Unmanned Systems for Ground Forces

There has been enormous growth in the unmanned vehicles (UV) market over the last decade, in part led by military commitments in Afghanistan and Iraq. The market is expected to double over the next decade.

GUARDIUM UGV (Graphic: G-NIUS)

Future developments will include both new systems and upgraded variants of current systems. Many current generation UVs have been proven in operations in and over Iraq and Afghanistan, which have relatively unsophisticated air defences, radars and surface to air missiles compared to newer available defence systems.


Unmammned Air Systems (UAS)
Stealth, countermeasures and defensive aides systems are being incorporated into new UAV systems and particularly into high cost long endurance systems.  

Civil use of UAVs will continue to be restricted until legislation allows suitable airspace to become more widely available.  Improvements continue to be sought in UAV safety and reliability. In a test flight over Washington DC in 2010 the communications between the US Navys control station and the airborne FIRE SCOUT UAV was lost temporarily, and in Afghanistan the US Air Force has shot down UAVs that have gone out of control.

Micro and Mini UAVs
Micro UAVs and are small enough to hold in palm of hand, and the weight is typically less than 1 kilogramme. The small size makes them unsuitable for use in gusting or strong winds and limits the payloads to small light weight cameras. Mini UAVs are small enough to be hand launched and carried by back pack, with weight typically 5lbs and wing span 5 feet. They are for platoon, company or squad use allowing the soldiers to see over the hill or in the neighbourhood of an urban area. Generally mini and micro UAVs are considered suitable for urban warfare, perimeter security and for use inside properties and buildings by small units and by special forces, and are being incorporated into some nations Future Soldier Systems.

ALADIN with the Bundeswehr in Afghanistan (Photo: EMT)

AeroVironment specialises in mini UAVs and currently markets RAVEN, DRAGON EYE, PUMA AE and WASP Mini UAV systems. Payloads include day and night observation systems and an IR laser target designator.

UK forces have used the Lockheed Martin DESERT HAWK Mini UAV since 2004 and the AeroVironment RQ-11 RAVEN on loan from US forces since 2006. France has purchased the Thales SPY ARROW 600g Micro UAV, which is deployed in Afghanistan by French forces. SPY ARROW transmits video surveillance in real time.

In 2004 the Israeli Air Force selected Elbit Systems SKYLARK Mini UAV, which has a launch weight of 5.5 kilograms. It has an endurance of two hours, line of sight range up to 10 kilometres. The IDF used SKYLARK operationally in 2006 in the conflict with Lebanon. Export customers include Canada, Chile, France and other unspecified countries.

German and Dutch Armed Forces use the EMT ALADIN Mini UAV in Afghanistan for inconspicuous and flexible close range reconnaissance (up to 15 kilometres). ALADIN has a wingspan of 146cm, take-off weight 4kg, and an endurance of 60 minutes. EMT also manufactures the FANCOPTER Mini UAV which is particularly suitable for Special Forces and for civil applications for reconnaissance and surveillance in urban environments and inside buildings.

The Datron SCOUT A Path Forward for Organic Unmanned Systems

The UAS has become increasingly pervasive throughout military user groups the world abroad. The US alone has flown over 2.5 million UAS hours since 1999 and that number is rising exponentially. However a new push to drive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance to the organic levels for deployment to strategic squads and platoons has redefined the way battlefield commanders and small team leaders gain situational awareness in often chaotic and rapidly changing environments.

Datron SCOUT (Photo: DPM)

The Datron SCOUT, designed by Aeryon Labs, showcases the path forward for these small, organic unmanned systems: man-portable, rugged and easy to fly in extreme weather conditions. Due to the systems unparalleled performance and flight stability the SCOUT has become the standard bearer in tactical VTOL small UAS. It has found itself at the epicenter of world events, military exercises, counter terror operations and real-world combat missions: from the Libyan civil war to US DoD war games such as the Empire Challenge and Trident Spectre. The reason for this is quite simple - a reputation and proven track record of ease-of-use reinforcing that anyone can fly anywhere, at any time.  

