacity (according to SAE J1265) 16.4 m3

Width (side pads) 4650 mm

Height 1934 mm

Cutting depth 606 mm

Maximum skew 1014 mm

Weight* (excluding hydraulic controls) 7134 kg

Gross operating weight** (with blade and single-shank ripper) 49,392 kg

Dimensions

Ground clearance 591 mm

Track width 2250 m

Width without roller suspension (standard shoe) 2860 mm

Overall height (FOPS cab) 3821 mm

Height (to top of exhaust pipe) 3962 mm

Height of the towing device (at the center of the hitch eye) 688 mm

Track support length 3474 mm

Overall length of the base tractor 4919 mm

Length with single-shank ripper 6478 mm

Length with multi-shank ripper 6536 mm

Overall length (with hemispherical blade/with single-shank ripper) 8138 mm

The main frame of the machine is made powerful, strong and durable. Its box-section strength members, steel castings and solid-rolled side members provide reliable support for the suspension chassis, raised final drives and other components installed on it.

see also

Footnotes

Sources

• The creator of the film "Jenin, Jenin" may face trial for libel
• Yagil Henkin Terror and the fight against it: truth and lies about the operation in Jenin

The unique IDF Caterpillar D9R bulldozer, nicknamed the “teddy bear,” is in service with the Israeli army and is used to resolve conflicts with the Palestinians. A heavy armored tracked armored vehicle is used to demolish buildings in which armed people have settled. In addition, it is used to demolish the houses of relatives of people suspected of having connections with Palestinian armed groups.

The bulldozer has 15-ton armor, glass that can withstand fire from any small arms and grenade launchers, and protective screens against RPGs. In addition, the IDF Caterpillar D9R can be equipped with additional attachments (smoke screen system, machine gun and grenade launcher), which can be controlled directly from the cab. The bulldozer's crew consists of two people, and none of the weapons available to Palestine can stop it. Even powerful landmines that were placed in the path of the “teddy bear” could not cause any significant damage to it.

Let's find out how this monster was created...

History of creation.

For specialists who swim in the world of bulldozers like fish in water, the name of the American company Caterpillar sounds as familiar as the word “caterpillar”. Largely because Caterpillar and “caterpillar” are the same word, just in different languages. So, as promised, we will talk about one of the tractors of this company with more than 75 years of experience - Caterpillar D9.

Compelling size, durability, reliability and reasonable operating costs have made the D9 one of the most popular large crawler tractors in its class and in the world. One of its most serious competitors is the Japanese Komatsu D275A.

The history of the Caterpillar D9 family of bulldozers dates back to 1954, when an experimental series of 10 bulldozers, designated D9X, was launched into production. Subsequently, bulldozers were constantly modified. Numerous modifications were produced under different letter indices, differing in appearance and technical characteristics: D9E, D9G, D9H, D9L, D9N, until the D9R version went into production in 1995. Basic performance characteristics of the D9: power 410 horsepower, weight 54 tons, length more than 8 meters, height about 4 meters.

Don't think that the D9 is the largest bulldozer in the world or the largest Caterpillar produced. With its power and weight, it is inferior, for example, to its colleague D11 (850 “horses” - 124.3 tons).

Over the course of its career, the Caterpillar D9 has produced several generations, in which various technical improvements have been invested. However, visually they are practically no different - the differences are internal. The current version is the D9R, but older brothers like the D9N and D9L are still widely used.

With its massive blade, controlled by 4 hydraulic “arms,” the Caterpillar D9 can row everything it can, as well as move heavy objects more or less carefully. An optional rear ripper rips out large rocks and crushes frozen ground.

The size and weight of tractors of this type dictate their field of application: construction, forestry, mining, landfill raking, and so on. However, in the case of D9, the profession of a bulldozer was not limited to peaceful specialties.

