03 Oct 16. Milrem and QinetiQ North America (QNA) today launched Titan, the first fully modular, hybrid unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that complies with the initial requirements put forth in the U.S. Army’s Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) Initiative. Milrem and QinetiQ partnered to create a breakthrough UGV that combines Milrem’s THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System), the first fully modular hybrid unmanned ground vehicle made for military applications, with QinetiQ’s robotic control technology: the TRC (Tactical Robot Controller) and RAK (Robotic Appliqué Kit). This joint solution not only meets, but exceeds, the rigorous SMET program requirements. As a multi-mission vehicle platform, Titan can assist and replace soldiers on the battlefield to perform complex and hazardous tasks. The US Army, in partnership with industry, is developing and testing early prototypes of SMET autonomous vehicles. The Army has provided an outline of expected capabilities including:
• Able to haul a squad of soldier gear and keep up for a typical 72-hour patrol
• Have enough power to charge additional devices
• Capable of fitting in the back of a helicopter or slung below
• Able to carry an array of sensors and weaponry to defend itself
Unlike existing UGVs, Titan is a highly modular platform that allows different superstructures to be easily mounted and integrated onto the middle vehicular platform for complex missions such as rescue, transport, combat, and reconnaissance. The flexibility and versatility of the system not only increases efficiency, but also significantly reduces warfighter and operator workload and lowers total life-cycle system costs.
Additional benefits include:
• Increases unit capability and squad support on extended missions
• Increases mission effectiveness
• Improves safety for warfighters
• Provides high load carrying capability and off-road mobility
• Diesel/Electric hybrid offers run-silent mode and squad auxiliary power
• Operable in unmanned or manned modes
Milrem and QinetiQ North America will display the vehicle during AUSA 2016 in Washington, D.C. Monday, October 3-5.
“Milrem’s THeMIS and its unique architecture have been well-received worldwide, with testing programs underway in four countries,” said Kuldar Väärsi, Milrem’s CEO. “We highly value our partnership with QinetiQ NA, a technology leader in the unmanned ground vehicle sector. Together, we’re providing a perfect match of technologies that delivers highly advanced robotic capabilities for the US Army.”
“The launch of Titan is a massive achievement that we are proud to bring to market for the U.S. military,” said Jon Hastie, Product Manager at QinetiQ North America. “Our extensive development and robotic systems engineering experience, combined with the Milrem’s field-tested THeMIS, will give troops an asset that will significantly reduce workload and increase soldier safety.”
Milrem’s vehicles for the US market will be constructed in the United States, with manufacturing preparations already underway. THeMIS was first introduced in London during the DSEI exhibition to high interest. Since then, Milrem has partnered with several well-known defense and commercial companies including Raytheon UK, Singapore Technologies Kinetics, and Leica Geosystems to produce specific, purpose-built UGVs.
29 Sep 16. USN shows the art of the possible with its concept for an advanced 81mm mortar. The US Navy is developing an upgrade to the 81mm mortar that can fly further and is more accurate than the legacy weapon yet launches from the existing mortar tube.
Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren Division, Virginia, has been test firing inert Advanced Capability Extended Range Mortars (ACERM), most recently achieving a range of 22.6 km, which is a 200% increase in performance, an ACERM programme official told IHS Jane’s at the Modern Day Marine exposition at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia, on 27 September.
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