      

The chief objective of all tactical unmanned systems is to support the soldier. As the dismounted soldier carries on average a 45kg load it is imperative that these tactical unmanned systems deliver rapid and reliable ISR without adding assembly or weight burdens. Furthermore these systems must be agile and intuitive serving a customer who measures defeat and success in seconds, not minutes. SCOUTs collapsible, tool-less assembly construction, low weight burden (1.3kg) and highly intuitive flight control software ensure that the operator on the ground is focused on the mission, not the technology. Furthermore a hot-swappable payload interface allows the user to quickly switch between integrated payloads based on mission needs: a high resolution still camera for detailed intelligence gathering, a thermal FLIR camera for use at night, and a 10X Optical Zoom payload for operations where objectives such as threat detection and visual identification are imperative. Effectively deployable in two minutes and trainable in one day (as with the Libyan rebels) the SCOUT is finely tuned to provide stable eyes over a target and configured for rapid insertion and withdrawal. Of course as a VTOL platform the SCOUT requires no takeoff or landing infrastructure and can provide persistent surveillance, silently loitering over any designated target.  

Of course none of this matters if the system cannot provide actionable intelligence in real-world environments. Through testing, trials and real-time deployments, SCOUT has seen its fair share of abuse including sustained winds up to 50kph (gusts to 80kph), extreme heat and cold, high altitude, as well as rain, sleet, and snow. After all, emergencies and tactical operations seldom occur on calm sunny days.

The SCOUT UAS and its successes are indicative of the path forward for organic, platoon level unmanned assets. The fusion of multiple disparate technologies, packaged into a sturdy, intuitive and rapidly deployable unmanned system, illuminate not only the changing scope of warfare, but how technology has, and will, step up to meet those evolving demands.   

Tactical UAV
Tactical unmanned air vehicles (TUAV), are used at battalion level for reconnaissance with an operating radius of up to 200km and a flight endurance of several hours. The first wide scale use of TUAVs was in the Gulf War in 1991 and in Kosovo in 1999.

The UKs WATCHKEEPER TUAV from Thales is based on a modified Elbit Systems HERMES 450.
The HERMES 450S has been operational with Israels IDF since 2000. The British Army has operated the HERMES 450 leased from Israel since 2007 for deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq where they successfully completed 50,000 flight hours and 4,000 ISTAR sorties by September 2011.

HERMES 450 (Photo: Elbit Systems)

Elbit Systems has been extremely successful in exporting tactical and small unmanned air vehicles. The HERMES 450 is a tactical long endurance UAV, with an endurance of 29 hours, a range of 200km and operates at altitudes to 18,000 feet. The HERMES 450 was first operational with the Israeli Air Force in 2002 and was deployed by the IDF in conflicts with Lebanon in 2006. The vehicle has been exported to several countries including Georgia. Its main missions are reconnaissance, surveillance and as a communications relay.

The US Army selected the AAI SHADOW RQ-7A in 1999. The SHADOW UAV has exceeded 500,000 flight hours, and has been used in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in service with the US Army, USMC and the US National Guard for reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and assessment missions. The UAV can be stored and transported by two soldiers, uses a catapult launch or a conventional wheeled take-off and landing, has an endurance of up to seven hours and flies at altitudes up to 15,000 feet. The vehicle gathers day and night full motion video of targets to a range up to 125km from the ground control station (GCS) and the GCS transmits image and telemetry data to Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, JSTARS, and to the US Army Field Artillery Targeting and Direction System in near real time.

RQ-7 launch (Photo: US Army)

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) SEARCHER TUAV programme began in 1988. SEARCHER II and SEARCHER III are  highly upgraded multi-mission variants with EO sensors, IR night sensors, synthetic aperture radar, and signals intelligence optional payloads. SEARCHER II has been exported including to India and Indonesia.

SEARCHER (Photo: IAI)

The LUNA small TUAV from EMT has been deployed by the German Armed Forces since March 2000 on reconnaissance and surveillance missions in Kosovo, Macedonia and Afghanistan. LUNA (wing span 4.17m, weight 40kg) has endurance up to eight hours and is equipped with various EO payloads and data link relay. Launch is by a noiseless bungee catapult and autonomous recovery is by net or parachute. LUNA has also been exported to Pakistan for border patrol missions.

