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2022-02-01

Sense & Sensors: UGVs Prove Their Mettle

From simple machines expected to perform easy tasks in lieu of personnel, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) have come a long way.

Now, UGVs operate on the basis of artificial intelligence technologies, using powerful sensors to develop an understanding of the situation. They are increasingly used to perform mindboggling feats, especially in conflict zones, where their contributions remain unparalleled.

A fully autonomous robot may now have the ability to collect information about the environment, detect objects of interest such as people and vehicles, work for extended durations without human intervention and even disarm or remove explosives.

The help of robots is sought to replace human operators in Dull, Dirty & Dangerous (DDD) missions, like the extrication of a tank.

A growing interest towards replacing robotics platform with soldiers for DDD tasks is also a key factor for driving the demand for robotic and autonomous systems. Additionally, advancement in the field of artificial intelligence, robotics, sensors, and navigation is propelling the market of military robotic and autonomous systems market.

The goal is to create unmanned/autonomous robotic vehicles that can be useful in a variety of applications. One major challenge is giving vehicles the ability to find their way intelligently through different terrains. This may mean finding suitable paths when given a complete map of the area in which the robot is to operate, or when given nothing more than a suite of sensors to view their world.

In some instances, it is possible to reach objectives by blindly fumbling towards the goal. However, at other times, systems which are purely reactive may take a long time in reaching their destination, if they get there at all.

The key market players in the military unmanned ground vehicle systems market include BAE Systems, Elbit Systems, L3 Harris Technologies Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Leonardo S.p.A, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Milrem, ECA Group, Hanwha Defense, Howe and Howe Technologies, Textron systems, QinetiQ, Rheinmetall, Oshkosh etc.

This research area focuses on unmanned vehicles used by armed forces around the world for obstacle detection, obstacle avoidance, situation awareness, combat and improvised explosive device (IED) detection, IED disposal and translating all these aspects into operational and valuable platforms that can increase safety and efficiency.

Tactical Gladiator

The Gladiator Tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicle (TUGV), made its debut in 2004 as a teleoperated unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with the primary focus to support dismounted marines across a range of military operations. The Gladiator TUGV programme was developed in order to support the United States Marine Corps conduct Ship To Object Manoeuvre (STOM) missions through the use of a medium sized, robotic system to minimise risks and eliminate threats to Marines during conflict.

The Gladiator was designed with the intent to be easily transported to different parts of the battlefield. Gladiator enhanced the ability of Marines to accomplish assigned mission tasks.

The Gladiator TUGV is a robust, compact, unmanned, tele-operated/semi-autonomous, multi-purpose ground reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) vehicle system possessing a scouting and direct engagement capability.

It provides the armed forces with remote reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, nuclear, biological and chemical reconnaissance, obstacle breaching, and direct fire capability to neutralise threats and reduce risk to the warfighter. Due to its unmanned nature, each Gladiator is equipped with a remote control unit capable of displaying mission data, operational status and mission surveillance.

Mighty ROOK

In November, 2021, Elbit Systems and Roboteam launched ROOK, a multi-payload military 6X6 Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) that features unique design and built-in autonomy suite.

The ROOK UGV was developed based on the operational experience accumulated through fielding of the 4×4 PROBOT UGV systems in several countries including the U.S., France, Israel and the UK.

The ROOK was designed from scratch as a robotic UGV platform in compliance with applicable Military Standards.

A built-in TORCH-X Robotic and Autonomous (RAS) application provides ROOK with full autonomy and the capability to efficiently navigating rough terrain, during both day and night to deliver supplies, evacuate casualties, perform intelligence gathering missions (including by dispatching on-board VTOLs), and operate as a remote weapon system.

With self-weight of 1200kg, low centre of gravity and ground clearance of 24cm, ROOK is capable of carrying up to 1200kg of payloads while maintaining superior manoeuvrability and transferability.

The UGV is operated either via the TORCH-X RAS application or through an all-weather 7-inch ruggedised display unit, enabling a single operator to control several unmanned systems.

