Australian Soldiers Trial Robots to Protect Our Borders

14 Agustus 2024

GUS, an Australian-developed surveillance robot (photos: Aus DoD)

Soldiers from the Australian Army’s Regional Force Surveillance Group (RFSG) Pilbara Regiment are trialling an uncrewed robot. 

The Ground Uncrewed System, known as GUS, is an Australian-developed surveillance robot. GUS is equipped with cameras and sensors capable of providing persistent surveillance for more than 30 continuous days using battery power. An on-board liquid fuel generator recharges the battery when it is low to extend GUS’s mission endurance even further. 

Director-General Future Land Warfare, Brigadier James Davis, said the Australian Army is committed to developing capabilities that exploit new and emerging technologies.

“Placing this equipment in the hands of the end users such as RFSG allows us to ‘learn by,” Brigadier Davis said.

Army’s 13th Engineer Regiment has trialed GUS under a variety of conditions, including deployment on Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2023.

GUS can detect moving objects and can then transmit this information to a remote operator. GUS has potential to remove soldiers from harsh environmental conditions and expand the surveillance area.

Australian Army and industry partner Outlook Industries have worked together to develop GUS. Research and development is taking place in the Victorian town of Yinnar. The use of locally sourced materials and creation of new jobs has brought a welcome economic boost to the Gippsland community. 

“Working with sovereign industry unlocks novel ideas and strengthens Australia’s industrial base. Project GUS demonstrates what can be achieved locally,” Brigadier Davis said.  

(Aus DoD)

Angkatan Darat Australia Menguji Kemampuan Penembakan Jarak Jauh dari APC Tanpa Awak

09 April 2024

Kendaraan logistik lapis baja M113AS4 Angkatan Darat Australia dilengkapi dengan teknologi kendaraan tempur berawak opsional dan  remote weapon station (photos: Australian Army)

Kantor Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO) dan Electro Optic Systems (EOS) Angkatan Darat Australia telah melakukan latihan penembakan jarak jauh dari pengangkut personel lapis baja (APC) M113 yang tidak berawak di Puckapunyal Military Area di Victoria, kata EOS dalam siaran persnya pada tanggal 3 April.

M113 tanpa awak, dilengkapi dengan sistem senjata jarak jauh (RWS) R400 EOS, “dinyatakan sukses” menyerang target pada jarak 300 m dan 600 m selama latihan, tambah EOS.

RWS yang terintegrasi pada APC M113 dikendalikan dari jarak jauh dari fasilitas EOS di Canberra – sekitar 550 km dari Puckapunyal Military Area – selama latihan, menurut EOS.

Latihan ini juga memamerkan kemampuan kendaraan udara tak berawak (C-UAV) RWS dengan mencegat target UAV yang diam dan bergerak pada jarak hingga 500 m.

Menurut Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Firepower, Survivability & Mobility, R400 adalah sistem senjata stabil dua sumbu yang dioperasikan dari jarak jauh dan digerakkan secara elektrik dengan lintasan terus menerus hingga 360° dan rentang ketinggian senjata -20° hingga +60°.

Pilihan senjata standar R400 termasuk peluncur granat otomatis (AGL) Mk 19 40 mm, senapan mesin M2 HB (MG) kaliber .50 (12,7 mm), M240 MG 7,62 mm, atau M249 MG 5,56 mm.

Selain senjata tersebut, EOS juga telah mengintegrasikan senjata lainnya termasuk senjata M134D MG 7,62 mm, meriam GAU19/A Gatling kaliber .50 (12,7 mm), senjata airburst 25 mm XM307, meriam Bushmaster M230 30 mm, dan Mk 47 AGL 40 mm.

(Jane's)

Rheinmetall Unveil UGV for Marine Corps

12 Maret 2024

Mission Master SP autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) with Fieldranger RCWS (photos: Rheinmetall)

American Rheinmetall Vehicles conducts live-fire demos and continues to deliver autonomous ground vehicles to the U.S. Marines Corps for testing, training, and deployment 

American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI) and Rheinmetall Canada have successfully conducted a live-fire capability demonstration for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) in Fort Clinton, Ohio to highlight the unique capabilities of the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) paired with the Fieldranger Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). This armed variant of the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP provides Marines a variety of remote-operated capabilities including armed reconnaissance, sentry overwatch, fire support, flank security, screening capability, and more. Having completed numerous test and evaluation events with the Mission Master SP, American Rheinmetall Vehicles continues to deliver ground-breaking advancements in A-UGV systems to the USMC. It first made deliveries to the USMC in early 2023, and several follow-on orders for A-UGVs are proceeding in 2024. The platforms have the potential to substantially enhance the way Marines fight.