LUNA TUAV (Photo: EMT)

Starting in 2002, Insitu developed the SCANEAGLE small and low cost TUAV in partnership with Boeing, which subsequently purchased Insitu. The UAV is catapult launched and recovered using a SKYHOOK system so is runway independent, suited to operation from land or sea. It has been used by the US Army and USMC in Iraq since 2002 and 2004, and by US Navy since 2005. The system is also operational with the Armed Forces of Australia, Canada, Poland, Columbia, and the Netherlands. By mid 2011 the SCANEAGLE had completed 56,000 sorties and 500,000 flight hours in combat. The system has a wingspan of 10.2 ft, and operates at a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet. A new development is the SCANEAGLE Dual Bay, an expanded variant with EO sensors in the nose bay and infrared night sensors and synthetic aperture radar in the mid fuselage bay, allowing all weather broad area surveillance.

SCANEAGLE retrieved by SKYHOOK system (Photo: Insitu)

Rheinmetall delivered the KZO TUAV (wingspan 3.42m, endurance 4 hours) to the German Armed Forces in 2005 and the system has been deployed operationally on surveillance and observation missions in Afghanistan since 2006. Rheinmetall entered a teaming agreement in 2007 with IAI to develop a reconnaissance and strike system which is based on the KZO reconnaissance TUAV linked with the IAI HAROP loitering munition. HAROP is a derivative of the IAI HARPY drone. A mission would involve KZO being used on reconnaissance and locating and identifying a hostile target, the Harop loitering munition would engage and strike the target and KZO would then carry out the damage assessment phase. Germany contracted IAI to supply HAROP systems for the German army in 2009.

KZO (Graphic: Rheinmetall)

Sagems SPERWER TUAV was delivered to the French Army in 2004 replacing the Armys CRECERELLE systems. Payloads include a retractable turret mounted EO and IR surveillance system, a nose mounted navigation camera, and optional synthetic aperture radar, electronic intelligence system, communications countermeasures, and a communications relay system. The air vehicle is catapult launched and is fitted with a triple airbag and parachute recovery system. Sagem began the development of a larger wingspan SPERWER B variant in 1995. The French DGA defence procurement agency placed a contract on Sagem to carry out a feasibility study on an armed combat CRECERELLE variant. The air vehicle can be armed with rockets and with the Rafael SPIKE long range anti-tank missile. The air vehicle operates autonomously on pre-programmed flight with the availability of override commands from the ground control station operator.

SPERWER has also been exported to Canada, Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands, and Sweden. (Photo: Sagem)

SELEX Galileos UAS range include the ASIO Mini VTOL UAS, a fully automatic, electrical UAS, specifically designed for "hover and stare" battlefield surveillance, forward scout missions and Special Operation support; the CREX-B, an advanced micro electrical UAS providing real-time intelligence capable of autonomous flight, navigation, vertical landing or short track landing feasibilities; the DRAKO micro UAS, an electrical quad-rotor system capable of autonomous and semi-autonomous flight, hovering and obstacle avoidance to provide reconnaissance and surveillance information; the FALCO tactical, medium altitude, endurance UAS designed for civil and military surveillance and Homeland Security; the LOCUSTA, an expendable, air launched, jet-propelled, autonomous sub-target that allows a direct hit on an independent fast flying threat, without establishing a "friend or foe" procedure; the MIRACH-100 High Subsonic Target Drone System and the MIRACH 100/X Transonic Aerial Target System; the NIBBIO High Subsonic Tactical Reconnaissance System; and the SPYBALL advanced micro electrical UAS, providing real-time intelligence and is capable of autonomous vertical take off and landing.

FALCO UAS (Photo: SELEX Galileo)

The CAMCOPTER S-100 helicopter system of the Austrian manufacturer Schiebel, a VTOL UAS, is used for SAATEG.

Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE)
In terms of supporting ground forces, these MALE UAVs are able to send back surveillance and reconnaissance essential for soldiers in theatre. MALE missions are usually at altitudes at about 25,000 feet. The endurance, typically 12-24 hours, and ranges are less than those for HALE UAVs.

HERON TP (Photo: IAI)

The General Atomics PREDATOR MALE UAV is operational with the USAF, US Army and US Department of Homeland Security, logging up about 1.6 million flight hours. The endurance is typically 24 hours and the maximum range is 4,000 miles. Payloads include electro-optical systems, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, signals intelligence, communications relay hub equipment and anti-air and anti-surface missiles.

