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2019-12-05

Future Armies to Switch to UGVs?

The robotisation of military equipment stands as one of the key priorities guiding scientific and technological progress in the defence sector. Here, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) provide a comprehensive operational solution to reduce casualties and facilitate long-term personnel reductions in various operational scenarios, including deterrence, discovery, identification, warning, confinement and threat destruction.

An advanced suite of sensors provides all-weather sensing alongside high-performance navigation, obstacle detection/avoidance and accurate vehicle control. These capabilities are achieved via fusion algorithms and prediction, navigation sensors (GPS, DGPA, INS, compass and odometers) and a highly accurate state vector.

The global UGV market is projected to grow from US$2.7 billion to US$7 billion by 2025 at a rate of 14.81 per cent. This increase in the forecast period is being driven by multiple army modernisation programmes that are underpinned by rapid technological advancement and the need to increase force mass while reducing manpower burdens and preparing operations in more complex urban environments.

In this two-part series, Nation Shield discusses the UGV modernisation programmes under development in various countries.

Australian BAE Robotic Programme

BAE Systems is currently working with the Australian Army to automatise its two M113 AS4 APCs and so implement the army’s Robotic & Autonomous Systems Strategy focused on the exploitation of emerging technologies. Army engineers and technicians are hence running a six-month project to install hardware and software in the vehicles, so enabling them to operate autonomously.

The innovative autonomous technologies being explored here could remove soldiers from future battlefields and enable a range of other applications, including intelligence gathering and logistics support. Such on-board systems have been designed to comply with the rules of engagement which always require humans in the decision-making loop.

The Australian Army has recently trialled a 6x6 UGV called the Mission Adaptable Platform System (MAPS) during the biennial ‘Talisman Sabre 2019’ exercise. The Mission Adaptable Platform System (MAPS) is a medium-sized semi-autonomous unmanned platform developed by Praesidium Global for the Australian Armed Forces.

Currently under trial by the Australian Army, MAPS has a range of plug and play options from an on-board recharge generator and additional battery pack through to Acoustic Gun Shot Detection, Remote Weapons Station combined with armoured side skirts affording a high level of ballistic protection and survivability. Being rugged, flexible and easy to operate, the MAPS UGV has the capability to conduct ISR missions, prove routes, extract and transport casualties, support tactical resupply and employ heavy weapons accurately.

MAPS supports a wide range of ISR and weapon payloads. Utilising the EOS R400 remote weapons mount, the MAPS UGV can provide a stable and accurate direct fire weapon platform for weapons as powerful as the low recoil 30mm cannon.

Suited to both tactical and non-tactical employment, the MAPS-MULE carries heavy loads in field and FOB environments, with the trailer deploying remote-controlled MULE shifts equipment around brigade admin areas, FARPS and warehouses. These can be set to follow human command or operate between pre-programmed points autonomously, entailing that the MULE makes moving stores and equipment easy so reducing the burden on dismounted troops.

UGVs Reduce Belarus Casualties

The arms exporter Belarus’s Belspetsvneshtekhnika (BSVT) has developed the Berserk unmanned combat ground vehicle (UCGV). The robotised Berserk marks a new stage in the development of unmanned combat vehicles where remote control guarantees personnel safety when performing combat missions.

Using the latest optronic systems ensures easy control and high accuracy of target detection and recognition. Its excellent manoeuvrability and off-road ability permit the tasks to be fulfilled in difficult terrain and in all weather conditions, where it can accomplish a broad range of tasks and perform effectively in different conditions of combat environment.

The Berserk is a versatile UCGV, capable of striking both air and ground targets including enemy light armoured vehicles and troops. Fire accuracy is at a distance of 400 metres, 100 bullets out of 100 hit the bull’s eye at a diameter of 15 cm.

This innovative UCGV is armed with a four-barrelled 7.62-mm GShG aircraft machine gun firing at a rate of up to 6,000 rounds per minute. From a stationary position, it can strike ground and aerial targets moving at a speed of 300 km/h at ranges up to 1,000 metres.

The Berserk is equipped with optronic equipment and a thermal imager, enabling it to detect UAVs at ranges up to 3 km and up to 10 km for a helicopter. The system has a powerful radio transmitter both for telemetry signals and for transmitting high-definition video.

