EMAV project. Multipurpose robot for the United States Marine Corps
By order of the US Marine Corps, a multipurpose robotic complex EMAV is being developed. As part of this project, Pratt Millet and related organizations are to create a universal robotic platform and different payload options. Several such EMAV variants are already being demonstrated and tested. In particular, combat modifications reached the test site.
Marine robot
The US ground forces are actively studying the topic of promising multipurpose and military RTKs, and a number of projects are already being developed for them. The ILC does not want to stand aside, which is why the Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle program was launched several years ago. Its goal is to create a RTK that meets the needs and wishes of the Marine Corps.
According to the terms of reference, RTK EMAV should be a tracked platform with the ability to install various devices and devices. The dimensions and weight of both the platform and the machines based on it must correspond to the cargo capabilities of the CH-47 helicopter and the V-22 tiltrotor.
The winner of the early stages of the EMAV program was Pratt Miller, which has significant experience in the field of transportation and automation. She is entrusted with the development of the basic platform of the complex and the overall integration of systems. As suppliers of individual units, incl. large modules for various purposes, other organizations are involved in the project. For example, in the development of combat Robot involved Northrop Grumman, Rafael and Oshkosh.
The main design work has already been completed, and last year the first prototype of the new platform came out for testing. Several vehicles are already undergoing tests. Their capabilities are tested in different roles and with different equipment.
Universal platform
The EMAV platform is a car-sized tracked chassis. Uses a rectangular, unprotected flat roof enclosure with slots for additional equipment. The key components of the power plant and control systems are located inside the body. At the same time, cameras and lidars of external mounting are located in the front and rear of the car.
EMAV is equipped with a hybrid power plant based on a diesel generator, batteries and traction electric motors. Depending on the current needs, the car can be powered by a diesel engine or only using batteries. In the latter case, an almost silent ride is said to be provided. The undercarriage includes five road wheels with individual suspension on each side. A solid rubber track is used.
Platform unladen weight is 6800 lb (less than 3,1 tonnes). The payload can reach 7200 lb (3,27 t). The total mass of the RTK is up to 6,35 tons. The hybrid power plant allows it to reach speeds of up to 45 mph (more than 70 km / h) with its full mass, as well as overcome various obstacles. In general, in terms of mobility, EMAV is not inferior to a significant part of "manned" tracked vehicles.
The platform is equipped with technical vision and a control system with several operating modes. EMAV can drive and use target equipment at operator's command. It also provides an off-line mode with the implementation of the task. So far, only the possibility of passing a given route has been reported, but in the future it is also possible to independently solve problems.
A portable operator station is used for control. In the hands of the operator is a remote control with touch screens, and on the back is a data processing unit and communication facilities. The control principles are simple enough to speed up operator training. So, it takes only a few days to master the basic techniques of driving the platform.
For different tasks
During the first stages of testing the EMAV product, the running characteristics were established. In addition, promising control systems were tested in different modes. Later, new tests began, incl. with imitation of solving real problems on a conditional battlefield.
In January and February of this year, a platform with a CROWS machine-gun weapon station and a light UAV demonstrated its ability to conduct reconnaissance and provide fire support. EMAV provided observation, search for targets and their subsequent defeat. In another experiment, an extended engineering charge launcher was installed on the machine. RTK delivered him to the desired point and cleared a passage through the minefield.
At the beginning of the summer, a test of the platform's transport capabilities took place, and with the participation of a rather complex cargo - conditional wounded. For this, an ordinary army stretcher was installed on the roof of the tracked vehicle. Experienced equipment entered a conventional battlefield and ensured the evacuation of the wounded to the rear. The transportation itself did not cause any difficulties, however, human assistance was required to load the victims.
Recently, they showed a new version of the RTK with reconnaissance and combat functions. In this configuration, the chassis receives additional protection elements. In addition, the Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS) combat module was jointly developed by Rafael, Oshkosh and Pratt Miller. It is equipped with a 30mm XM810 cannon and a coaxial machine gun on a stabilized mount, carries optoelectronic equipment and weather sensors, and is also protected by smoke grenade launchers.
It is likely that in the near future, Pratt Miller, together with other organizations, will offer other configurations of the promising RTC. First of all, we should expect the introduction of new combat modules with machine-gun or cannon armament, tk. projects of this kind are receiving increased attention from the Pentagon. However, the EMAV platform can be equipped with other equipment.
Project Perspectives
In general, the EMAV project from Pratt Miller is similar to several other modern samples developed by order of the US armed forces. Once again, a medium-sized platform is offered, capable of carrying various devices or weapons. There are no fundamental innovations or technical breakthroughs, or they have not yet been reported.
However, the EMAV project has several interesting features that may affect its development and prospects. First of all, it should be noted that the Pratt Miller company is a newcomer to the creation of military equipment. Previously, it supplied the army with auxiliary systems, but complex equipment was not developed or produced. Not so long ago, the company tried its hand in a new direction - and, it seems, coped with the task.
The customer and his plans are no less interesting. The USMC is showing interest in new technologies and directions, and now these processes have reached the sphere of heavy multipurpose robots. At the same time, the requirements for the new RTK provide for rather strict restrictions associated with the transportation of equipment by air.
Thanks to this, EMAV in all versions will combine sufficient combat / performance characteristics and high mobility. The ILC will be able to transfer such equipment to different areas by sea or air, and then also carry out the evacuation. It is not difficult to imagine combat situations in which such mobility will successfully complement other functions and capabilities, as well as give an advantage over the enemy.
An obvious future
It should be noted that the real future of the EMAV project is still in question. Experienced equipment in different configurations is being tested and shows itself well, but the command is not ready to name specific dates for the adoption and launch of the series. It is also not specified what the final range of modifications of the RTK will be, and which of the created vehicles will go to the troops.
However, despite all the uncertainty, one fact is obvious. The USMC was seriously interested in the topic of medium and heavy robotic systems capable of fighting and solving auxiliary tasks. This means that in the foreseeable future, such equipment will come into service, change the look of the Marine Corps and give it new capabilities. It is very likely that the current EMAV will become the first example of this class in the ILC.
- Ryabov Kirill
- US Department of Defense, Pratt Miller
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