Israel has been developing and deploying UAVs since the 1980s and has considerable expertise in UAV manufacture and deployment. IAI specialises in leasing and UAV service provision, as well as direct export sales of UAV systems such as the HERON MALE UAV. The IAI HERONs first flight was in 1994. HERON is the export name and the system is operational with the IDF under the name SHOVAL. The airframe can carry a 600kg payload and mission systems include surveillance systems, video, infrared, laser rangefinder, target acquisition and tracking, electronic and communications intelligence gathering, satellite communications and communications relay systems. The system operates at altitudes up to 26,000ft, has a range of 210mls and an endurance of up to 40 hours. The French Air Force has used the IAI HARFANG derivative of the HERON MALE UAV in Afghanistan and since mid 2011 in Libya. Heron is also operated by Australia, Canada, Germany, India, and Turkey.

In the UK, BAE Systems has developed the HERTI MALE UAV which has been flown by the British Forces in Afghanistan in 2007 and 2009 for reconnaissance performance trials and operations. HERTI has a wing span of 12.5m, an operating altitude up to 25,000ft and a flight endurance of 18 hours. BAE began trials of the FURY UCAV variant of HERTI in 2008. FURY is armed with JAVELIN anti tank missile and the Thales Lightweight Multi-role Missile (LMM).

The EITAN MALE was developed in Israel and unveiled for the first time to the general public in late 2007. With a wingspan of 26m it is as wide as a Boeing 737, it can operate above altitudes of commercial air-traffic and can stay in the air for a flight-time of up to 36 hours. All weather capabilities, an automatic de-icing system, automatic takeoff and landing systems and a wide array of sensors which can be equipped to the EITANs belly, nose and wings, make it an extremely versatile reconnaissance platform.

CAE and Aeronautics, on 11 April, announced that the first series of flights of the MISKAM MALE UAS (a Canadian version of the Aeronautics DOMINATOR XP, which in turn is based on a Diamond DA-42 twin-engine aircraft) have been conducted successfully at the UAS Centre of Excellence located at Alma airport in Quebec, Canada.

High Altitude, Long Endurance (HALE)
HALE UAV are high altitude, long endurance strategic reconnaissance systems with endurance typically more than 24 hours, intercontinental ranges to 14,000mls and operating at altitudes to 65,000 feet.

Qinetiq North America's ZEPHYR Solar-Powered HALE UAS in Naval Air Warfare Center Tests (Photo: Qinetiq North America)

The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 GLOBAL HAWK operates at altitudes at 50,000-65,000 ft and has an endurance of up to 36 hours. GLOBAL HAWK is operational with the US Navy, USAF and the German Air Force. The system has been widely deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.

Combat UAVs (UCAV)
UCAVs are armed for ground attack and sometimes for air to air attack.

Chinese CH-3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle

In 2001 the PREDATOR from General Atomics PREDATOR is operational with the USAF, the US Navy, the US National Guard, and has been exported for the Italian Air Force and the UK RAF. The US Army has ordered the MQ-9C SKY WARRIOR derivative of PREDATOR.

The British RAF first leased PREDATOR Bs under an UOR in 2004 and these have been operational in Afghanistan and Iraq. The RAF 39 Squadron operates the MQ-9 REAPER UCAS variant of PREDATOR, fitted with 500lb laser guided bombs GBU-12 and the AGM-114P HELLFIRE missile.

Northrop Grumman's FIRE SCOUT armed to the teeth  (Photo: Northrop Grumman)

Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS)
One of the most important developments of the Iraq war was that ground robots eventually proved themselves to be robust pieces of military equipment with reliability. That wasnt the case at the outset. But as the following iterations made their way into the field, they became more durable. Manufacturers also made improvements to controllers, communications links, chassis and other facets.
Another watershed moment came when the infantry adapted them for reconnaissance missions. Soldiers want robots to look around the corners of buildings or inside them before they stick out their heads.

fltr: Qinetiq North America's DRAGON RUNNER SUGV; iRobot LANdroids; RUAG Defences GECKO Communication Technology Demonstrator.