The Berserk is guaranteed a range of reliable control of about two kilometres in urban areas and more than five kilometres in open terrain. If necessary, the combat control radius can be increased using a repeater installed on a quadcopter, while the operator controlling the UCGV uses a universal remote, much as with a video game.

In summary, the Berserk boasts high manoeuvrability and powerful electric motors to provide high mobility. Its main advantage over competitors is the versatile platform enabling the creation of UGVs of various modifications while presenting high potential for upgrading.

Estonia’s MUGS Consortium

Estonia is developing the Modular Unmanned Ground System (MUGS) and is leading a consortium of European countries made up of Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia and Spain. The countries have agreed on technical requirements to add additional funds on top of the US$34.1 million that they have requested from the European Defence Fund.

The aim of the consortium is to develop ‘the F-16 of unmanned ground systems’ with troop safety deemed as a priority. Hence, in August this year, the Director of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (ECDI) signed an agreement with the above mentioned countries for the development of Modular Unmanned Ground Systems (MUGS).

One of the members of the consortium is Estonian company Milrem Robotics, the developer behind THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles, now seeking to include the development of a command and control system, cyber defence solution and integrated network of sensors within the framework of the project. The system's initial operational functions are associated with improving situational awareness on the battlefield and raising the level of efficiency of the manoeuvring and transportation capabilities of units.

The UGVs will also feature autonomous mobility software enabling the operator to control multiple land and aerial platforms simultaneously. The main feature of the vehicles will hence be able to work in tandem with manned and aerial vehicles.

The first prototype of the system is scheduled to be unveiled in 2021. The Estonian Defence Forces has already used the Spring Storm 2019 exercise to test the THeMIS UGV manufactured by Milrem Robotics and FN Herstal.

Canada Orders Multi-purpose Robots

Nexter Robotics has been awarded C$6 million (€4 million) by the Canadian Army to provide a total of 88 NERVA multi-purpose robots under its High Research Secured-Remotely Operated Vehicle Systems requirement. The deal includes 79 NERVA LG, nine NERVA-XX robots and in-service support.

As a robust, intuitive and reliable mobile platform, the throwable and fully waterproof NERVA LG can be integrated very easily into combat systems. It can be used for remote observation, detection, destruction (IED), manipulation, jamming and triggering (trip wires), while beyond its high level of performances and extreme robustness, NERVA LG can be easily controlled from any standard PC, tablet or smartphone with semi-autonomous capabilities to reduce operator’s workload, such as way-point navigation or automatic back homing when missions are completed.

Being easy to deploy and launchable with high-speed capability fitting to the tempo of operations, the NERVA LG is particularly well-suited to reconnaissance and opening up potentially dangerous areas (IED or CBRN threats). Beyond its native reconnaissance capabilities, the platform can now address an extended set of missions when equipped with payloads from its fast-growing catalogue while, coupled with a UAV for transport or radio relay, the NERVA robots can conduct defence, safety, surveillance and rescue missions.

French Robotic Troop Protection

As part of the Army’s Scorpion programme, France’s MoD. ordered 56 Nerva and Caméléon UGVs from Nexter in August this year with the aim of protecting dismounted troops in various environments, enabling them to counter threats at greater ranges and gather intelligence regularly. Three UGVs were included in the deal: the 3 kg Nerva S reconnaissance; the 5 kg Nerva LG extended reconnaissance; and the 12 kg NervaXX/Caméléon LG engineering vehicle.

The Caméléon LG E has been developed by ECA Group as a lightweight and high endurance mini UGV dedicated to IEDD and EOD missions, with its modular architecture and Plug & Play systems enabling a wide range of payloads and sensors to be mounted, ranging from manipulator arms, detection and neutralisation sensors, and water disrupters. Moreover, the ultra-light Operator Control Unit is designed with a user-friendly interface for intuitive use.

On-field, the Caméléon LG is designed to be quickly deployable without slowing down or hindering tactical movements. It can be carried in a backpack in addition to the standard equipment of an infantry soldier deployed in Operations abroad (OPEX) missions, while it is operational in only three minutes.

