Unmanned Ground Vehicles Reviewed
Written by Phil Kiver
SOTECH 2010 Volume: 8 Issue: 5 (July)
ROBOTS LARGE AND SMALL AND
THEIR SPECIAL APPLICATIONS.
Unmanned ground vehicles have evolved greatly over the past year, as U.S. military forces invested heavily in new technology and designs applicable to the ever-changing threats on the battlefield and at home. Special Operations Technology gives a look at these new configurations, and applications.
ICOR Technology
ICOR Technology’s new UGV comes in at 140 pounds and 17.25 inches wide, with a single turreted manipulator arm capable of 5 axes of movement, the CALIBER T5 is ideal for tactical surveillance and inspection, breaching and negotiations. The two-speed, chain-driven transmission will get users downrange at a top speed of 5 mph using rubber tracks, making stairs and rough terrain easy to navigate. Five color cameras, including front and rear infrared drive cameras, claw camera, weapons camera, and 26x-zoom PTZ camera increase situational awareness, while the weapons system and two-way (speak/listen) audio system allows users to take action when needed. The T5 is designed specifically for the narrow corridors of plane, train and bus aisles, and with the optional arm extension kit, can easily inspect and retrieve suspicious packages in overhead compartments.
ICOR Technology UGV
Mission Time: 2 - 4 hours+, mission dependent
Width: 17.25 inches (44 cm)
Height (Stowed Position): 22 inches (56 cm)
Length: 34.5 inches (87 cm)
Ground Clearance: 2.75 inches (7 cm) - allows for driving in snow and sand
Weight: 140 pounds (64 kg)
Drag Capacity: Min 200 pounds (91 kg)
Stair Climbing: Climbs 8 inch (20 cm) stairs at 45 degrees with suitable traction
Weather Resistance: Environmentally sealed; chem-bio wash down capability
QinetiQ North America
QinetiQ North America’s Dragon Runner small unmanned ground vehicle is a lightweight, rugged robot used for missions ranging from reconnaissance and surveillance to placing and setting off explosive charges. Dragon Runner can operate under most environmental conditions and navigate most types of terrain. The robot is controlled through a radio link to and from a wearable operator control unit (OCU), providing precise vehicle control and day or night camera views. The weight of the system ranges from a mere 17 pounds to 40 pounds based upon mission selected accessories. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 5 mph, uses standard military batteries, and can run up to four hours on a single charge. A Dragon Runner and its OCU can be carried in a single rucksack or distributed across the team to reduce soldier load. The Picatinny rail mounting system enables the vehicle to carry various payloads that enhance the platform’s capability, such as additional lights and cameras, CBRNE sensors, dump buckets, trip wire rods, etc. Dragon Runner is ideally suited for small teams operating out of their rucksacks that need to send camera systems, listening devices and sensors ahead of their element to detect enemy activities, determine safe routes of passage and provide early warning for defensive positions.
“Dragon Runners first operated in the battle of Fallujah and continue to support dismounted soldiers today in the mountains of Afghanistan,” stated Chris Langford, QinetiQ North America’s Dragon Runner product manager.
QinetiQ North America developed the new MAARS unmanned ground vehicle through contracts with USSOCOM, U.S. Army RDECOM’s ARDEC and DoD CTTSO’s EOD-LIC, and internal investment. Using USSOCOM and U.S. Army lessons learned from the preceding development, testing and combat fielding of the weaponized SWORDS system, MAARS was freshly created from the ground up to meet USSOCOM requirements as a purpose-built system possessing advanced computing power, self-protection features, mobility, modularity, communications, sensor payloads, safety features, power management, maintainability and force application capabilities. MAARS is a remotely manned system that only functions when receiving properly coded instructions from its operator. It is primarily a mobile sensor platform that allows remote emplacement of RSTA technologies into critical locations up to several kilometers away, providing early warning while enabling immediate response without exposing friendly forces to enemy actions. “We take considerable pride in protecting our fighting men and women, and MAARS increases their safety, early warning and precision response,” stated retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Charles Dean, the director of unmanned systems products at QinetiQ North America.