Mission Master SPs furnished by American Rheinmetall Vehicles were also extensively tested by the USMC during the Talisman Sabre Exercise (TS23) in Queensland, Australia, in summer 2023 and as part of the Apollo Shield exercise at Marine Corps Base, Twentynine Palms, California, in fall 2023, both in support of Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) evaluations. The Mission Master SPs’ participation supported MCWL’s one-year, crawl-walk-run, bilateral effort to test equipment capabilities and evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures of Infantry squads equipped with A-UGVs. Tasks the Mission Master SP A-UGVs took on during the exercises included casualty evacuations (CASEVAC), resupply missions, fully autonomous road marches reaching ranges up to 50 kilometers, and operating in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) environments. Feedback from the Marines and their Commanders drove A-UGV design modifications and solidified the benefits of A-UGVs among Marines.

In December 2023, American Rheinmetall Vehicles received an order to manufacture and deliver six Mission Master SPs which are slated for delivery to III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) to support further training and evaluation. Four of the Mission Master SPs will support 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, who will be the first unit to conduct pre-deployment work-ups and deploy with the A-UGVs.

“Bringing the capabilities of the Mission Master SP A-UGV to today‘s Marines gives me great pride in knowing that lives will be saved and Marines will be better prepared for battle,“ said Mike Brooks, Gunner (CW05) USMC Ret., and Director of Business Development for American Rheinmetall Vehicles.

"MCWL’s experimentation with state-of-the-art autonomous systems exemplifies our commitment to harnessing innovative technologies that enhance our tactical capabilities, ensuring our Marines are better equipped, more agile, and always a step ahead on the battlefield," stated Maj Steven Atkinson, Robotics & Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Branch Head for the Science and Technology Division of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.

A-UGV can be used for different missions including fire support, reconnaissance, cargo, and rescue (photo: Rheinmetall)

Rheinmetall PATH A-kit

A platform-agnostic, next-generation system that brings autonomous mobility to any vehicle

Each of Rheinmetall’s Mission Master SP A-UGVs uses the Rheinmetall PATH autonomy kit (A-kit), a navigation system developed by Rheinmetall Canada that enables fully autonomous movement and mission planning for vehicles. It can be rapidly added onto existing legacy vehicles or integrated into the latest next-generation platforms. It is a core element of Rheinmetall’s exceptional Mission Master family of autonomous vehicles and combines advanced sensors, technology-leading algorithms, and real-time data analysis to allow vehicle platforms to maneuver autonomously in a wide range of operating environments. Fielded and tested on this family of vehicles, but also a wide array of other platforms, the PATH A-kit is a mature, proven technology that stands out from the competition providing a high degree of autonomous mobility.

American Rheinmetall Vehicles is leveraging the PATH A-kit technology to supply program-specific vehicle solutions for the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck program and XM30 program.

(Rheinmetall)

Philippine Army Deploys Philippine-Made UGVs for 1st-ever Large-Scale Combined Arms Exercise

11 Maret 2024

Some UGV made by Calriger Industries (photos: Calriger Industries)

The Philippine Army deploys troops and new Filipino-made UGV for the first-ever large-scale Combined Arms Training Exercise.

The Unmanned Ground Vehicle was developed by the Calriger Industries SolarRev Tech team and Civil-Military Operation Regiment team.

The exercise is set for this month of March which culminates in the celebration of the 127th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary.

The historic exercise will effectively test the Army's capability to move, maneuver, and sustain large-scale forces during combat operations which aim to form a formidable and strong army capable of safeguarding the country's sovereignty.

(Da-Real)

BAE and TAS Develop AI System for UGV

11 Februari 2024

TAGVIEW was installed on several M113 OCCVs (photos: BAE)

Laying the groundwork for a next generation trusted autonomous capability

BAE Systems Australia and Trusted Autonomous Systems (TAS) have moved a step closer to delivering a next generation autonomous capability for the Australian Army.

The companies recently completed a four-year research and demonstration program during which they developed an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that could be used in uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV).

The TAGVIEW (Trusted Autonomous Ground Vehicles in Electronic Warfare) system would allow multiple UGVs to operate simultaneously to carry out mission objectives while identifying and evading potential threats.

Modular in design, and integrated with BAE Systems’ autonomous Vehicle Management System, TAGVIEW will be compatible with a range of different UGVs. It can feature a range of technologies, including optic cameras, LiDaR (Light Detection and Ranging) and internal navigation and route planning systems, making it easier for the user to control.

During the demonstration phase, TAGVIEW was installed on several M113 Optionally Crewed Combat Vehicles (OCCVs) and put through its paces in a series of planned relocation, logistical and sweep search missions.

