Design - Integration - Control
Military Systems
The applications for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in the military are many and growing. From nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological detection and mitigation, to surveillance and reconnaissance, to armed and unarmed security patrols, to dismounted patrol cargo carrier, to battlefield casualty evacuation, the list continues to expand. UGVs can do the job and, in some countries, they are already on the job!
Although tele-operated UGVs are currently more in demand, autonomous systems will take their place in both the operational and support arenas as robots replace humans doing the dull, dirty, and especially dangerous tasks.
Here are highlights of those military tasks for which PRC/PRS Team UGVs are suited:
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Dismounted Patrol Cargo Carrier Concept (DPCC) - This autonomous UGV will offer a cost effective and operationally enhancing solution for soldiers on patrol. The DPCC can carry all of the specialist equipment, extra ammunition, food, water, and batteries needed but not immediately required on the ingress or egress legs of a patrol. Reduction in weight carried by the soldiers means increased energy and therefore alertness for the task at hand. The DPCC can be programmed to follow the rear member of a patrol or another UGV at a pre-determined distance.
DISMOUNTED PATROL CARGO CARRIER (DPCC) - Spec Sheet
Battlefield Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) Transporter (BCET) Concept - There are many instances in combat where a wounded soldier does not require critical care after application of combat first aid but needs to be transported to a unit medical station (UMS) because he/she is not ambulatory. That evacuation usually occurs over relatively short distances but nevertheless requires a field ambulance and driver or the use of a tactical vehicle and driver to deliver the patient. Our concept for dealing with this type of casualty is the BCET. This UGV will be capable of transporting two moderately injured personnel autonomously from the point where they are placed on the vehicle to a UMS. Casualties will be carried inside an enclosure that will protect them from shrapnel and environmental conditions. The enclosure will contain a radio link that can be used for UMS - casualty conversation and a data link that will automatically transmit casualty vital signs to the UMS on a pre-programmed basis.
BATTLEFIELD CASUALTY EVACUATION (CASEVAC) TRANSPORTER (BCET) - Spec Sheet
Military Airfield Security System (MASS) Concept - Maintaining secure perimeters around expeditionary airfields is vital to the success of the air operations based there. Achieving total security is extremely manpower intensive involving manned checkpoints, roving and perimeter patrols, sentries, and quick reaction forces, all augmented by layers of physical security measures and devices. In expeditionary operations, sentries and perimeter patrol personnel are always at risk of enemy attack. The two-tiered MASS, consisting of unmanned surveillance vehicles (Tier I) and unmanned intruder interdiction vehicles (Tier II), changes that paradigm. No longer do commanders have to put security personnel routinely and automatically in harm's way - performing sentry duties, patrolling the perimeter, and responding to intrusions.
MILITARY AIRFIELD SECURITY SYSTEM (MASS) - Spec Sheet
CONCEPT VEHICLE DEPICTIONS
Illustrated by: Christina Clemis