MULEs
Equipped with weapons, ammunition, observation devices, radios, batteries, protective clothing, water and food, today's dismounted soldier carries a larger burden into combat than ever before. British soldiers in Afghanistan for example often have to carry more than 70kg of equipment and protection of operations. Therefore, the idea of UGVs with a high degree of autonomy and substantial payloads that could accompany the soldier onto the battlefield and carry the heavy stuff, is attracting an increasing amount of R&D effort.
BAE Systems is developing a new semi-autonomous load carrying Multi-Operated All-Terrain Vehicle (MOATV). The idea is that the MOATV can be driven conventionally, operated remotely or instructed to follow all go directly to a soldier operating a PDA. The vehicle incorporates collision detection and avoidance systems that enable it to negotiate around obstacles and hazards while operating autonomously. Although the MOATV is based on the six-wheeled All-Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) supplied to the British Army by Supacat, the robotic technology can be applied to any vehicle, says the company.

This is a very similar set of tasks to those envisioned for the Lockheed Martin Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) under development by the company for the US Army. Sized to support an infantry squad in a mothership role, this 2.5t 6x6 UGV offers a payload of 1,200lbs and a range of 200-300mls, and can be sling-loaded by a BLACK HAWK, or carried inside a CHINOOK.

SMSS (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin also continues to develop the MULE Armed Robotic Vehicle-Assault (Light), which is one of the MULE UGVs variants that survived the demise of the FCS programme. The MULE ARV-A (L) is a highly mobile 6x6 vehicle in the 3.5t offering "unsurpassed" autonomy and heavy gun and missile firepower.
The US Army selected the General Dynamics Robotic Systems to provide the Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) for the ARV-A (L). The ANS successfully completed its critical design review in May. This is among the first in a series of critical Increment 2 reviews underway for the US Army's Brigade Combat Team (BCT) modernisation programme. On the word of General Dynamics sources, The ANS includes an integrated suite of sensors and software that together enable autonomous navigation, perception, path-planning and vehicle-following capabilities for the ARV-A (L) and several other classes of manned and unmanned vehicles, "Successful completion of the CDR enables the General Dynamics Robotic Systems team to continue maturing, fabricating, and testing the ANS design," said a company source. "These activities will lead to delivery of prototypes and the start of integrated qualification testing in 2012."

UGVs in all Shapes and Sizes
Comparable autonomy and control options along with similar weapon and sensor systems are available to the larger AVANTGUARD Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle (UGCV), which is based on the WOLVERINE Tactical Amphibious Ground Support (TAGS) vehicle from Canadian company Dumur Industries. Equipped with two pairs of tracks and walking beam suspension, the WOLVERINE is an extremely capable off-road vehicle powered by a 100hp KUBOTA turbodiesel engine coupled to a hydrostatic transmission, eliminating the need for gears or chains. Weighing 3,850lbs, it offers a payload of 2,400lbs. The UK MoD is reportedly interested in the AVANTGUARD vehicle for the route-clearing role.
Controps DANIS camera for border protection and other Controp stabilised EO/IR payloads are appropriate for UGV, and have been tested on the GUARDIUM, namely the SPEED-V, T-VIEW and SHAPO.

Northrop Grumman Remotec ANDROS fleet of hazardous duty UVs is a preferred choice of first responders worldwide. The robust, mission-proven design of the ANDROS line include: The ANDROS Heavy Duty construction grade, roboticised vehicles developed through close collaboration with domestic and international first responsders, providing unmatched capabilities for VBIED defeat, SWAT, and HAZMAT operations; the F6A, versatile, heavy-duty robot; the HD-1 compact, lightweight platform; the Mark V-A1 highly stable, tough-as-nails partner for hazardous duty operations; and the WOLVERINE, the workhorse robot, a heavy-duty, all-terrain robot bringing superior strength and manipulator dexterity to long and intense missions.

Marshall SDG, part of Marshall Land Systems of Cambridge, launched two new families of UGVs in the half of 2010. The first of these is QUESTAR, an agile vehicle, which can be remotely, semi or fully autonomously controlled depending on the users requirements. It was developed to address the need for a fully autonomous reconnaissance and surveillance UGV. The vehicles 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 CIED work, CBRN Recce, etc.