 (BAE Systems Australia)

AD Thailand Semakin Dekat dengan Pengadaan D-Iron

21 November 2023

Milrem Robotics D-Iron UGV (photo : DTI)

Royal Thai Army (RTA) semakin dekat untuk mendapatkan D-Iron, yang dikembangkan melalui perjanjian kolaboratif antara Defence Technology Institute (DTI), sebuah badan di bawah Kementerian Pertahanan Thailand (MoD), dan produsen kendaraan robotik Estonia, Milrem Robotics.

Seorang pejabat DTI mengatakan kepada Janes pada pameran Defense & Security 2023 di Bangkok pada tanggal 9 November bahwa D-Iron telah melewati serangkaian uji coba yang diadakan oleh komite pengujian dan evaluasi RTA pada bulan Agustus di Saraburi, Thailand tengah.

Pejabat tersebut mengatakan uji coba tersebut mencakup pengujian ekstensif terhadap kemampuan manuver D-Iron di medan berat dan pengujian stasiun senjata jarak jauh (RWS) R400S-Mk2 Direct Drive-Heavy Duty (D-HD) terintegrasi – yang dipasok oleh perusahaan Australia Electro Optic Systems – dan senapan mesin 30 mm Northrop Grumman M230LF yang terkait.

Milrem Robotics D-Iron UGV (photo : Jane's)

Akuisisi kendaraan darat tak berawak (UGV) kini berpindah ke komite standardisasi material RTA, yang diperkirakan akan segera menyetujui pengadaan tersebut. Setelah itu, RTA diharapkan menyelesaikan persyaratan kontrak pengadaan.

Pejabat DTI mengatakan, “Semua uji coba telah selesai. Langkah selanjutnya adalah komite standardisasi yang meninjau D-Iron bulan ini atau depan. Program tersebut kemudian perlu dialokasikan dana untuk kontrak dan produksi.” Untuk mendukung produksi platform tersebut, Milrem diharapkan dapat berkolaborasi dengan industri lokal.

Pejabat DTI tidak mengomentari ruang lingkup persyaratan RTA. Rincian tersebut akan diselesaikan setelah mendapat persetujuan dari komite standardisasi material RTA. Namun, dia mengatakan RTA memerlukan D-Iron untuk berbagai peran termasuk dukungan infanteri, pengawasan perbatasan, pengintaian, logistik, dan operasi kontra-pemberontakan.

​

(Jane's)

Wahana Tanpa Awak Dalam Perencanaan Strategis Pertahanan RI

02 Oktober 2023

Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle UGV kerjasama dengan PT Ansa Solusitama tahun 2019 (photo : AnsaSolusitama)

Perkembangan lingkungan strategis di kawasan Indo-Pasifik dewasa ini menunjukkan terus berlanjutnya rivalitas antara Amerika Serikat dan China. Rivalitas yang terkait dengan isu Laut China Selatan dan Taiwan telah menjalar lebih luas sehingga menyentuh aspek ekonomi dan teknologi.

Kedua negara saling menerapkan tarif impor yang tinggi untuk komoditas-komoditas tertentu. Tidak hanya itu, AS dan China sekarang terlibat dalam perang cip seiring pelarangan AS untuk mengekspor cip ke China, sementara kemampuan China untuk memproduksi cip yang berukuran sangat-sangat kecil ketinggalan dari AS.

USV kerjasama dengan PT. Infoglobal Teknologi Semesta tahun 2019 (photo : Kemhan)

Indonesia berada dalam posisi terjepit dalam persaingan dua kekuatan besar tersebut, suatu posisi yang seringkali diingkari oleh para pejabat Indonesia. Di sektor ekonomi, Indonesia menjalin kerja sama erat dengan China, termasuk memberikan perlakukan khusus kepada masuknya tenaga kerja China ke jenis pekerjaan-pekerjaan yang sebenarnya dapat dikerjakan oleh tenaga kerja Indonesia.

Namun karpet merah yang diberikan oleh Indonesia kepada China tidak membuat Negeri Tirai Bambu menghormati kedaulatan dan hak berdaulat Indonesia di Laut China Selatan. Sehingga dalam sektor keamanan, Indonesia mempunyai kerja sama keamanan yang lebih erat dengan AS, baik kerja sama intelijen, latihan militer secara rutin dan lain sebagainya.

Underwater Glider Yellow Juku jenis UUV kerjasama dengan PT. Hidrolab Naval Indonesia tahun 2016 dapat menyelam hingga 1.000 meter (photo : Liputan6)

Ketidaknyamanan Indonesia terhadap China tercermin pula dari akuisisi sistem senjata yang dilakukan selama ini. Apabila memperhatikan secara seksama daftar belanja mesin perang yang dibiayai oleh Pinjaman Luar Negeri (PLN) sejak 2010 sampai saat ini, pengadaan sistem senjata dari China sangat sedikit dibandingkan dari negara-negara NATO dan sekutu AS lainnya.

