Unmanned ground equipment. MET-D / RCV project: from an experimental platform to combat vehicles
Searching of decisions
The new sample is the first result of the Mission Enabler Technologies - Demonstrator project, which is being carried out at the research center of the US Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center. The first reports about the MET-D project being developed as part of the larger Next-Generation Combat Vehicle program appeared several years ago, and a prototype was announced at the beginning of the year. Now GVSC was able to show the finished car, even if it was experimental. The first RCV show took place in early July at the Center's conference.
The task of the MET-D program at the moment is to study the requirements for a promising crewless technique and search for the best options for its appearance. It is also required to form the image of an unmanned fire support vehicle, find the necessary technical solutions and work them out on experimental samples. According to recent reports, some of these plans have already been completed.
At present, GVSC specialists are busy working on electronics for promising technology. It is necessary to create systems for monitoring, detecting and controlling fire, communications and control systems that allow you to drive or use weapon. The work of operators behind the control panel should not differ significantly from the actions of the crew inside the vehicle.
It is also necessary to work out the issues of the interaction of manned and unmanned armored vehicles. One RCV crew must control the 2-4 operation of other vehicles without people on board. In the future, the unmanned version of the technology can get artificial intelligence, providing a completely independent work.
Experimental platform
To date, GVSC has completed part of the research and design work, as well as built an experimental armored vehicle to verify the solutions found. Such a prototype was called RCV (Robotic Combat Vehicle); to speed up work, it was built on the basis of the M113 serial armored personnel carrier. The development of such a sample was reported a few months ago, and now GVSC showed it.
The RCV prototype retains the basic aggregates of the base machine, but receives a large number of new systems. Unfortunately, the developers describe only the most common features and capabilities of the onboard electronics complex. In this case, the appearance of the prototype reveals some details.
On the frontal part of the RCV, a frame is mounted with several opto-electronic devices providing an overview of the front hemisphere. Above them, on the roof, is placed a movable base with an additional camera - probably for driving. In the center of the roof there is a turntable with a developed optical-electronic system. On board, closer to the stern, an antenna device was installed. Other devices are located inside the case. The entire outer surface of the prototype is covered with cables for connecting the equipment.
It is noted that the technology demonstrator receives a full remote control based on electrical systems. Two-way communication with the operator console is provided. To increase situational awareness, RCV can carry a light unmanned aerial vehicle.
The prototype based on the M113 BTR is already undergoing tests and is showing its capabilities. Apparently, he is constantly undergoing various improvements aimed at improving electronics. It is planned to spend several more years on testing and fine-tuning the equipment.
Three RCV options
GVSC has revealed some plans for the near future. Using the developments of the existing technology demonstrator, it is proposed to create three versions of RCV combat vehicles. They will differ in the design of the base chassis, payload and range of tasks.
A similar pattern called RCV-L (Light) may be similar to an existing demonstrator. This vehicle will have a combat mass of about 7-10 and will be able to carry a variety of various means of observation and sensors, as well as light weapons. With the help of such a sample, intelligence and observation tasks will be solved.
The RCV-M project (Medium) provides for the creation of an armored vehicle weighing 10-20 tons with cannon-machine gun weapons and an anti-tank missile system. Such a sample is considered as a means of fire support for infantry. An RCV-H (Heavy) armored vehicle weighing no more than 30 tons may also appear. It will receive a large-caliber gun and become a functional analogue. tank.
It is assumed that future RCV variants will have advanced electronics and a full range of planned functions. At the first stage, a manned armored vehicle will be able to work with unmanned vehicles and control their actions, and then a completely autonomous vehicle may appear.
Testing and implementation
An experienced RCV in its current form can not be used in the army, and is not intended for this. With it, GVSC searches and develops technical solutions for use in future projects. The optimal set of electronics found using the M113 platform can be transferred to any other chassis - existing or newly developed. Work with the experimental sample will continue over the next few years.
At the end of this year, GVSC plans to launch a competition to develop three variants of RCV. They will be based on new platforms and initially created taking into account the operation in the troops. Real samples of this kind will have to appear by the mid-twenties. In the absence of serious problems and if there is interest from the army by the beginning of the thirties, they will be able to go into service.
However, this may not happen. The fact is that, by order of the Pentagon, several programs are now being worked out, the task of which is to create a promising unmanned ground vehicle. Some of these projects can be considered as competitors for MET-D / RCV in the context of re-equipping the ground forces and the ILC. At the same time, RCV can complement other promising projects.
So, three samples of the RCV family, planned for development, will have to solve reconnaissance and fire support tasks, but will not be able to transport troops. The soldiers will be transported by an OMFV (Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle) family of vehicles. Previously, the possibility of using such an BTR / BMP as a command vehicle for RCV was considered. In the future, it was decided to redistribute the roles and give control of the unmanned RCV to the same type of car and crew.
Reserve for the future
From the published data, it follows that within the framework of the MET-D / RCV program, experts at the Ground Vehicle Systems Center have already conducted a number of studies, but the work continues and is gaining momentum. So, to continue testing RCV on 2020 f.d. funding in the amount of 160 million dollars is required. Further similar amounts will be needed.
The result of the already launched research work will be recommendations on the architecture and components of the radio-electronic complex for advanced gearless equipment. On their basis, defense industry companies will have to develop complete samples suitable for exploitation.
The RCV family of technology can enter the service in the second half of the twenties, but for now the GVSC is engaged in research that creates a technological reserve for the future. The results of future projects directly depend on the success of current works.
- Ryabov Kirill
- GVSC, FAS.org
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