Autonomous all-terrain vehicle: the American RTK Forterra MESA project
The experimental MESA RTK undergoing testing
American industry has developed and unveiled a new multi-purpose robotic platform. Forterra's MESA is based on an existing all-terrain vehicle and equipped with a modern control system. The resulting vehicle is designed to carry a high payload while remaining relatively compact and lightweight. It is expected to attract interest from the Pentagon and find a place in the military.
Promising platform
Forterra (formerly Robotic Research), based in Clarksburg, Maryland, develops remote and autonomous control systems for ground vehicles. To date, the company has introduced several hardware and software systems of this type, compatible with various platforms. Furthermore, the company is developing full-fledged RTKs (robotic systems) based on these control systems.
At the end of April, the company first unveiled its new development—the MESA (Modular Expeditionary Systems Architecture) robotics platform. This product is based on the lightweight, two-axle Ranger XD 1500 all-terrain vehicle from Polaris Inc. The completed vehicle was rebuilt at the factory and equipped with the Forterra AutoDrive control system.
The resulting RTK can navigate roads and terrain under operator control or autonomously. Currently, it is designed only for cargo transportation, but various add-ons are possible in the future. The stated payload of 907 kg, with the dimensions of a light all-terrain vehicle, is the developer's main argument in favor of the new vehicle.
Forterra has now completed the design work and manufactured a prototype of the new RTK model. It is currently undergoing testing and confirming its design characteristics. The time frame for the full testing cycle has not yet been announced.
The promising vehicle was planned to be presented to the public and industry experts at a specialized exhibition in the near future. This was essentially the start of a promotional campaign aimed at generating orders.
The Pentagon is predictably considered the primary potential customer. MESA's characteristics and purpose fit into the Army's S-MET (Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport) program—lightweight R&D vehicles for supplying frontline units. The Pratt Miller MUTT and HDT Hunter WOLF, already accepted for delivery following previous phases of the program, are also targeted at this niche. MESA's participation in future competitions within the Robotic Combat Vehicle - Light program is also possible.
The developer hopes to successfully complete the competitive stage. In that case, it is ready to begin mass production of the equipment in the required configuration. However, for now, these are just wishes, and there are no concrete plans.
Ranger XD 1500 all-terrain vehicle in the basic modification
Wheeled chassis
The Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is a lightweight, two-axle all-terrain vehicle, originally designed for transporting people and some cargo. The MESA project utilizes its extended version with a double-row cab. When converted into a RC vehicle, it retains its core components and assemblies, but undergoes certain modifications. Additionally, a suite of new features and equipment is included.
Like other vehicles in its class, the Ranger is built on a steel-profile frame. The MESA retains the lower section of the powertrain, where key components are mounted. The chassis has been reinforced for carrying cargo, not people. The remaining frame and body components have been significantly redesigned.
Thus, the robotic all-terrain vehicle has essentially lost its cabin: the seats, steering column, and driver controls have been removed, significantly reducing the height of this part of the vehicle. However, the standard cargo platform in the rear, designed as a flat deck with L-Track mounts, is retained. Furthermore, cargo space has been arranged on the roof. The side doors are also in place, indicating the presence of internal cargo volumes.
The all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a standard 1,5-liter ProStar gasoline engine producing 110 hp—the standard powertrain for the entire Ranger XD 1500 lineup. A Polaris SteelDrive transmission, which uses an oil-immersed steel belt instead of a conventional rubber belt, distributes power to all wheels. The engine and some transmission components are located in the rear of the frame. The use of standard mechanical components allows the all-terrain vehicle to be serviced in the field using standard Polaris parts.
The chassis has a double-wishbone independent suspension on all four wheels with a long travel, which improves cross-country ability.
Both in its original form and after its conversion into a RTK, the Ranger XD 1500 all-terrain vehicle has average dimensions and weight:
- length - 3,9 m;
- height with original cabin - up to 2 m;
- height in MESA version - approx. 1,5 m;
- tare weight of the base chassis - approx. 1325–1533 kg;
- The MESA platform has a payload of 907 kg (2000 lbs);
- The maximum weight of the base all-terrain vehicle is approximately 2284 kg; in the MESA it is increased by strengthening the chassis;
- trailer weight - not less than 1500 kg.
It's important to note that the MESA's stated payload of 907 kg refers to the weight of the cargo or equipment itself, as there's no operator station in the vehicle. The civilian version's payload also includes the driver and passengers.
Management system
The MESA project utilizes the AutoDrive hardware and software control system. This is a set of devices that transforms virtually any vehicle into a remotely or autonomously controlled platform.
The core of the AutoDrive system is a central computer with proprietary software. It collects and processes data from all sources, communicates radio waves with the operator, and directly generates commands for the mechanisms. Depending on the selected operating mode, the computer either assists the operator or takes over all the work.
AutoDrive system components. The central computer is highlighted. Cameras and lidars are located on the roof of the car.
Satellite navigation devices are used for orientation. A set of video cameras, thermal imagers, and lidars are mounted around the platform's perimeter. Using all these devices, the central computer generates a real-time picture of the surrounding environment.
AutoDrive also includes a set of actuators. These interact with the vehicle's controls and ensure the execution of commands. Furthermore, individual actuators simplify the conversion of a completed vehicle into a robotic system.
The Forterra Vektor radio system is used to communicate with the operator. It creates secure, high-bandwidth, two-way channels. The operator console receives video, lidar data, telemetry, and other data, and commands are sent to the RTK.
The AutoDrive system with the Vektor communications system controls only the platform. In the future, it could be modified to control payloads. In theory, the MESA RTK could carry various instruments and devices, including weapons. In all cases, the standard control systems will provide control over them.
Demonstration of opportunities
The MESA project is of interest primarily as a demonstration of the capabilities and developments of a specific company. It demonstrates that Forterra has advanced in the development of transport automation systems and is ready to build fully-fledged ground-based RTK systems with a fairly broad range of capabilities.
At the same time, the MESA product is not fundamentally different from a number of other modern developments, including those from American companies. Completed all-terrain vehicles and other vehicles equipped with universal control systems have been repeatedly demonstrated at exhibitions. Similar RTKs are already participating in various Pentagon programs—suffice it to recall the aforementioned Pratt Miller MUTT and HDT Hunter WOLF in the US, as well as the Rheinmetall Mission Master, represented by European industry.
Essentially, the Forterra MESA project implements well-known and proven principles—it contains no fundamental innovations. However, the execution appears successful: by eliminating the cabin and strengthening the chassis, the developer was able to achieve a high payload while maintaining the dimensions of a lightweight all-terrain vehicle. It's also possible that Forterra has some unique developments in the field of autonomy that will give it a competitive advantage over other market players.
Regardless of the current state of affairs and prospects, the MESA project, like a number of similar developments, reflects a significant trend in military robotics. The creation of modern robotic systems no longer places increased demands on the developer. Even small organizations can undertake such projects.
Thus, the Forterra MESA multi-role RTK is a typical vehicle for its class, with good computational capabilities. Its true prospects will be determined when the vehicle is submitted to a specific Pentagon competition—most likely, as part of the next phase of the S-MET program—and the agency compares it with already proven analogs.
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