Pengadaan yang signifikan hanya pesawat tanpa awak CH-4B dan rudal pertahanan udara titik QW-3. Rencana Indonesia untuk mendatangkan satu unit kapal perusak Type 052 bekas dari China dibatalkan oleh Kementerian Pertahanan tahun ini dan anggarannya dialihkan bagi pembelian F-15EX dari AS.

Elang Hitam MALE UAV konsorsium BRIN 2022 (photo : Jane's)

Saat ini Indonesia sedang berada di fase terakhir dari Minimum Essential Force (MEF) 2010-2024. Secara total, pemerintah telah mengalokasikan PLN sekitar US$50 miliar guna mendukung pengadaan sistem senjata selama 15 tahun terakhir, termasuk US$34,4 miliar pada periode 2020-2024.

TNI Angkatan Laut mendapatkan kuota pinjaman senilai US$8,3 miliar yang merupakan alokasi pinjaman terbesar kedua dari lima unit organisasi di lingkungan Kementerian Pertahanan. Di antara program pengadaan bagi TNI Angkatan Laut yang tercakup dalam anggaran sebesar US$8,3 miliar adalah pembelian kapal fregat dan kapal selam.

Diperlukan 65 MALE UAV & UCAV untuk TNI AD (photo : KompasTV)

Pengadaan kedua tipe kapal perang bersifat kritis di tengah perkembangan lingkungan strategis yang penuh tantangan dan lambatnya modernisasi kekuatan laut Indonesia dalam beberapa tahun terakhir.

Salah satu tantangan yang dihadapi dalam program akuisisi kapal selam sebesar US$2,1 miliar adalah kesediaan galangan kapal asing untuk melakukan kerja sama industri dengan galangan kapal lokal. Naval Group tetap pada komitmen untuk menjalin kerja sama industri dengan pihak Indonesia sebagai bagian dari skema transfer teknologi, sementara galangan lainnya dari Eropa enggan untuk mengikuti Naval Group.

Green Juku smart UUV dengan kedalaman 5.000m (photo : KompasTV)

Terdapat sejumlah alasan mengapa galangan lain enggan menjalin kerjasama, di antaranya karena alasan kondisi internal galangan domestik yang dinilai tidak memenuhi harapan dari galangan tersebut. Memang harus diakui bahwa kondisi internal galangan lokal selalu menjadi tantangan saat hendak menjalin kerja sama dengan galangan luar negeri untuk membangun kapal perang yang kompleks.

Memperhatikan tantangan keamanan regional saat ini dan ke depan, merupakan hal yang tidak bisa dikompromikan bagi Indonesia untuk mempunyai kemampuan peperangan bawah air yang lebih baik di masa depan daripada saat ini.

Yellow Juku smart underwater glider (photo : KompasTV)

Seiring dengan kemajuan teknologi, kemampuan peperangan bawah air tidak lagi terbatas pada kapal selam, tetapi pula wahana tidak berawak seperti Underwater Unmanned Vehicle (UUV) dan Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV).

Perang di Ukraina telah memberikan contoh betapa wahana seperti USV dapat menjadi senjata mematikan yang melumpuhkan kapal perang seperti tipe fregat. Wahana seperti UUV dan USV dapat digunakan untuk misi operasi pada wilayah perairan yang cukup beresiko apabila dilaksanakan kapal permukaan atau kapal selam.

Orange Juku smart buoy (photo : KompasTV)

Seiring dengan berakhirnya MEF 2020-2024, Kementerian Pertahanan sedang menyusun draf postur pertahanan 2025-2044 yang akan menjadi acuan bagi penyusunan rencana strategis pertahanan, termasuk rencana strategis TNI Angkatan Laut.

Tentu menjadi hal menarik untuk diperhatikan bagaimana draf postur pertahanan hingga 2044 mengantisipasi kemajuan teknologi pertahanan yang akan terus berevolusi, termasuk akan semakin meluasnya penggunaan wahana tanpa awak untuk kepentingan militer. Begitu pula dengan bagaimana perencanaan strategis pertahanan diterjemahkan lebih lanjut menjadi kegiatan pengadaan sistem senjata, baik yang memakai PLN maupun Pinjaman Dalam Negeri.

Autonomous submarine dengan 6 torpedo (photo : KompasTV)

Postur pertahanan jangka panjang ke depan beserta turunannya seperti perencanaan strategis pertahanan hendaknya mengantisipasi penggunaan wahana tanpa awak untuk kepentingan pertahanan yang dikombinasikan dengan pemakaian wahana berawak. Pola demikian saat ini telah diadopsi oleh kekuatan pertahanan negara maju, seperti dalam konsep Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) yang diterapkan dalam perang di Afghanistan.