SMSS to Reduce Warfighter’s Load

Lockheed Martin’s Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) leverages robotic technologies for unmanned transport and logistical support for light, early entry and special operations forces. It solves capability gaps by lightening the warfighter’s load, serving as a power management resource, and providing a versatile utility platform for various Mission Equipment Packages.

As a large unmanned vehicle, SMSS accompanies soldiers to lessen their loads and supply an additional source for power. It incorporates a lightweight frame, efficient sensor package and can carry up to 1,200 lbs through heavy terrain.

SMSS equipped with a Gyrocam sensor could add significant value to commercial and civil missions. These important missions include firefighting, oil and gas pipelining, completing construction tasks and participating in humanitarian aid efforts. The systems can work day and night, reach remote areas in the most austere environments, increase safety for operators and provide enhanced situational awareness for difficult missions.

During a demonstration in “robots moving robots” and end-to-end autonomy, the unmanned K-MAX aircraft flew, delivered and autonomously released the SMSS into a landing zone. The SMSS performed an autonomous resupply mission, and provided additional reconnaissance and overwatch duties with a Gyrocam surveillance sensor before returning to base.

All-electric RIPSAW M5-E

In July 2021, Textron Systems and Howe & Howe Inc. delivered an all-electric version of the RIPSAW M5, known as M5-E, to Robotics Research (RR), LLC. This robotic vehicle was delivered in its flat-deck configuration to support the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center’s weapon integration testing.

The M5-E’s flat deck configuration makes it an ideal integration and test platform for modular mission packages (MMPs). As an all-electric robotic unmanned ground vehicle, the M5-E is designed to support silent manoeuvrability, without compromising power or mobility.

The M5-E supports a diverse set of missions that remove the soldier from the riskiest places on the battlefield. The system incorporates a modular open system architecture that enables a rapid exchange of payloads. Ease of integration was paramount in the system design, as there are a wide variety of payloads that can be integrated, including weapons, mine clearing, electronic warfare, counter unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS), logistic resupply and more.

Using robotic ground vehicles to perform these missions increases standoff and provides additional protection to our warfighters.

Vikhr ВMP-3 Reborn as Robot

Russia’s Vikhr ВMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle has been a reliable ground weapon since the 80s. The latest model has now been upgraded with robotic technology and can also function as an unmanned ground vehicle. A commander, gunner, and driver can perform their combat duties in safety by operating the vehicle remotely. Six cameras, mounted all around the hull allow them to monitor the combat situation from a distance. There’s also a drone to overfly the immediate vicinity to provide an extra set of electronic eyes.

Vikhr’s weapons include its 7.62 machine gun, AGS-17 grenade cannon and the primary weapon, a 30mm cannon.

Vikhr’s auxiliary scouting tools include the small remote-controlled robot that’s attached to the hull. It can be used to evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield or drop a landmine. It can also sneak up on an enemy and destroy it by self-destructing.

RCV-L Milestone

The first Robotic Combat Vehicle (Light) RCV-L was delivered to Ground Vehicle Systems Centre (GVSC) on November 5, 2020. The RCV-L, provided by the team of QinetiQ Inc. (QinetiQ) and Pratt Miller Defense (Pratt Miller), is the first of four systems to be delivered.

The RCV-L is a purpose-built hybrid-electric unmanned ground combat vehicle (UGCV) configured to meet the specific needs of the programme. It builds upon the proven maturity provided by the Pratt Miller Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle (EMAV) and integrates QinetiQ’s Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) robotic control systems to make it both highly flexible, and payload agnostic.

The U.S. Army is expected to start the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the RCV-L programme in 2023.

The unmanned vehicles have been developed to be used in the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) Soldier Operational Experiment at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2022 to advance autonomous capabilities.

Milrem Robotics’ Type-X RCV

The medium class Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) developed by Milrem Robotics, a leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer, will support mechanized units.

