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Unmanned Capability Added to US Ground Combat Operations

Nov 17, 2020

Photo illus. by Wikimedia — On patrol in North East Bamyian with Kiwi Team One, performing both mounted and dismounted patrols The NZ PRT Bamyan is tasked with maintaining security in Bamyan Province. It does this by conducting frequent presence patrols throughout the province. The PRT also supports the provincial and local government by providing advice and assistance to the Provincial Governor, the Afghan National Police and district sub-governors. Thirdly the NZ PRT identifies, prepares and provides project management for NZAID projects within the region. These are contracted to Afghan companies who hire local workers to assist with the completion of these projects. Thus each project provides new amenities, and also provides employment in the region.

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The US Military is enhancing its capabilities in ground-based warfare. The first of four unmanned ground combat vehicles (UGCV) was delivered to the US Military for integration into ground combat operations.

QinetiQ and Pratt Miller Defense have announced the delivery of the Robotic Combat Vehicle-Light (RCV-L) to the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).

The RCV-L is a purpose-built hybrid-electric unmanned ground combat vehicle (UGCV).

The vehicle was developed in support of the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) Soldier Operational Experiment, planned for 2022, and represents a significant milestone for the program.

The vehicle’s narrow hull ensures it’s easily transportable by US Army transport aircraft.

According to armyrecognition,com, the technology will provide the Army with an unmanned vehicle ready for integration into ground combat operations.

The RCV-L is configured to meet the specific needs of the program. It builds upon the proven maturity provided by the Pratt Miller Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle (EMAV) and integrates QinetiQ’s Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) robotic control systems to make it both highly flexible, and payload agnostic.

According to Pratt Miller, “the EMAV platform’s modular flat deck architecture has been integrated with over 20 payloads and exemplifies the flexibility required to address current and future threats.”

The agreement includes the delivery and support of four RCV-L platforms with procurement options for up to 16 additional RCV-L systems.