Dalam konteks operasi maritim, konsep MUM-T berupa penggunaan secara terintegrasi antara wahana berawak seperti kapal permukaan, kapal selam dan pesawat udara dengan wahana tidak berawak seperti UUV dan USV. Integrasi demikian membutuhkan hadirnya suatu datalink yang dapat diandalkan, dalam arti terenskripsi dan aman.

Wulung UAV Taktis (photo : PTDI)

Kehadiran wahana tanpa awak di pasar pertahanan Indonesia akan sangat tergantung pada kebutuhan pasar. Tanpa adanya kebutuhan pasar dari Kementerian Pertahanan, sulit untuk mengharapkan industri asing untuk menawarkan solusinya kepada Indonesia.

Tanpa kebutuhan pasar pula, sukar bagi industri pertahanan domestik untuk mengembangkan produk-produk wahana tanpa awak, baik secara mandiri maupun lewat kerjasama dengan produsen dari luar negeri. Karena karakteristik pasar pertahanan adalah niche market, maka kebutuhan pasar harus diciptakan oleh pemerintah.

Rencana pembentukan skadron UAV TNI AU (image : istimewa)

Industri pertahanan nasional dapat menciptakan daya saing di bidang wahana tanpa awak apabila menguasai teknologi di sektor elektronika pertahanan. Pertanyaannya adalah bagaimana agar dapat menguasai teknologi tersebut?

Salah satu caranya adalah menjalin kerja sama dengan industri pertahanan asing yang mempunyai keunggulan di sektor elektronika pertahanan, termasuk melalui pembentukan firma joint venture. Industri pertahanan domestik tidak perlu malu untuk belajar dari para pemain global di sektor elektronika pertahanan. (Alman Helvas)

(CNBC)

Thai DTI Tests and Evaluates the D-Iron RCV Unmanned Ground Vehicle for the Royal Thai Army

10 September 2023

Defense Technology Institute (DTI) was tested its D-Iron RCV (Robotic Combat Vehicle) for Royal Thai Army (RTA) based on Milrem Robotics THeMIS Combat UGV (all photos : DTI)

Defense Technology Institute DTI brought a prototype tactical robot for the Royal Thai Army unmanned combat vehicle D-Iron RCV (Robotic Combat Vehicle) to test and assess with the working group of the Royal Thai Army at Cavalry Center (Cavalry Center), Adisorn Camp, Saraburi Province Between 22-24 August 2023, about a year and a half later, Milrem Robotics Estonia delivered the system to DTI Thailand.

The D-Iron tactical robot prototype is based on the THeMIS UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) developed by Milrem Robotics, used by the Estonian Defense Force and the Royal Netherlands Army (Royal Netherlands Army, Koninklijke Landmacht), it has been tested and supplied by many NATO member nations and dozens more countries around the world including being used to place real operational forces.

DTI Thailand has unveiled its D-Iron RCV unmanned vehicle for the first time at the Defense and Security International Armament Show 2019 from 18-21 November 2019. Equipped with a Remote Weapon Station  type R400S-Mk2-HD turret of Electro Optic Systems (EOS) Australia with a Northrop Grumman M230LF 30mm machine gun from the United States, which has been tested with real ammunition during day and night.

Testing also included a prototype tactical robot D-Iron equipped with a payload instead of the RWS turret, which could be used for terrain deployment.

Terrain maneuvering, steep climbs, wide ditch crossings, deep water wading, and other obstacles were also tested when entering the consideration process by the Ministry of Defense Armament Standards Committee Ministry of Defense of Thailand, which will pave the way for procurement orders to open mass production lines in Thailand. 

This makes the Royal Thai Army the first nation in ASEAN to use heavily armed UGVs.

(AAG)

Singapura Menguji UGV Baru untuk Patroli Pangkalan Udara

07 September 2023

Kendaraan darat tak berawak/UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) sedang dievaluasi oleh RSAF untuk berpatroli di pangkalan udaranya (photo : Janes)

Angkatan Udara Republik Singapura (RSAF) sedang melakukan uji coba kendaraan darat tak berawak (UGV) dengan tujuan untuk mengerahkan peralatan tersebut untuk operasi keamanan pangkalan udara.

UGV roda delapan ini dipamerkan di acara publik untuk memperingati ulang tahun ke-55 Angkatan Udara negara tersebut, yang akan diadakan di Pangkalan Udara Paya Lebar dari tanggal 9 hingga 10 September. Tampilan UGV adalah bagian dari segmen pameran yang menampilkan kemampuan masa depan RSAF.