Shortly after its birth, the D9 bulldozer was put under arms. His baptism of fire took place during the Vietnam War. Military engineers used a fleet of such bulldozers, noting that one D9 could do the work of four D7 bulldozers at once! This was especially true during fighting in the jungle. However, after the end of the war, the D9s were withdrawn from service in favor of the same D7s, which turned out to be cheaper and easier to maintain.

The next military episode in the fate of D9 was directly related to the Israeli Self-Defense Forces (IDF). Moreover, Caterpillar Inc. does not produce a military version of the D9, which is exactly what the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) wanted.

This is what the Caterpillar D9 was like until it fell into the hands of the Israeli military.

Having reached an agreement with the Americans, the IDF independently redesigned the giant bulldozer to suit its needs. D9 bulldozers were actively used during the Arab-Israeli wars, but they gained worldwide fame much later, in 2003, thanks to footage from news programs in which D9s simply swept away Palestinian houses like houses of cards. During one such operation, D9 crushed to death a member of a “human shield” that had been “built” in an attempt to protect Palestinian homes. This episode received worldwide publicity.

The Americans from Caterpillar could hardly have guessed what their tractor would be used for

These operations involved armored D9s - real tanks for street fighting. The fact is that Israeli Military Industries has developed special armored kits (Tractor Protection Kits) for D9 bulldozers, taking into account the specifics of combat operations characteristic of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank of the Jordan River. These kits made it possible to maximize the survivability of the bulldozer, essentially turning it into a kind of tank, armed with a bulldozer blade instead of a gun. The driver, as well as the engine and important components of the bulldozer are reliably protected from small arms, mines and landmines. When using Slat Armor's spaced armor, the D9 can withstand even direct hits from strands fired from RPGs. At the same time, the bulldozer can respond with attacking fire from the FN Mag machine gun mounted on the roof. All this made it possible to use these combat vehicles for clearing rubble, evacuating damaged equipment and clearing mines during intense shelling. During the intifada, bulldozers were also used to demolish the houses of Al Aqsa terrorists. For example, a sniper has holed up in a house, or terrorists have barricaded themselves with explosives. An armored D9 arrives and simply destroys this house along with what and who is there.
Military experts tend to consider the D9 one of the key factors in avoiding high casualties among IDF personnel during street fighting.

IDF Caterpillar D9R armored bulldozer, nicknamed "דובי" (Teddy Bear) in Israel. Its armor allows it to work even under fire.

It is impossible not to mention another episode of the combat use of the D9. In 2003, during preparations for Operation Iraqi Freedom, the US Army and Marine Corps purchased 12 armored bulldozers from Israel, similar to those used by the IDF. These vehicles were used during the military operation in Iraq.

American D9Rs are preparing to be launched from transporters

The armored Caterpillar D9 was also appreciated by the French: in addition, they came up with the idea of ​​attaching a plow to the car to clear minefields.

CATERPILLAR D9 French version with mine clearance plow

At the moment, the most advanced modification of the D9 is the “unmanned” version, developed in Israel. As in the case of flying drones, Israel was ahead of the rest in that direction. Such machines are used in the IDF along with “inhabited” bulldozers. Being equipped with several video cameras, such a device provides the operator with even better visibility compared to a regular D9. Well, the most important thing is that the operator is not in danger, unlike the driver of the regular version.

The Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant received a military order from the defense department. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is ready to purchase a batch of armored bulldozers from the leading Russian heavy engineering enterprise. The purpose of the new special equipment is quite traditional: developing sites, moving soil and other bulk materials, leveling trenches and pits, as well as maintaining and repairing roads.

ChTZ bulldozers will be operated exclusively in combat areas, so they will be equipped with a specially developed Br 5 protection system in accordance with GOST P50963-96, designed to ensure potential safety for the operator during excavation work; local protection of the engine and related components is provided by a protective structure in in accordance with the class of a similar GOST.

