AML project. Unmanned missile system for the US Army

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M142-based AML prototype fires

The US Army is exploring the possibility of introducing unmanned technologies into the field of missile systems. The Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML) concept provides for the construction of a self-propelled launcher without the usual cockpit. Control should be carried out by the operator from a remote control panel or an autonomous system on board the machine. By now, the idea of ​​AML has been brought to the first studies and experiments.

From interest to practice


The American army has been working on various concepts of unmanned equipment for a long time, capable of solving problems with minimal or no human participation. In 2019, unmanned technologies were proposed for use in the field of missile systems. So, it was proposed to create an unmanned modification of the M142 launcher or to develop a new similar machine from scratch for different weapons.



Last year, the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command's Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) and the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) launched a new AML program, which aims to develop a new concept, search for the necessary technologies and determine its prospects. Already in January 2021, the first work contracts were signed. The list of organizations involved in the creation of AML has not yet been disclosed.


At the experimental command post

In mid-June, AvMC and AMTC announced the first experiments in AML. It was reported that by the forces of the program participants, a prototype of an unmanned combat vehicle was prepared and launched for testing. The product passed the first tests at the Fort Sill (Oklahoma) and coped with the tasks.

During the experiment, the launcher-demonstrator of technology with remote and autonomous control passed along the planned route and reached the firing position. Further, seven missiles were launched in unmanned mode. Such events have shown the fundamental possibility of the transfer, deployment and combat use of missile systems without a crew. In addition, technical difficulties and risks associated with new technologies were identified.

In the wake of the tests, interesting materials were published. So, they showed a prototype based on a serial MLRS M142 and a remote control point. In addition, a video was posted showing the alleged appearance of a serial launcher and the principles of its use. By means of animation, the transfer of the M142 and AML vehicles was shown, the subsequent entry into positions and firing at targets in the form of an enemy S-400 complex and a missile cruiser.

AML project. Unmanned missile system for the US Army
Comparison of experimental and proposed launchers

Project appearance


The photo from the tests shows that the demonstrator installation has retained all the main components and assemblies of the base M142. At the same time, on the roof of the cabin, you can see some devices that are absent in the serial form. Apparently, these are additional video surveillance equipment for driving and antenna communication devices. Obviously, some devices have appeared inside the cab - actuators are needed for remote control.

The video shows a combat vehicle that differs significantly from the serial HIMARS installation. External and internal differences are due to the fact that the appearance of AML was initially formed taking into account the requirements and technical capabilities.

The AML is built on a cabover-less three-axle chassis. In place of the standard cabin, a casing is placed that contains the power plant and controls. It differs from a full-fledged cabin in its lower height and the minimum required volume. In the aft part of the chassis there is a swinging frame for the installation of transport and launch containers with missiles.


General view of AML special development

A set of video cameras and lidars are installed on the roof of the low-profile "cabin" to collect information about the road. Several additional cameras are installed around the perimeter of the machine and provide an all-round view. Receiving antennas for satellite navigation and an antenna are provided to maintain two-way communication with the operator. Mechanisms for controlling the power plant, taxiing, etc. are located inside the body.

The launcher will receive several modes of operation. The operator will be able to remotely monitor and control movement, position preparation and shooting. Also, independent movement along the route will be provided due to navigation and technical vision. All basic procedures will also be carried out automatically.

An AML product needs reliable and secure two-way communication. It is necessary to ensure the constant transmission of information and commands, as well as to protect the radio channel from suppression, interception or hacking. The planned methods of use and the combat capabilities of the missile system impose special requirements in the field of security and protection.

The animated launcher was "armed" with four PrSM Increment 4 missiles - an anti-missile version of the weapons Ground-to-ground. Such missiles are placed in two in a common TPK. The AML unit is capable of carrying two such containers.


Technical vision equipment

The launcher control center must have a set of monitors for outputting video signals and other information. Controls, data processing facilities and a communications system are also required. A prototype of this kind from the available components has already been used in recent experiments.

Desired benefits


In an experimental manner, the fundamental possibility of building, deploying and using a remotely controlled launcher was shown. This makes it possible to transfer the AML project to the next stage, during which a real project of the installation itself and related funds will be developed. How similar such a sample will be to the graphics shown will become clear later.

