APPLICATION OF PROBING FOR THE EQUIPMENT OF ENGINEERING UNITS OF THE AFU

Problem Statement. To assess the mobility of military equipment in various field conditions, special attention is required for the rapid monitoring of soil foundations. One effective method for studying soil properties and structure is static or dynamic probing, which can be performed using a portable device such as a penetrometer. A key advantage of the probing method is its ability to determine the location of soil layers in field conditions and to evaluate soil homogeneity, which indirectly reflects its main physical and mechanical properties. This method provides an expedient assessment of the soil’s load-bearing capacity, not only in terms of heavy equipment passability but also to estimate the conditions and labor requirements for constructing fortifications, which depend on the site’s soil conditions. The article focuses on the use of both portable handheld penetrometers and hydraulic-driven options that are used to equip special engineering vehicles in the armies of various countries. Additionally, the need for domestic production of such devices and their equipping in the relevant units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) for the operational control of soil foundation quality in field conditions has been recognized. Scientific Novelty and Practical Significance. The study identifies the need for penetrometers in specialized engineering vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as for certain missile systems. Conclusions. Based on the research analysis, it is concluded that there is significant potential and necessity for applying soil probing methods within the engineering units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Furthermore, the development, production, and deployment of portable penetrometers for military equipment would enable rapid analysis of soil conditions in field environments.