04 Oct 05. BAE Systems showed BATTLESPACE its Armed Robotic Demonstrator at AUSA to illustrate the synergy between current and future forces. The demonstrator is an early prototype of an armed robotic vehicle equipped with operative turret components from the Bradley Combat Systems programme.

The Armed Robotic Demonstrator can be controlled from the operator’s station in the back of a manned system, illustrated from the crew compartment of a Bradley at AUSA. Gun and turret position, as well as information from a Commander’s Independent Viewer (CIV), and the Improved Bradley Acquisition System (IBAS) can be seen on a screen in the Bradley.

“As soldiers exit the vehicle, they take a Dismounted Control Device (DCD) along and continue to operate the Armed Robotic Vehicle, receiving information on a single screen,” Steve Hammond, BAE Systems project manager for the Armed Robotic Demonstrator told BATTLESPACE

“We developed the system in 6 months from concept to reality,” Herb Muktarian told BATTLESPACE. “No prototypes were fielded, this system migrated straight from the CAD-CAM system to cutting metal. The Armed Robotic Demonstrator displays the existing robotic technologies available for use by today’s forces. It provides an immediate system to illustrate advanced robotic technologies, and provide engineers with a hands-on prototype to assist in their design efforts. As the components for robotic vehicles are designed and built, they will be substituted for these Bradley components,” he continued

The Armed Robotic Demonstrator is equipped with advanced capability leveraging some of the proven capabilities available on the Bradley by utilising robust, existing components. These components provide the demonstrator with the high lethality obtained with the first-round hit, and the ability for the turret to rotate to a cue from the Commander’s Independent Viewer. The running gear is developed from the M-113 system, thus using proven products with a band track system.

The system is fully C-130 transportable (x2)at 9.5 tonnes and has a 300km operating radius. Planned enhancements include advanced robotic technology for autonomous mobility. This capability allows the Armed Robotic Demonstrator to plan routes, manoeuvre on the planned route, and avoid obstacles, all without operator intervention.