The list of ChTE products includes the necessary samples of special equipment. For the first time, armored special equipment of Ural tractor manufacturers, made on the basis of the B10M2, was presented in 2015 at the specialized arms exhibition in Nizhny Tagil RAE-2015. To fulfill the order of the Ministry of Defense, the armored bulldozer will be installed on a more powerful B-12 chassis. The technical characteristics of the civilian vehicle B12S.5020EN indicate the reliable design of special equipment. For military needs, the armored cabin will be further strengthened. Operator safety is ensured by durable metal and armored glass. Additional protection is installed on the hood and fuel tank.

Appeals from the defense department to a civilian enterprise to fulfill a specialized order are practiced all over the world. Caterpillar regularly supplies the IDF Caterpillar D9R armored bulldozer to the Israeli army. This heavy tracked special equipment, clad in 15-ton armor, is used for demolition of destroyed buildings and planning of territory crumpled by explosions. As attachments, in addition to traditional working parts, a smoke screen system, as well as small arms, are mounted.

Video: Rental of special equipment and cargo transportation services without intermediaries!

Imagine an armada of giant bulldozers moving through the city with a monstrous roar. They sweep away everything in their path, their goal is destruction. There are no drivers in the cabins of armored vehicles. Tractors equipped with machine guns are controlled remotely. Dystopia? No, the very near future.

For specialists who swim in the world of bulldozers like fish in water, the name of the American company Caterpillar sounds as familiar as the word “caterpillar”. Largely because Caterpillar and “caterpillar” are the same word, just in different languages. So, as promised, we will talk about one of the tractors of this company with more than 75 years of experience - Caterpillar D9.

Don't think that the D9 is the largest bulldozer in the world or the largest Caterpillar produced. With its power of 410 horsepower and weight of 53.8 tons, it is inferior, for example, to its colleague D11 (850 “horses” - 124.3 tons). The D9 is truly huge: the height is about 4 meters, the length with all the attachments is more than 8 meters.

Compelling size, durability, reliability and reasonable operating costs have made the D9 one of the most popular large crawler tractors in its class and in the world. One of its most serious competitors is the Japanese Komatsu D275A (you can admire it).

This is what the Caterpillar D9 was like until it came into the hands of the Israeli military (photo butler-machinery.com).

During its career, the D9 “produced” several generations, into which certain technical improvements were invested. However, visually they are practically no different - the differences are internal. The current version is the D9R, but older brothers like the D9N and D9L are still widely used.

With its massive blade, controlled by 4 hydraulic “arms,” the Caterpillar D9 can row everything it can, as well as move heavy objects more or less carefully. An optional rear ripper rips out large rocks and crushes frozen ground.

The size and weight of tractors of this type dictate their field of application: construction, forestry, mining, landfill raking, and so on. However, in the case of D9, the profession of a bulldozer was not limited to peaceful specialties.

From this photograph one can judge not only the size of the D9, but also some of its capabilities (photo militaryphotos.net).

Moreover, Caterpillar Inc. does not produce a military version of the D9, which is exactly what the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) wanted. Having reached an agreement with the Americans, the IDF independently redesigned the giant bulldozer to suit their needs.

And what kind of needs are you, if you follow the Arab-Israeli conflict, you probably know. The West Bank of the Jordan River, the Palestinian territories, the Gaza Strip - it's all about him. For obvious reasons, we will not delve into this topic, because we look at things more broadly, or something.

For us, this is a giant remote-controlled combat bulldozer. Robot bulldozer - even so. This is a dangerous thing, in general, for any person. However, you will find the Associated Press message with the corresponding political commentary below.

Now imagine that there is no one inside. Robot (photo jed.simonides.org).

This means that the armored bulldozer has become 10 tons heavier. Bulletproof glass appeared in the bulldozer driver's cabin. The vehicle became a standard tool for engineering battalions, who used the D9 to dig ditches and remove all sorts of obstacles from roads.