Marshall Land Systems
QUESTAR of Marshall Land Systems is an agile vehicle which can be remotely, semi or fully autonomously controlled depending on the user’s requirements. QUESTAR was developed to address the need for a fully autonomous reconnaissance and surveillance UGV.
“The expertise which we have gained over the years in unmanned ground vehicles has given us a strong ability to design and develop UGVs which meet customer requirements. QUESTAR is a prime example of this agility,” said Peter Callaghan, chief executive of Marshall Land Systems.
The vehicle’s payload can be tailored to the operational requirements and can include communications re-broadcast; optical, IR or thermal imaging sensors; radar, CBRNE reconnaissance systems; and can be fitted with an extending mast to provide a remotely operated sensor platform with the ability to look over obstacles. QUESTAR can be configured to meet any number of operationally dangerous missions such as C-IED work, CBRN recce, deployed/detached/roving surveillance and sentry tasks and route reconnaissance. Its small size and speed make it a difficult target. Its simplicity makes it a life and manpower saver.
QUESTAR
Drive: 4x4 wheel drive or tracks (quick change from wheels to tracks)
Steering: Skid Steer
Dimensions: 900mm length x 590mm width x 800mm height
Energy: LiFePO4 High Energy Density Rechargeable Batteries
Endurance: 1.5 hours (depending on usage)
Range: 1.86 m (depending on usage)
Tare weight: 108 pounds
Payload: 44 pounds
Speed: Up to 18.6 mph (normally limited to 20 km/h)
Gradeability: 40º all axes (depending on C of G of payload)
Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC)
The Autonomous Platform Demonstrator (APD), developed by Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), is an updated version of the center’s successful Crusher, a 6.5-ton unmanned ground vehicle that was unveiled in 2006. Like Crusher, the APD was designed from the ground up as an unmanned vehicle; it is both exceptionally tough and capable of negotiating extremely rugged terrain.
Key parameters for the APD established by its sponsor, the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), include a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, a significant challenge for a skid-steered vehicle. TARDEC also directed that the APD have the ability to autonomously perform a single lane change. Its size requirements include the ability to deploy two vehicles on a C-130.
The APD makes use of the latest suspension, lightweight chassis technologies, and hybrid-electric drive technologies. The APD program, begun in 2007, also includes the development of enhanced mobility capabilities to push the envelope for autonomous and semi-autonomous operation.
Avantguard
Avantguard UGCV is already trialed and certified by the Israeli army and relying on the technological strength and capabilities of the Guardium UGV system, the AvantGuard unmanned ground combat vehicle expands the applications envelop to further encompass ground maneuvering combat missions. This platform features high maneuverability while operating in harsh terrain environments. Employing a set of modular payloads and relying on its endurance, the unit can be effectively deployed in a variety of combat missions including: advance guard, armed sentry, combat logistic support, casevac and more. It is controlled by mobile or portable operational control unit. It can also operate in a followme mode, where it is autonomously trailing a guide foot soldier or guide vehicle.
Relieving the extreme weight load on the dismounted soldier, the Guardium-LS UGV, a versatile, multipurpose autonomous unmanned ground vehicle, replenishes forward troops with up to 1.2 tons of ammunition and supplies without endangering manned vehicles over IEDs plagued routes.
Avantguard UGCV
Engine: Kubota - V3800DI-T; 4Cylinder Turbo
Diesel, 100 horsepower (max. intermittent)
Vehicle Weight: 3,850 pounds / 1,746 kg
Ground Clearance: 14 inches
Turning Ratios: Zero
Payload Capacity: 2,400 pounds / 1,088 kg
Track Footprint: (4) 16.5 inches wide; 36 inches long
Hydrostatic Drivers (No Gears or Chain)
Maximum Speed: 20 kph / 12 mph
The Guardium-LS UGV equips the warfighter with a tool kit for a variety of operational scenarios as route proving, base protection and combat logistic support.
