Search and rescue vehicles PEM-1 and PEM-2 "Siniaia ptitsa" of the Central Military District (CMD), which have undergone deep modernization at factories in the Moscow and Chelyabinsk regions, will take part in search and rescue support for the launch and landing of the "Soyuz MS-17" and "Soyuz MS-16" manned spacecraft.

Six unique all-terrain search vehicles equipped with a passenger module for transporting astronauts and a lifting mechanism for transporting the descent capsule have been upgraded engines, chassis, transmission, as well as equipment that allows the "Siniaia ptitsa" to cross water obstacles by swimming.

"In total, six PEM-1 and PEM-2 vehicles were upgraded, and six more, including two PEM-3 snowmobiles, are being upgraded. In addition to the chassis, the car interiors were updated, all equipment was inspected by Rostekhnadzor and is ready to perform special tasks," explained Evgeny Solntsev, head of the search and rescue and parachute service of the Central Military District. He also noted that despite the modernization, the appearance of the amphibious vehicles "Siniaia ptitsa" has not changed, they have retained their legendary appearance.

The launch and landing of the "Soyuz MS-17" and "Soyuz MS-16" manned spacecraft involves six upgraded PEM-1 and PEM-2 "Siniaia ptitsa" search and rescue vehicles, which will be on duty at operational airfields during the launch, and on the day of landing in the main and reserve landing areas of the descent vehicle.