The AML is expected to become a versatile missile system capable of using a wide range of ammunition, from unguided rockets to missiles with a range of 500 km or more. As such, it will be an important addition to the M142 HIMARS systems, which will have similar capabilities in the future. At the same time, AML will have special capabilities due to which rocket artillery will become a more flexible tool.

The unmanned complexes are planned to be made a means of rapid response. They can be transferred in the shortest possible time to the desired area, under their own power or by military transport aviationas shown in the video. The exit to the position followed by firing will be carried out by the operator's commands or in automatic mode. Immediately after hitting AML, it will be possible to return to the base.


It is assumed that high strategic and tactical mobility will be useful in a hypothetical conflict in the Pacific Ocean. The US Army will be able to quickly redeploy its missile systems and thereby respond in a timely manner to changes in the situation and the emergence of new threats.

The absence of a crew on board the combat vehicle and control from a remote control will give obvious advantages. This will eliminate known risks to personnel without sacrificing efficiency. It will also simplify the deployment of equipment, incl. for short-term work, as shown in the video.

AML will be able to receive TPK with missiles of different types, for this a universal launcher will be developed. In addition, the absence of a full-size cabin limiting the length of the container becomes useful. Thanks to this, in terms of the ammunition nomenclature, the AML will not only repeat the M142 complex, but also surpass it. Accordingly, an unmanned combat vehicle will become a more valuable tool.


It is quite possible that new technologies will find application not only in the development of a promising missile system. They can also be used to upgrade existing M142 systems. A set of additional tools for solving this problem has already been created and even passed preliminary tests. With the successful development of such a project, the unmanned version of the HIMARS will complement the AML troops.

Theory and practice


The US Army has long shown interest in unmanned vehicles and robotic systems. Some developments of this kind have successfully passed all the checks and reached the operation in the army. Now such technologies are proposed to be used in rocket artillery and operational-tactical missile systems. The fundamental possibility of this has already been shown at the test site.

However, AML is still at the stage of preliminary research and testing. Positive results have been obtained, which can now be implemented in a real project for the army. Time will tell whether it will be possible to get an order for the development of such a sample, how long it will take and how it will end.
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29 comments
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  1. +5
    5 July 2021 18: 06
    The video itself.