According to Milrem Robotics, the type-X can become an intelligent wingman to main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles and can take on the most dangerous tasks and positions, resulting in lower lethality risk.

The vehicle’s maximum speed is 80 km/h on paved roads and 50 km/h off-road. The Type-X can be fitted with cannon up to 50 mm, and it is air droppable with 30 mm cannon. The C-130J and the KC-390 can carry one Type-X, A400M two and a C-17 5 of them.

The RCV’s low weight of 12 tonnes promises high power and superior terrain capability, while its low height of 2.2 m and a rear engine provide low visual and heat signature. Milrem Robotics claim that the RCV is three to four times lighter and costs significantly lower than conventional Infantry Fighting vehicles (IFV).

Designed with intelligent predictive maintenance combined with a Health and Usage Monitoring System and Line Replacement Unit principle, the RCV ensure a low Through Lifecycle Cost and logistic footprint.

The vehicle will be equipped with intelligent functions such as follow-me, waypoint navigation and obstacle detection with Artificial Intelligence being part of the algorithms.

BAE Systems’ Rolling Lab

BAE Systems’ Robotic Technology Demonstrator (RTD) represents a leap-ahead advancement for unmanned combat vehicles.

The RTD prototype showcases advanced capabilities and is adaptable for future weapon systems, sensors and other payloads. The RTD features autonomous mobility to help keep soldiers out of harm’s way, a Hybrid Electric Drive for fuel efficiency, a 30 mm remote weapons station, a suite of sensors for 360-degree situational awareness and surveillance, composite rubber track system, and a small legged robot for reconnaissance missions among other key new technologies.

The demonstrator reflects BAE Systems’ commitment to investing in the future of Army warfighting capabilities

The Robotic Technology Demonstrator is designed as a ‘rolling lab’ to integrate emerging autonomy and lethality technologies for testing. The electrical infrastructure, advanced optics, and software that have been integrated onto this highly reliable and robust chassis provides the foundation for truly game-changing battlefield capability.

The RTD technologies include sensors with 360-degree situational awareness to include long-wave infrared imaging, signal processing and video distribution.

Wiesel/Weasel Wingman

Rheinmetall’s innovative “Wiesel Wingman” autonomous combat vehicle brings together capabilities of Rheinmetall’s “Wiesel Digital” and Mission Master UGV vehicle platforms. Wiesel/Weasel fighting vehicle is the platform that forms the basis for Wiesel Wingman autonomous combat vehicle concept for the U.S. Army Robotic Combat Vehicle – Light programme.

It is based on Wiesel Digital, a fully digitalised version of the Wiesel that has been refined over the past years. This includes the full digitalisation of the vehicle and the replacement of all mechanical and hydraulic transmission elements with a digitised transmission. The Wiesel Wingman is equipped with Drive by Wire (DbW) triple redundancy. This DbW system has gone through rigorous testing, making the Wiesel Wingman the very first armoured tracked vehicle certified for on-road use with DbW.

The vehicle retains the high mobility found in existing variants of the Wiesel, with a top speed of 43mph and excellent manoeuvrability on various terrain due to its low Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and low ground pressure. The Wiesel Wingman armoured hull protects all critical components against fragmentation and small arms fire.

The Wiesel Wingman can be air-transported in a CH-47 and a CH-53 as an internal or external load. Mission Master

The Rheinmetall Mission Master is a unique family of Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs) designed to support military troops in dangerous missions, difficult terrain, and hostile weather conditions.

On top of being valuable for reconnaissance and surveillance operations, the Mission Master platforms can be fitted for tactical overwatch, fire support, medical evacuation, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) detection, communication relay, and any other type of missions that may require the support of an A-UGV.

Each Mission Master vehicle is already networked with both Rheinmetall’s soldier system and the Rheinmetall Command and Control Software, which are compatible in any user’s battle management system.