QUESTAR (Photo: Marshall)

The second newly launched UGV is the TRAKKAR, a 4x4 platform, which is able to carry a 250kg payload. It has been fitted with follow-me technology, which enables the vehicle to follow its human controller as he/she moves across the ground. A receiver on the vehicle is linked to the vehicle control system and follows a small transmitter fitted to the soldiers back. The soldier also has a small PDA sized control unit and is presented with a simple three button interface for common commands, such as follow me, catch up, and return to last RV. TRAKKAR can also follow a pre programmed route. TRAKKAR can have the same autonomous or semi autonomous guidance as QUESTAR. TRAKKAR is electrically powered using quick change battery packs and has provision for a diesel electric hybrid power unit to give an overall endurance of up to 70 hours. It has ground clearance of 200-300mm depending on the tyre type, a low centre of gravity and a four wheel drive line.  Two TRAKKARs can be joined together to create an articulated 8x8 UGV.

Oshkosh Defenses TERRAMAX UGV technology is designed as a kit and can be integrated on new vehicles as they are produced or on the governments existing vehicle fleets. The TERRAMAX fully autonomous navigation kit has been demonstrated on the USMCs MTVR as well as the US Armys PLS.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) has contracted with Rheinmetall Defence and three other companies (Diehl Defence, ECA and Thales Optronique) to develop an UV platform and construct a demonstrator version that should show the potential of systems of this kind. In particular, the project seeks to demonstrate the future role that unmanned vehicles could play in protecting troops deployed in hazardous operations.
Allen Vanguard offers two Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) platforms: The DEFENDER and the VANGUARD, both of which can be fitted with a number of accessories, including sensors, to meet specific operational requirements.

Parosha Innovators b.v.s core activities are engineering, designing, researching, developing, and manufacturing small UGVs, such as the CHEATAH VTE-2500 and CHEATAH VTE-3600, large UGVs, such as the CHEATAH VTE-3900, and hydraulic powered manipulator-arm and robotic-arm systems and grippers and special tools for UGVs purposes. Parosha Innovators b.v. is also developing long-range battery-driven-systems, separate track systems for small UGVs and electrical- mechanical- and hydraulic drive systems, wheel-suspension systems and remote control systems for third-parties.

Oto Melaras OTO TRP2 UGV is the military enhanced version of OTO TRP7-HS, and has been designed in order to be easily packed in three military back-packs and then reassembled within a couple of minutes. Sold to the Italian Army (nine units), the system can either be radio controlled or via optical fibre.
RUAG Defences landrobot system ROBOSCOUT comprises of the vehicle GECKO, a modular payload and the command post. In the basic configuration the vehicle is in the position to extend a sensor arm with integrated optical reconnaissance components and a platform to mount different payloads.The vehicle features hybrid diesel/electric vehicle power train with electrical hub wheel motors and integrated immobilisation brake; low noise driving to an observation point using lithium-ion batteries with a nominal capacity of 15kWh; high manoeuvrability due to 4-wheel steering, including full turn on the spot; optimal acceleration, no gear shifting required; and optimal traction, each wheel controlled separately.

Oto Melara's UGVs (Photo: DPM)

The Genius behind G-Nius UGVs

Modern Armies are already recognising the great contribution of UGVs in assuming some of the dull, dirty and dangerous missions soldiers used to do. The Israeli company G-Nius has earned the reputation of being the pathfinder in the field of UGVs. Established in 2007 as a joint venture between IAI and Elbit Systems, G-Nius became system integrator for UGV platforms for the IDF. Through several prototypes development, G-Nius entered full-scale development that have lead to the fielding of worlds first operational UGV system the GUARDIUM.

(Photo: G-Nius)

Operational since 2008, GUARDIUM has already accumulated thousands of hours, on border security missions, operated by regular IDF units, coexisting along with military and civilian activity, securing one of the hottest border areas in Southern Israel. G-Nius has gained valuable experience maturing the platforms, autonomy and controls, evolving procedures, operational concepts and procedures, demonstrating excellent safety record and operational effectiveness.

Employing state-of-the-art technologies and various combinations of payloads, the GUARDIUM has evolved into the G2 and G3 versions. These vehicles have fully redundant 360 day and night vision and laser-sensors for path-finding and obstacle avoidance, advanced navigation, multiple communications links etc. Standard payloads comprise mast-mounted EO sensors, loudspeakers and microphones. The vehicle can routinely secure airport perimeter, military bases or other strategic sites or otherwise, employed in escort, patrol and combat support of manned units on the front line.

The GUARDIUM UGV command and control subsystem (OCU) is designed to seamlessly integrate with the users existing C4I infrastructure, enabling military commanders to effectively combine the UGV with existing formations. The compact GUARDIUM OCU can control two vehicles simultaneously from fixed or tactical, mobile settings.

