New Unmanned Tank Will Revolutionize Armored Warfare

New Unmanned Tank Will Revolutionize Armored Warfare

unmanned tank

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A new unmanned robotic tank system has recently been unveiled. The heavily armed drone will be intended to be deployed alongside manned tanks and armored vehicles to scout ahead and keep humans out of danger.

Developed by Textron, the Ripsaw M5 Robotic Combat Vehicle, which is based on the Ripsaw one-man tank, features a 600 horsepower diesel engine, making it possible for the tank to reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour. It has an open-architecture design, making the tank an incredibly modular vehicle.

The M5’s main weapon is a Kongsberg MCT-30 Protector turret, which comes equipped with a 30 mm Mark 44 Bushmaster II autocannon. The cannon isn’t capable of destroying hostile tanks, however the M5 can be equipped with Javelin anti-tank missiles. The M5 can also carry anti-aircraft missiles, as well as clear mines, IEDs, and obstacles with the help of an attachable mine plow.

The unmanned system is also designed for ISR missions. Popularmechanics.com reports that the vehicle is equipped with optic and infrared sensors, thus granting the vehicle 360 degrees of situational awareness.

The Ripsaw M5 also acts as a mothership for even smaller drones. The M5 is capable of carrying and deploying a small UGV that has a small arm for manipulating objects. The small UGV is capable of climbing stairs and peeking around corners, making it possible for the M5 to scout inside buildings as well.

The mini-tank also can carry and launch an aerial drone. The R80D Skyraider quadcopter can be deployed from the back of the M5 and add additional surveillance capabilities to the M5’s operators.

In the field, the unmanned tank will operate alongside manned tanks, thus being an effective force multiplier. Technologies such as the Ripsaw M5 Robotic Combat Vehicle help increase lethality and effectiveness, while decreasing soldier’s risk.