Menanggapi pertanyaan dari Janes selama kunjungan ke pameran, yang diadakan untuk media menjelang pembukaannya untuk umum, perwakilan dari RSAF mengkonfirmasi bahwa UGV telah diuji coba di pangkalan udara yang tidak disebutkan.

Namun, Angkatan Udara tidak memberikan rincian lain seperti jumlah unit yang sedang dievaluasi dan perkiraan tanggal berakhirnya uji coba.

Perwakilan RSAF tidak memberikan informasi apa pun mengenai kendaraan dan spesifikasinya, namun sasisnya memiliki kemiripan dengan UGV multiperan Jaeger 8 dari perusahaan pertahanan utama ST Engineering Singapura.

Jaeger 8 pertama kali diluncurkan oleh perusahaan pada Singapore Airshow tahun 2016. Pesawat ini memiliki panjang 2,8 m, berat sekitar 1.000 kg, dan mampu membawa muatan hingga 750 kg. Kendaraan ini memiliki kecepatan tertinggi 16 km/jam dan dapat dilengkapi dengan stasiun senjata yang dikendalikan dari jarak jauh (RCWS) dan dipersenjatai dengan senapan mesin 7,62 mm.

(Jane's)

Vietnam Sebarkan UGV Bersenjata untuk Operasi Pasukan Khusus

17 Desember 2022

Tentara Rakyat Vietnam RBB-01 mempersenjatai UGV, yang kini dikerahkan bersama pasukan khususnya (photo : Janes)

Tentara Rakyat Vietnam/People's Army of Vietnam (VPA) telah mengkonfirmasi operasionalisasi kendaraan darat tak berawak bersenjata (UGV), dan sistem tersebut sekarang digunakan di beberapa unit pasukan khusus.

Berbicara kepada Janes di Vietnam International Defense Exhibition (VIDEX) 2022, yang berlangsung di Hanoi dari 8 hingga 10 Desember, perwakilan dari layanan tersebut mengonfirmasi bahwa UGV RBB-01 memulai proses induksi pada tahun 2020 dan sekarang beroperasi penuh dengan unit yang dipilih.

Namun, rincian tentang unit-unit ini dan jumlah UGV yang dikerahkan tidak dapat diungkapkan karena masalah kerahasiaan operasional.

RBB-01 adalah UGV roda-rantai yang telah dikembangkan untuk Tentara Rakyat Vietnam bekerja sama dengan Pabrik Z-111 yang berafiliasi dengan negara. Sistem ini dilengkapi dengan senapan cepat TL-K12 9 mm yang dapat mengeluarkan hingga 1.000 rds/menit dengan jarak tembak efektif sekitar 50 m.

UGV dilengkapi dengan kamera siang dan malam dan telah digabungkan dengan sistem pelacakan target otomatis, dengan jangkauan target hingga 200 m. Ini memiliki kecepatan tertinggi sekitar 5 km/jam dan daya tahan sekitar 3 jam saat terus bergerak.

RBB-01 dapat diprogram dengan waypoint untuk tugas patroli dan dapat beroperasi pada jarak hingga 500 m dari ruang operatornya. Selain itu, UGV dapat dipandu oleh Global Positioning System (GPS) atau sistem navigasi satelit Rusia, GLONASS.

Saat ini, tidak ada rencana untuk memasarkan RBB-01 untuk pelanggan di luar Vietnam, kata perwakilan Tentara Rakyat Vietnam yang berbicara kepada Janes.

(Jane's)

STRIDE Malaysia Pamerkan UGV 'Kawbra'

01 April 2022

UGV Kawbra Malaysia, yang dikembangkan oleh Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) (photo : Jane's)

Institut Riset Sains dan Teknologi Malaysia untuk Pertahanan (Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence- STRIDE) telah meluncurkan kendaraan darat tak berawak (UGV) baru yang sedang dikembangkan untuk Angkatan Bersenjata Malaysia (MAF).

Seorang perwakilan dari STRIDE – sebuah lembaga di bawah Kementerian Pertahanan (MoD) – mengatakan kepada Janes pada 30 Maret di pameran DSA di Kuala Lumpur bahwa UGV 'Kawbra' baru telah dikembangkan sejak 2019. Menurut lembaga tersebut, proyek tersebut pertama dari jenisnya di Malaysia.

Pekerjaan STRIDE pada program Kawbra telah dilakukan bekerja sama dengan perusahaan teknik digital lokal DreamEdge. Para mitra berencana untuk memulai uji coba lapangan MAF dari UGV akhir tahun ini. Peningkatan lebih lanjut dari UGV diharapkan untuk mengikuti.