    It is in this configuration that I see little sense. Any rough terrain will turn into hell for management. Only drive on the asphalt.
    It is more logical to make optionally unmanned vehicles. So that the crew could control from the cockpit or remotely, depending on the situation.
    Yandex puts the autopilot on production cars in this way.
    1. +2
      5 July 2021 18: 22
      Why Hell? Image stabilization was invented for a long time
      1. +4
        5 July 2021 18: 32
        There are too many parameters to analyze.
        You need to look not only at the road (direction, obstacles), but also the elevation difference, the composition and quality of the soil, plan the optimal path, etc. And if not one in the open desert, then who surrounds the car (people, equipment) and how they plan to move ... An extremely difficult task.
        1. +3
          5 July 2021 19: 09
          Moreover, it is also necessary to analyze the terrain from the point of view of tactics and strategy of the battle, to determine routes with the least probability of various types of ambushes, to determine the terrain with less unmasking factors, to be able to use cover and camouflage means.
          In general, before the invention of AI, it makes no sense to even think about it, but when it will be created, such machines will again be unnecessary, because simple assault robots will be more effective than the current concept of "guided weapons".
          1. 0
            5 July 2021 20: 05
            And all this does not need to be done while driving? wassat
        2. +5
          5 July 2021 19: 34
          Where does the thesis about mandatory off-road action come from? The fact that the system is on the ground in the pictures is just a polygon, not to test it on a visiting unit. And any modern autopilot can drive off the road for a kilometer, a lidar will help, the speed here can be the lowest, there is nothing to drive.
          Anyway, what kind of tasks this system will not be able to solve within the road network in any country, even with a not very developed transport infrastructure? Its firing range, EMNIP, is up to 300 km.
          1. +1
            5 July 2021 22: 36
            They wrote to you in the article itself that this system will operate incl. on the islands of the Pacific Ocean, in case of real need. How do you imagine building such an infrastructure in less than a day especially for such road robots? Not to mention the expediency.
            1. 0
              6 July 2021 11: 15
              Which islands? Uninhabited? And with whom to fight there? If inhabited, then the roads are guaranteed to be. You may be surprised, but where there is civilization, there is always infrastructure. And where there is no civilization, for example, in Antarctica, or even in remote taiga corners, there is no need for this complex.
              1. +1
                6 July 2021 22: 14
                This is incl. anti-ship missile launchers, and islands for them are the flesh, so to speak. The application is simply not limited to the islands.
                Any conflict in the Pacific is practically guaranteed work in the area of ​​the islands.
                PS It is possible that the "manned" vehicle from the video is a command vehicle, since the project is optionally autonomous, as I understand it.
                1. +1
                  7 July 2021 10: 22
                  Explain for what such purposes launching anti-ship missiles are needed on uninhabited islands. I will clarify once again, because the impression is that for some reason you do not perceive my thought, not on some abstract islands, but on the INHABITABLE islands. And at the same time, give a specific example, with a specific island, like - on this, for some reason, a still uninhabited island, countless deposits of gold, sugar cane, whatever, for which there will be a cut, are waiting for their owner. It is advisable to collect a dozen of such islands, so that for sure, in order to completely nip the counter-argument that like what for for the sake of one island make an expensive highly specialized system, and whether the cost of development will not exceed the cost of nishtyaks from the island.
                  1. 0
                    8 July 2021 01: 23
                    1) It's not a stupid island-only system! The video simply showed the option to be deployed on an island, where there is only a concrete strip. Where is the area of ​​the strip and where is the area and habitability for a village or a city, do you agree?
                    2) There are examples of islands used exclusively as military installations, for example, Mageshima. An excellent example of an uninhabited island of this kind, there is only one strip on the island, google it!)
                    3) The idea is that, if necessary, such launchers can be quickly put on duty on such an island, which, if necessary, will enhance the salvo in the interests of the fleet, for example.
                    1. 0
                      8 July 2021 11: 46
                      Ok, I was wrong in focusing on uninhabitedness. For uninhabited - without a permanent population. And there are abandoned and periodically visited places. I will reformulate. Territories without infrastructure
                      And I got the impression that you have forgotten the initial essence of the issue under discussion, and therefore I will remind you whether advanced off-road qualities (including in the context of an autopilot) are needed for this complex or not. I will clarify, once again - whether in terms of an extremely necessary property, without which there is no way, and which is laid down in the technical task And I will clarify again, so that there are no options for maneuvering - developed off-road vehicles - it is not just to move onto a relatively flat field, but mud, bumps, stones, woodlands, etc. and all this is not at the speed of a slow-witted autopilot (modern urban), but quickly and simply, in order to cover considerable distances of tens and hundreds of kilometers.
                      And I never saw a single argument in favor of the need for such qualities. This island of yours, which for some reason you cited as an example, was once inhabited, with a dense network of roads. And I admit that there are many such places - on the islands, in the taiga, in the selva, in Antarctica, but there will still be a transport infrastructure. Those. and there a developed off-road autopilot is not needed. Voros, and what to do there at all, let's leave it out of the brackets for now.
                      In the meantime, justify what such goals the complex will solve where the person has not built anything at all. Those. where there is no transport infrastructure (because always construction = roads). Those. where he does not have and did not have any more or less significant and long-term interests. Because only there, this complex cannot do without developed off-road properties in principle.
                      1. 0
                        8 July 2021 21: 28
                        The interest in such a situation, when it is required to climb such a patch, is the very geographical location of this patch. Various islands in the South China Sea, for example. This is where the big
                        autonomy of such unmanned systems.
                        But the crux of the matter is not limited to this.
                        Since this is an anti-ship complex, it needs to be able to operate from any coast, including the unprepared one. This also implies the presence of developed off-road properties. In this case, it is absolutely not necessary to arrange transitions for a hundred km. Having a developed off-road autopilot?
                        Well, in such cases it is not always as stupid to drive a couple of kilometers off the asphalt. And the operators are nearby, and therefore it is not clear how such systems are really unmanned. Maybe the autopilot is enough, which allows you to go "trail in trail" over bumps, as an option.
                        PS So yes, sometimes a thought spreads out in the process.
                    2. 0
                      8 July 2021 13: 50
                      For a better understanding - I conduct any discussion not just for the sake of a dispute, but to verify my understanding of the world, and therefore I will honestly play from your position - I found exactly two options - protection of suspicious fish resources, and protection from enemy invasion through the wild coast. However, the protection of fish resources in the context of empty islands is irrelevant for the United States. This is true for Indonesia, for example. And the protection of the wild coast is relevant, for example, for Russia, but again, not relevant for the United States. For there are no wild coasts there. Correct me if I was wrong about something again.
    2. +2
      6 July 2021 13: 10
      Quote: OgnennyiKotik