The fact that weapons can be mounted on a combat bulldozer was clear from the very beginning. The tractor acquired machine guns, grenade launchers, searchlights and the like. With all this equipment, the D9 has become almost a universal machine. For example, a sniper with optics has holed up in a house, or terrorists have barricaded themselves with explosives. An armored D9 arrives and simply destroys this house along with what and who is there. All.

The Americans from Caterpillar could hardly have guessed what their tractor would be used for (photo hydepark.co.il).

The Israelis' use of the combat D9 was so successful that the US Army became interested in the modified creation of the American company.

Having purchased several sets of armor from the IDF, the Americans made their own military version, which, according to some reports, was seen during the first Iraq War (here).

The armored D9 was also appreciated by the French: in addition, they came up with the idea of ​​attaching a plow to the vehicle to clear minefields ().

But all these military innovations for the IDF were not enough, since bulldozer drivers, although less frequently, continued to die. This is how the idea of ​​remote control came about. About the robot bulldozer.

French version of the D9 with a mine clearing plow (photo by Pierre Delattre).

October 31, 2003, Associated Press, Jerusalem. "The Israeli army receives a bulldozer and a remote-controlled Humvee":

The giant Caterpillar bulldozer used by the Israeli military to destroy Palestinian homes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has a controversial new feature: remote control.

Israel says its remote control technology will reduce the risk to soldiers. But Palestinians fear the use of the vehicles will lead to more frequent attacks, making the three-year conflict even bloodier.

D9 remote controlled bulldozer and similar Humvee version ( in fact, a Hummer jeep - approx. ed.), equipped with machine guns, developed by the Israeli army and the Technion Institute of Technology. Both Israeli-modified vehicles were manufactured in the USA. Their use is expected to begin in the next few weeks.

The army refused to comment on this fact or release details about its new technology.

Israel has been a pioneer in unmanned weapons systems for nearly three decades, developing one of the first remote-controlled aircraft as well as machine guns and grenade launchers that can be fired from long distances. These weapons are equipped with video cameras so that their operators, operating joysticks, can see what they are doing from afar.

During public field tests, Technion and Israeli officers said that every $1,000 invested in the new machines would save lives: “Today, the lives of bulldozer drivers are at great risk when they destroy buildings in which armed men are hiding.”

If we were optimists, we can dream that robot bulldozers will one day be able to return to peaceful life (photo hydepark.co.il).

But a Palestinian cabinet spokesman warned that driverless cars would lead to even more Palestinian casualties: “This idea is despicable. If a driverless bulldozer is used, human life is at much greater risk."

The Israeli military regularly destroys houses occupied by the families of suicide bombers and other buildings in which enemies of the Israelis may be hiding. For Palestinians, the name D9 has become synonymous with destruction.

Gray, heavily armored vehicles, the price of which is as high as the cost of a small house, turned hundreds of buildings into piles of dust with their knives. A popular Israeli commentator called the bulldozers "the terrifying beast of this war."

[...] Developers say the new machine will save lives on both sides, reminiscent of the case of American peace activist Rachel Corrie, 23, who was crushed to death by a bulldozer - not a D9 - on March 16, 2003 while trying to prevent the destruction of a house in the Gaza Strip. The military said at the time that the driver, sitting in a heavily armored cabin, simply could not see Ms. Corrie.

The new D9 has a wider view thanks to video cameras mounted above the driver's cab. Caterpillar, which makes the bulldozer, said in a statement that it "shares the public's concerns about the situation in the Middle East," but that more than 2 million of its machines are in use worldwide and the company "has no legal rights to control individual use of all of it." technology."

Here, perhaps, we’ll finish quoting the Associated Press message that has spread around the planet. It remains to congratulate humanity on yet another toy for self-destruction. Now it's a giant armored robot bulldozer with machine guns.

We can agree with the Palestinians - it is very similar to a synonym for destruction. Even for a symbol.