Kawbra beserta sistem kendalinya (photo : BHarian)

“Tujuan dari program ini adalah untuk mengembangkan dan memperoleh teknologi kendaraan tak berawak secara lokal,” kata seorang pejabat STRIDE. “UGV ini akan memiliki kemampuan untuk pengawasan, pengintaian, logistik, dan mungkin pertempuran.”

Kemampuan tempur disediakan melalui proyek STRIDE terpisah untuk mengembangkan kanon 7,62 mm yang dikendalikan dari jarak jauh. Akhirnya, STRIDE bermaksud untuk mengintegrasikan dua program untuk mengembangkan UGV Kawbra tempur khusus.

STRIDE mengatakan UGV bertenaga motor listrik ini memiliki daya tahan empat jam, dan mampu membawa muatan hingga 400 kg. UGV dilengkapi dengan sensor inframerah dan GPS, memiliki kamera di semua sudut, dan dapat mencapai kecepatan tertinggi 50 km/jam. Kendaraan Ini memiliki panjang 2,5 m dan berat kendali 400 kg.

(Jane's)

ST Engineering Pamerkan Terrex Hibrida Interoperabilitas dengan UGV

17 Februari 2022

ST Engineering menampilkan perpaduan Terrex 8x8 dilengkapi UGV di Singapore Airshow 2022 (photo : Shephard)

Konsep kolaborasi kendaraan berawak-non awak dalam perang darat adalah fokus dari cluster pertahanan paviliun ST Engineering di Singapore Airshow 2022, ini menunjukkan bahwa perusahaan telah merangkul konsep AI dan Interoperabilitas. Kendaraan yang dipamerkan  adalah IFV Terrex-2 8x8 yang berfungsi sebagai 'induk' untuk berbagai UGV.

UGV yang menyertai Terrex 8x8 (photo : EDR Magazine)

Terrex yang dipamerkan dilengkapi dengan penggerak listrik hibrida (hybrid electric driveHED). Ini memberikan sejumlah manfaat, seperti mobilitas senyap dalam mode listrik selama pendekatan 'last-mile' ke area target, peningkatan jangkauan operasional melalui peningkatan efisiensi bahan bakar, dan kapasitas daya tambahan yang diperluas – berguna untuk mengisi daya sistem-tanpa-awak yang akan digunakannya.

(Shephard)

Milrem Robotics Delivered the THeMIS Combat UGV to Thailand

09 Februari 2022

THeMIS UGV and the R400S – Mk2-HD Remote Weapon Station (photo : Themis)

At the end of last year, the European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics delivered the THeMIS Combat unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to the Defence Technology Institute (DTI).  The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), as it is known, will be tested and evaluated by the Royal Thai Army and DTI in the near future.

The RCV comprises of the THeMIS UGV and the R400S – Mk2-HD Remote Weapon Station (RWS) by the Australian Space and Defence company Electro Optic Systems (EOS). The RWS also includes the Northrop Grumman M230 LF cannon.  Milrem Robotics is also the system integrator for the RCV.

“It’s our honour to be the robotic systems partner with Royal Thai Army and DTI. This is a significant delivery and deployment for the Milrem THeMIS. It demonstrates that the THeMIS can master very challenging environments. Also, the successful integration of a 30 mm weapon system brings THeMIS firepower to the next level. Cooperation with DTI will grow the local robotic technology capabilities in Thailand in terms of the local assembly and system integration,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

The THeMIS Combat UGVs provide direct fire support for manoeuvre forces and act as a force multiplier. With an integrated self-stabilizing remote-controlled weapon system, they provide high precision over wide areas, day and night, increasing stand-off distance, force protection and survivability. THeMIS Combat UGVs can be equipped with light or heavy machine guns, 40 mm grenade launchers and Anti-Tank Missile Systems.

The THeMIS UGV has already been acquired by 12 countries, including several NATO members. In addition to providing the unmanned vehicle, Milrem Robotics, in cooperation with end-users, is engaged in several systems integration projects.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope Unmanned Ground Vehicles and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle. The THeMIS supports dismounted troops while the Multiscope is intended for civilian use such as forestry and firefighting.  The Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle is a wingman for mechanized units.

Milrem Robotics is the leader of a consortium that was recently awarded 30.6M (EUR) from the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (UGS).

During the project, titled iMUGS, modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems will be developed to standardize a European wide ecosystem.

(Milrem Robotics)

Downer Awarded Defence Innovation Hub contract for Muskito

03 Februari 2021

Muskito 6x6 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) (photo : Downer)

Downer’s defence business – Downer Defence Systems (DDS) – has been awarded a $3 million contract through the Defence Innovation Hub to partner with several Australian companies to deliver the Muskito capability as the Prime Systems Integrator for the project.