      It is in this configuration that I see little sense. Any rough terrain will turn into hell for management. Only drive on the asphalt.
      It is more logical to make optionally unmanned vehicles. So that the crew could control from the cockpit or remotely, depending on the situation.
      Yandex puts the autopilot on production cars in this way.


      You are mistaken.
      Self-driving cars were the first to appear in DARPA, and it was precisely this competition to overcome the off-road.


      And only 10-12 years later, unmanned Tesla, Uber, Yandex and other unmanned vehicles began to appear ...
  2. -4
    5 July 2021 18: 19
    Created purely for counteraction (breakthrough) of Russian / Chinese air defense systems - destruction of S-400 positional divisions and analogues,
    1. 0
      5 July 2021 18: 23
      Of course not. Video delusional delusional. Just for the sake of discussion edited.
      Complex for counter-battery fight.
  3. -3
    5 July 2021 18: 32
    Such machines are needed in places of strong radiation and chemical pollution.
    They are afraid of gas attacks, and high-frequency wave weapons acting on the soldier's brain.

    And rightly so. Now the time is unprincipled, any kind of mass destruction can be used.
    1. 0
      6 July 2021 17: 30
      Lack of people is stupidly cheaper
  4. 0
    5 July 2021 18: 32
    Another cut of the budget, fortunately not Russian
  5. -4
    5 July 2021 18: 38
    They are good because they can wait in shelters for months. Without a person, they will be less noticeable under sand or under debris :))
  6. -2
    5 July 2021 18: 40
    With such a development of electronic warfare, a useless toy. Whether it is BM-13, wires, battery, coil. I twisted the handle, sent gifts and no electronic warfare was a hindrance
  7. -6
    5 July 2021 19: 12
    All this is childish talk, in comparison with the "Igor" from the Kalashnikov concern.

  8. +1
    5 July 2021 20: 40
    The Russians came up with it. But in America.
  9. 0
    5 July 2021 22: 35
    The cabless conventional chassis looks wretched.

    Chassis requests:
    - with dimensions with a package of guides.
    - triaxial with equally spaced controlled extreme axes
    - mid-engine layout
    - it is interesting (but not necessary) if without a pronounced front and back, with the ability to go in any direction
    - it is interesting (but from the realm of fantasy), if on batteries with motor wheels, then the profile and CG are lower.
    1. 0
      6 July 2021 17: 31
      I think the task here is "on the existing nodes"
  10. 0
    5 July 2021 22: 52
    For guerrillas armed with RPGs, an excellent target), especially if it is surrounded by cameras from all sides, but here you can blind and immobilize it from an ordinary Kalash)
  11. +2
    6 July 2021 05: 24
    A tribute to the fashion for unmanned vehicles. From the point of view of counter-battery combat, the risk is already minimal, since the salvo is carried out quickly from closed positions and over long distances. However, when firing direct fire, say in a city, small unmanned rocket vehicles would come in handy. They should be armored, and the missiles should be located in armored casings with armored covers that open at the time of launch.
    1. sen
      +2
      6 July 2021 11: 03
      A tribute to the fashion for unmanned vehicles.

      The UK Department of Defense is considering unmanned self-propelled guns, which may have autonomous capabilities, as a potential replacement for the 105mm L118 howitzer.
      https://naked-science.ru/article/tech/britantsy-sozdadut-robota

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