The Mission Master SP is a low-profile A-UGV engineered to provide assistance and reduce danger to dismounted soldiers in a wide range of missions, including high-risk situations. With its low-signature electric motor, the Mission Master SP excels in any scenario requiring stealth and agility.

The Mission Master XT is a rugged A-UGV designed to accompany troops in all kinds of missions, especially in challenging environments. With its total mobility in extreme terrain and advanced amphibious capabilities, it reliably transports payloads of up to 1000 kg in even the most unforgiving conditions.

A reliable ally in the field, the Mission Master XT can travel 750 km without refuelling.

TRX on Track

Part of the Robotic Combat Vehicle-Medium (RCV-M) class, General Dynamics Land Systems’ (GDLS) Tracked Robot 10-Tonne (TRX) features innovative thinking, ranging from its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced design to advanced, lightweight materials and a hybrid-electric propulsion system. TRX has a payload capacity to accommodate any mission equipment package.

Its power and size make it an ideal platform for multirole MUM-T on today’s battlefield. TRX is positioned to provide superior performance as an enabling technology in a myriad of critical battlefield roles, including direct and indirect fire, autonomous resupply, complex obstacle breaching, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), electronic warfare (EW), reconnaissance and other battlefield missions.

Multi-Utility Tactical Transport (MUTT) is a semi-autonomous robotic platform that reduces physical burden on the dismounted Soldier and can be equipped with an array of Modular Mission Payloads. It is the most intuitive, capable and reliable UGV ever produced and the first of its kind to be selected for service alongside dismounted troops.

MUTT uses unique methods of control, such as the dismount following tether or the easy-to-use one-handed RC controller, which minimise soldiers’ physical and cognitive loads during dismounted missions.

ELTA’s REX Hybrid Electric Platform

ELTA’s Robotic & Autonomous Systems offer an array of off-road, robotic and autonomous solutions for military (land warfare), paramilitary, national security forces and commercial markets. The solutions apply Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) to enhance ground force’s manoeuvrability, survivability, and lethality.

ELTA’s REX is a hybrid electric platform adapted to a range of ground missions with advanced manoeuvrability and the ability to carry a load of 1.3t.

It supports combat forces in gathering intelligence, providing logistical support and helps to execute remote attacks. The vehicle can be both land-based and amphibian, autonomous with C2 capabilities or operated by a single user through wireless communication. The system utilises sensors and radar through its situation-awareness system to gather intelligence.

The REX MK II can engage in combat by using remotely controlled weapons systems including a 7.62mm machine gun and a cal 0.50 heavy machine gun.

Combat-ready RoBattle

Israel Aerospace Industries’ RoBattle is an unmanned, heavy duty, highly manoeuvrable combat and support robotic system. The system is designed to be integrated with tactical forces in mobile, dismounted operations and support a wide range of missions including intelligence, surveillance and armed reconnaissance; convoy protection, decoy, and ambush and attack.

RoBattle is equipped with a modular “robotic kit” comprising vehicle control, navigation, Real-Time (RT) mapping and autonomy, sensors and mission payloads. The system can be operated autonomously in several levels and configured with wheels or tracks, to address the relevant operational needs. Operators can equip RoBattle with different payloads including manipulator arms, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sensors and radars, and remotely controlled weapons.

Dependable Companions

AGVs are not only here to stay, but also evolve into much more smarter versions. Sized to meet the evolving needs, most of the robotic vehicles can deploy and will be transportable by standard air, rail, and sea modes of transportation. They will be survivable against current and emerging threats to deliver soldiers into the fight and assist them to a point of positional advantage on the battlefield.

The demand for military robotic and autonomous systems is expected to grow due to the need for modernisation of military platforms with the rise in defence spending.

If soldiers view AGVs as most reliable companions, they have every reason to do so.

Reference Text/Pic

https://apps.dtic.mil, www.lockheedmartin.com, www.iai.co.il

www.baesystems.com, www.elbiysystems.com, www.gdls.com

www.rheinmetall.com. www.textronsystems.com

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