Based on the mission’s requirements, the Guardium is commanded either through mobile or portable terminals or act in a mule mode, where it autonomously follows a squad unit.
Guardium-LS UGV
Height: 2.2 meters / 7.2 feet / 86 inches
Width: 1.8 meters / 5.9 feet / 70 inches
Length: 3.42 meters / 11.2 feet / 134.5 inches
Weight: 1,200 kg
Payload: 1,200 kg
Max speed: 50 kph (in semi-autonomous mode)
Endurance: 24 hours and up to days of continuous operation
Power Plant: Heavy and standard fuels’ engines are available
ReconRobotics
The Recon Scout XT from ReconRobotics is a throwable, mobile reconnaissance robot weighing less than 1.3 pounds (525 grams). Used by the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Navy in Iraq and Afghanistan, the XT is prized because of its extremely low total system weight and very quiet operation. It is designed to survive throws of up to 120 feet (31 meters) and can be deployed in just five seconds, enabling warfighters to quickly gain situational awareness during special operations raids, urban warfare actions and reconnaissance missions. Equipped with large motors, powerful drive trains and aggressive wheels, the Recon Scout XT can move through dirt, sand and rocks. Once it is deployed, the XT can be directed to move quietly through a building, bunker, culvert or walled compound and transmit live video up to 300 feet (91 meters) to a small handheld operator control unit. This video reconnaissance can be used to locate enemy combatants, civilians and IEDs, giving the warfighter a tactical advantage that would be impossible to obtain with larger 10kg+ robot systems. The XT is equipped with an infrared optical system that automatically turns on when the ambient light is low, enabling the warfighter to see in complete darkness. By using the provided tether, warfighters can also lower the device into a shaft or cave to search for hidden weapons. The Recon Scout is the only reconnaissance robot that is practical for immediate use at the unit or team level. Should the team come across a suspected IED during foot patrols or route clearing operations, the scout can be thrown from a safe distance and driven up to the package for inspection. This allows the team to operate quickly and reduces false alarm calls to EOD personnel.
ECA-SSI
ECA-SSI, a leader in ground robotics, has developed a lightweight EOD/ surveillance robot to assist military agencies in the detection and removal of hazardous objects and explosives. What was once a dangerous and tedious task is now safe and productive using the Sidewinder XL. This low profile robotic system offers a removable manipulator arm and an advanced monitoring system made up of four cameras. Device identification is achieved by using either the forward-facing tilting camera, the gripper camera, the turret camera, or the rearfacing camera. Two of the four cameras are 0 lux night vision cameras, enabling the user to identify potential devices in extremely low light situations. In addition, the gripper camera aids in the delicate tasks required to retrieve a device of unknown design. Gone are the days of waiting hours for the bomb truck to arrive and prepare the robot. The Sidewinder XL is designed to be deployed and en route in under a minute. Also, the Sidewinder XL weighs in at 28 pounds and is easily deployable by a single soldier. “This is a game changer for the military community” said Jake Carey, sales manager for ECASSI’s Ground Robotics Division. Traditionally when there is a bomb threat, the team is required to deploy the larger platform robots, which takes time and multiple personnel; this is not the case with the Sidewinder XL. “Not only does the Sidewinder XL deliver faster and more accurate device detection, its portable size and minimal cost enables the military to deploy more robots in a hostile environment, which ultimately saves lives.”
DOK-ING
DOK-ING is a privately owned Croatian company established in 1991. Today, DOKING is one of the international leaders in the production of mine clearance systems and is ISO 9001:2000 certified. To support its global operations, DOK-ING maintains offices in Croatia, South Africa and the United States. DOK-ING currently exports its products to 24 countries around the world and is an authorized supplier for the United States Army.
