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Earlier this year, the US Army carried out the Project Convergence Capstone 4 (PC-C4) field experiment. During the experiment, they tested a prototype for an autonomous ground-based air defense vehicle capable of long-range counter-UAV surveillance and electronic warfare and short range air defense capability.
This fully autonomous robotic combat vehicle includes highly developed long-range surveillance and electronic attack (EA) capabilities, equipping ground-based air defense with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) skills. According to a press release by L3Harris, the company that produced this UGV, the prototype successfully underwent rigorous field tests, which included traveling through difficult terrains approx. 175 kilometers long over the course of the six days of the exercise.
The system, equipped with multiple sensors and able to integrate and coordinate information between them, was able to detect and provide early warning for aerial threats 26 kilometers away, and showcased electronic warfare capabilities. Further, due to its high mobility, this robotic system also exhibited dynamic reconnaissance capabilities while moving towards a designated surveillance position, collecting optical data on the move on targets at distances where they are not directly visible or within the direct line of sight.
The company added that these tests also showcased the competence and accuracy of the WESCAM MX-10D reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition multi-sensor imaging and designator system. Additionally, it also included several communications tests, providing insights related to integration, performance and applicability of modular and open communication systems and showing resiliency for mission-relevant data links. The tests included the RASOR open radio, the WRAITH modular communications chassis Mobile Ad Hoc Network, a SATCOM On-the-Move antenna, the AN/PRC-158 Next Gen radio, a RF-7850W high-capacity line of sight radio and a hardened third-party commercial space internet satellite.
According to Interesting Engineering, The Army exercise testing revealed that the air defense system could become a highly flexible tactical asset, providing effective protection for ground units. It also showed that autonomous ground platforms could dramatically extend their operational range, moving beyond traditional data link constraints. Furthermore, the system demonstrated the potential for advanced payload automation to maintain mission integrity despite link disruptions or attacks.