Resistant (IP65) to dust, water and shocks, the Caméléon can work in harsh environments and reach inaccessible places such as windows, balconies, low walls, terraces, caves and cliffs. It can be loaded in all types of military vehicles without any storage box.

The Caméléon’s high-resolution cameras, with their light, small size, agility and off-road capabilities, were specifically designed to carry out inspection of terrain, culverts, homes, caches or undersides of vehicles in search of IEDs, suspicious packages or hidden triggering devices. Learning how to use the Caméléon is easy, quick and without the requirement of long training courses.

In addition, Caméléon has been designed specifically to enhance the ergonomics of the touch screen, controls and buttons. In this respect, the operator can control the robot easily, interpreting received images and data, directing and manipulating the arm and sensors. Its auto-diagnostic maintenance system helps reduce the operator's workload, while the control station is also shock, water and dust resistant.

The French Army is also looking to equip its troops with the VBAE by 2025, a new light-armoured vehicle with the potential for unmanned, remote-controlled capability. Here, the military requirement is estimated to be in the range of 800-2,000 platforms.

Germany’s Multiple-Sector Throwable UGVs

Now part of FLIR, Endeavour Robotics has delivered 44 throwable UGVs to Germany having passed filed tests to compare their performance against the German government’s requirements. These robots are used across multiple sectors, including military, law enforcement and the energy industry.

The five-pound 'throwable' robot can be dropped 16-feet onto concrete without sustaining damage. The recordable day/night cameras and two-way audio provide the user with immediate awareness of their surroundings.

FLIR FirstLook is a throwable, rugged and expandable robot that enables immediate situational awareness, performs persistent observation and investigates dangerous and hazardous material while keeping its operator out of harm’s way. FirstLook facilitates operations where other robots cannot normally fit or manoeuvre, enabling this rugged, lightweight robot to be inserted into structures and provide operators with visual, audio and sensor feedback before entry.

The robot climbs small obstacles, overcomes curbs, turns in place and self-rights when flipped over, entailing that FirstLooks are often used to clear buildings and detect IEDs. The remote-controlled robot acts as 'eyes and ears' allowing the human operator to increase their stand-off distance from potential threats, while the camera's audio and video recordings also provide critical post-mission analysis.

Netherlands Receive Hybrid UGVs

The Dutch Army took delivery of two Milrem Robotics THeMIS UGVs in April as part of the Army’s Concept Development and Experimentation Project. This programme explores the opportunities presented by UGVs in order to increase combat power and decrease the risk to soldiers.

The Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System, or THeMIS for short, is the world’s first fully modular, unmanned hybrid ground vehicle. The vehicle is intended to provide support for dismounted troops by serving as a transport platform, remote weapon station, IED detection and disposal unit, while the vehicle’s open architecture gives it the multi-mission capability much needed on the modern battlefield.

The THeMIS is a multipurpose tracked vehicle that can be equipped with other warfighting technology, such as weapon systems, tethered drones, IED detection devices, becoming the industry standard UGV sought out for various payload integration projects. Together with partners like Kongsberg, FN Herstal, MBDA, ST Engineering, a dozen different systems have already been integrated, while live firing tests having been conducted for five different weapon systems, including an anti-tank missile launcher.

Norway Acquires Man-transportable Robots

September saw the Norwegian Defence Forces award FLIR Systems Inc. a contract to provide 20 plus PackBot UGVs, spare parts and training to upgrade and expand their existing fleet.

FLIR PackBot is a man-transportable robot that performs bomb disposal, surveillance and reconnaissance, CBRN detection and HazMat handling operations. PackBot easily climbs stairs and navigates narrow passages, relaying real-time video, audio and sensor data while the operator stays at a safer, standoff distance.

The PackBot manipulator lifts up to 44 lb (20 kg) deployable by one person in less than two minutes. What is more, this robot stows neatly in the vehicle, even fitting in a car’s trunk.

In next month’s edition, Nation Shield completes the second of this two-part series with a continuation and extension of the discussion of how new UGV programmes are set to have a global impact.

Reference Text/Photo:

www.defenceiq.com,images.defence.gov.au, Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence,

www.flir.comwww.nexter-group.fr,

www.praesidiumglobal.com.au,

www.baesystems.com,

www.milremrobotics.com

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