The MV-4 mini mine clearing system is designed to clear various types of terrain containing anti-personnel (AP) mines. Because of its dimensions and maneuverability, it is suitable for de-mining of house yards, woods, forest paths, river banks and other types of terrain that are inaccessible to larger machines.
The operating tool for digging and mine clearance consists of a flail and roller mounted in front of the machine that destroy even the smallest anti-personnel mines and the most dangerous types of jumping/bouncing anti-personnel mines. The system features high performance and provides safety for the de-miners and dog teams that follow the mechanical clearance. The system is light at 5.31 metric tons, has excellent cross-country performance and is operated by remote control. The force of the flail hammers is calculated to enable cutting through dense vegetation and digging into soil to a depth of 20 cm. Strict requirements have been set in the development of this light machine, such as safe clearance of antipersonnel mines, intensive use in the most severe working conditions, ability to work on soil with a hardness rating in the first to fourth category, ability to work in extremely high temperatures, high performance, modular design, lowest possible maintenance requirements, and environmental protection. Because of its small dimensions, very good maneuverability, high engine power, and low track-ground pressure, the DOK-ING MV-4 can work year round in almost all conditions. The clearing productivity is up to 2000 square meters per hour.
The MV-20 heavy double flail-tiller mine clearing system is design to clear various types of terrain containing anti-personnel (AP) mines, anti-tank (AT) mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Because of its power and excellent clearance rate, it is suitable for mine clearance of huge areas contaminated with all types of mines and UXO.
The operating tools for digging and mine clearance are consisted of a flail unit and tiller unit in front of machine that destroy all types of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines and unexploded ordnance. The MV-20 is operated by single machine operator through remote control. The system has a capacity for penetrating the soil in depth of 40-50 cm, depending on the type of soil. Because of its dimensions, maneuverability, high engine power and low track-ground pressure, the MV-20 can work year round in almost all conditions. The clearing productivity is up to 5,000 square meters per hour.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is developing and will produce the Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) Armed Robotic Vehicle–Assault (Light).
The MULE ARV-A(L) offers a capability that will support the U.S. Army’s ongoing transformation to a lighter, more mobile fighting force. The MULE’s unique mobility will enable it to go everywhere the soldier can go and more. It will allow soldiers of the transformed Army to use technology to do the dull, dirty and dangerous jobs of the current forces, freeing them to focus on the success of their missions. “There is growing anticipation from our U.S. Army customer for the utility the MULE will bring to the warfighter,” said Don Nimblett, senior business development manager for Lockheed Martin. “The current MULE ARV-A(L) development program continues to achieve important milestones.” The MULE’s unique, advanced 6x6 independent articulated suspension provides extreme mobility in complex terrain, exceeding that of more conventional suspension systems. It will climb at least a 1 meter step, span a 1 meter gap, and offers the mobility and performance required to safely follow troops over rough terrain, through rock and debris fields, and over urban rubble.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is developing the new Squad Mission Support System (SMSS), leveraging robotic technologies for future robotic weapons systems. SMSS will provide manned and unmanned transport and logistical support to the light and early entry forces. In April, Lockheed Martin conducted a series of demonstration tests for military attendees at its facility in Littleton, Colo., that showed the SMSS vehicle can perform detailed logistics tasks without human control. SMSS demonstrated its ease of operability in real-time controllerto- controller hand-offs, allowing different operators to take control of the vehicle as it arrived at new locations. “These demonstrations proved the military can benefit from SMSS as an autonomous logistics vehicle to move parts, tools and materiel around fixed installations,” said Don Nimblett, senior business development manager for Lockheed Martin. “SMSS has proved through performance that our approach to autonomy is flexible and adaptable to a variety of platforms and missions.” The SMSS was initially developed as a Lockheed Martin initiative to lighten the load for light infantry and Marines. A highly mobile 6x6 vehicle, carry 1,200 pounds of gear for a 9- to person squad, and it can accompany the squad on many missions through heavy terrain. The fully loaded SMSS can be sling-loaded under a UH-60L helicopter, or carried internally in a CH-47/53 helicopter, both very important in the current war fight of austere environments.
iRobot
iRobot’s 510 PackBot is a tactical mobile robot capable of performing multiple missions while keeping warfighters and first responders out of harm’s way. The robot’s modular digital architecture accommodates a wide variety of interchangeable payloads that enable a variety of missions including detection of explosives and hazardous materials, bomb disposal, route clearance, surveillance and reconnaissance.