The mission control console is comprised with two displays, depicting the driving interfaces and mission situational picture. As a semi-autonomous UGV, GUARDIUM is designed to perform routine, pre-programmed missions, or react to unscheduled events, in semi-autonomous mode. Alternatively, the human operator can take control of the vehicle anytime, to carry out specific activities.

The GUARDIUM is one of the first vehicles to fully deploy with a modern, autonomous, standards-compliant control kit developed by G-Nius, but it is not the only one available. Responding to various user requirements for domestic and foreign customers, G-Nius has developed several UGV prototypes, utilising existing platforms, employing light all-terrain vehicles, light tactical vehicles, commercial trucks, specialized electrically-propelled platforms, tracked UGVs and armoured personnel carriers. Responding to a wide range of military, homeland security and emergency response applications, including recce and patrol, advanced guard, combat support, force protection, combat supply and medical evacuation and safely operating in areas contaminated with chemical, biological, radiological or other hazardous materials.

These systems are based on a common and versatile, layered electronic-controlled electro-mechanical actuated suite, known as the G-Nius Autonomous Kit which by applying state of the art off-the-shelf subsystems is enhanced with proprietary data processing algorithms for navigation, control theorem, artificial intelligence and 3D artificial imaging which provide G-Nius company's wide range offer.

The Oddity
BIGDOG is the alpha male of the Boston Dynamics robots. It is a rough-terrain robot that walks, runs, climbs and carries heavy loads. BIGDOG is powered by an engine that drives a hydraulic actuation system. BIGDOG has four legs that are articulated like an animals, with compliant elements to absorb shock and recycle energy from one step to the next. BIGDOG is the size of a large dog or small mule; about 3x2.5ft and weighs 240 pounds.

BIGDOG's on-board computer controls locomotion, servos the legs and handles a variety of sensors. BIGDOGs control system keeps it balanced, navigates, and regulates its energetics as conditions vary. Sensors for locomotion include joint position, joint force, ground contact, ground load, a gyroscope, LIDAR and a stereo vision system. Other sensors focus on the internal state of BIGDOG, monitoring the hydraulic pressure, oil temperature, engine functions, battery charge and others.

In separate tests BIGDOG runs at 4 mph, climbs slopes up to 35, walks across rubble, climbs a muddy hiking trail, walks in snow and water, and carries a 340lb load. BigDog set a world's record for legged vehicles by traveling 12.8mls without stopping or refuelling.

The ultimate goal for BigDog is to develop a robot that can go anywhere people and animals can go. The programme is funded by the Tactical Technology Office at DARPA.


Throwbots
:Little throwbots (that's a throwable robot, and also a brand name of one of Recon Robotics' variants arent exactly an intimidating sight, but their portability and durability serve a mission profile that is becoming increasingly attractive to troops serving in theatre.

Recon SCOUT XT (Photo: Recon Robotics)

Growing progressively smaller, packable robots are quickly becoming a common sight in combat. iRobot, a manufacturer of military packable robots, is betting that the future lies in systems that respond to handlers more like a beloved hunting dog than a controller-directed machine. Having already shrunk a surveillance robot, the 110 FIRST LOOK, to 5lbs, and having improved durability sufficiently to deem the device throwable, QinetiQ North Americas DRAGON RUNNER series bots roll up and over obstacles and dig in the sand for the lead wires of mock IEDs. The newest addition to the QinetiQ family, the DRAGON RUNNER 10, is an 11lbs variant of its larger brother, the 20lbs DRAGON RUNNER 20 which has been on the market for some time now. Recon Robotics SCOUT is practically featherlight at 1.3lbs (plus a couple more for the control unit, for a total of 3.2 pounds). Both robot and control unit can charge from the battery systems troops already carry with them into the field, no added weight in power supplies, and its titanium shell and cast urethane wheels ensure a listed drop shock resistance of 30 feet.

It has taken the UGV significantly longer to mature as a useful military tool, in areas other than bomb disposal, than its airborne counterpart did to reach a comparable stage. One major contributing factor to this is the sheer complexity of the ground environment and the very high level of sensing and processing capability required to deal with it. Sadly, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have provided the spur and funding that the industry needed to progress. Now, that progress is accelerating hard and looks set to transform the battlefields of the near future.