This platform is operational in all weather conditions and can withstand submersion in 6 feet of water, easily climb stairs, roll over rubble and navigate narrow passages, traveling at speeds of up to 5.8 miles per hour. With a shock-resistant chassis, the robot can withstand a 6-foot drop onto concrete, tumble down stairs and be deployed from a low-altitude helicopter. In addition, it is portable and can be hand carried and deployed by one person in less than two minutes. The PackBot relays real-time video, audio and other sensor readings, and the operator can view a 2-D or 3-D image of the robot on the control unit, allowing for precise positioning. It also relays real-time video, audio and other sensor readings while the operator stays at a safe standoff distance. The operator can view a 2-D or 3-D image of the robot on the control unit, allowing for precise positioning. PackBot also features a game-style hand controller for faster training and easier operation in the field.
iRobot’s 710 Warrior carries heavy payloads, travels over rough terrain and climbs stairs while maintaining full mobility. 710 Warrior performs a variety of critical missions including, bomb disposal, route clearance, surveillance and reconnaissance. The robot features an advanced digital architecture and a sturdy platform that supports payloads exceeding 150 pounds, and is designed for indoor and outdoor use, operating in all weather conditions.
320 SUGV, a smaller and lighter version of the combat-proven PackBot, is a tactical mobile robot that gathers situational awareness in dangerous conditions. Adaptable and expandable, SUGV has a modular design which accommodates a wide range of optional payloads and sensors, making it capable of performing various missions, including dismounted explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), surveillance, route clearance and reconnaissance. Lightweight and easy to carry, SUGV weighs about 30 pounds. SUGV is able to climbs stairs, roll over obstacles and enter inaccessible and dangerous areas, all while easily navigating rough terrain and urban settings. The robot operates in a variety of conditions and weather.
PackBot 510
Weight: 41 pounds (18.6 kg)
Endurance: 2 NiCad packs allow the robot to function for 2-12 hours, depending on mission profile, and travel up to 6+ miles (9.6 km). Battery expansion kit is available.
Range: Communications fully digital 2.4 GHz - up to 3,280feet/1,000 m range
320 SUGV
Weight: 32 pounds (14.5 kg)
Endurance: 2 BB-2590/U Batteries allow for more than six hours of operation
Range: laser range finder–1 km, communications wireless range (LOS)–3,280 feet (1,000 m)
ECA and SAFRAN
ECA and SAFRAN, world leaders in optronics, avionics, electronics and critical software solutions for the civilian and military markets, are together focusing their efforts to integrate an ECA mini reconnaissance robot, the Cobra, into the Future Soldier System called FELIN.
The COBRA will take part in the SAFRAN future combat system as a reconnaissance robot to perform scout missions in the urban warfare environment. Equipped with several video cameras, microphone and integrated controller, the COBRA will reduce field operative exposure. “COBRA is the future combat system for modern warfare—light, compact and easily deployed, the COBRA can be adapted according its missions,” said Patrick Peras from ECA. The COBRA can transport various “mission modules” as its big brother, the CAMELEON. As result the Cobra is able to carry a thermal camera, a 360 degree video camera, R/C sensors, an EOD disruptor, etc.
Terrain and observation has always been a concern when it comes to deployment, and ECA has overcome these obstacles as well. The COBRA has four oversized high traction tires that allow it to traverse through the roughest of situations. Coupled with its light weight and mission modules, the COBRA is the perfect surveillance option for today’s soldiers. The IR camera allows for full color viewing during the day and for clear vision in Cobra complete darkness. ♦