“Muskito is an integrated Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) concept that will use autonomous systems and machine learning to detect threats above the ground and below the surface, and then flag them to an operator via a visual interface,” said Downer Defence Systems’ Executive General Manager, Andrew Foster.

“It is part of the capability requirements for Army’s LAND 154 Phase 4 – the Joint Counter Improvised Explosive Device Capability Project,” he said.

The Defence Innovation Hub contract will see DDS working as the Prime Systems Integrator with Australian industry partners Urban Circus, EPE, and Insitu Pacific to develop a Muskito prototype and then deliver a technology demonstration for Defence.

“We are excited to work with the Commonwealth and our industry partners to develop the Muskito system. IEDs and other related threats have been the scourge of Australian and allied service personnel in their operations overseas in recent decades, and we are grateful to be given an opportunity to play a role in helping to mitigate that threat,” Foster said.

“This contract underscores the Government’s commitment to working with industry to create genuine and sustainable sovereign industrial capability. The future of the defence industry is about being self-reliant and creating enduring employment opportunities for Australians,” he said.

Downer’s local partners are excited to work on the project.

Dr Ben Guy, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Circus, said: “The future of work is to work visually. As an Australian owned and operated global leader in 3D visual systems, we are delighted to be working with Downer and Defence with this important work.”

EPE’s Managing Director, Warwick Penrose, is looking forward to working with industry partners. “EPE is very pleased to partner with Downer and the Defence Innovation Hub on the Muskito program, which aligns perfectly with our focus on the delivery of Force Protection solutions,” said Penrose. “The Muskito Program will harness EPE’s CIED domain expertise, technology partners and innovative engineering to deliver a sovereign Australian capability that will protect ADF personnel deployed in non-permissive operational environments.”

Insitu Pacific’s Managing Director, Andrew Duggan, is determined to reduce casualties from IEDs. “During the time we supported the ADF with unmanned aerial ISR services in Iraq and Afghanistan, our team witnessed the destructive and devastating effects of IEDs,” said Duggan. “As a company focussed on driving innovation to solve complex problems, we welcome the opportunity to be part of this Australian team to develop a world-class counter improvised threat solution.”

Downer Defence Systems’ Andrew Foster adds, “We’ve got a strong line-up of industry partners who are all champing at the bit to do our part to protect Australian personnel, create jobs for Australians and to generate growth in the economy.”

The roles of each company are:  

-Downer Defence Systems will act as Prime Systems Integrator and implement its Machine Learning capabilities in the detection of surface and subsurface threats, and provide overall project management to integrate the technology into the Muskito Mission System 

-Urban Circus will develop the system that converts the sensor data into a visual reference for the operator

-Insitu Pacific will deliver the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will integrate with the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to provide tactical data

-EPE will draw upon its Force Protection, CIED and Route Clearance domain expertise to support the initial conduct of a concept of operations workshop. EPE will supply innovation and integration support aligned to the provision of the HDT Hunter Wolf UGV, the Cobham Ground Penetrating Radar and a number of other technical systems. EPE is committed to providing agile, timely and innovative solutions to improve Australian Industry Capability.

(DownerGroup)

Australia Boosts Investment in Army's Autonomous Vehicle Fleet

 10 Agustus 2020

Army autonomous demostration (all photos : Aus DoD)

The Morrison Government is increasing Army’s experimentation, prototyping and exploration of autonomous vehicle and emerging technologies with a $12.2 million boost in Australian industry contracts.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the development of robotic and autonomous systems are central to meeting Australia’s future operational challenges, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and combat operations.

“These technologies are ‘disruptive technologies’ that provide marked advantages on the modern battlefield by bolstering ADF capability while protecting Australian personnel,” Minister Reynolds said.

“In the 2020 Force Structure Plan, I set out how Defence plans to seize these opportunities through greater development and implementation of robotic and autonomous systems.”

Thecontracts will be delivered over the next three years and include:

-$7.7 million contract with BAE Systems Australia to convert 16 M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers into Optionally Crewed Combat Vehicles (OCCVs), increasing the OCCV fleet available to 20 vehicles and support experimentation over two years. Conversions will be conducted in South Australia by BAE and in regional Victoria by Defence’s Joint Logistic Unit (Victoria).

 -$3.5 million contract with the Institute for Intelligent Research and Innovation (IISRI) at Deakin University for the expansion of Army’s leader-follower vehicle technology prototyping.

 -$135,000 contract with QinetiQ Australia for the modelling of the value of conversion of a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle to hybrid-electric drive.

 -$897,000 contract with EPE for small wheeled robots to experiment with human and machine teaming in reconnaissance roles.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the investment will boost robotic and autonomous vehicle studies and help to build opportunities for local defence companies.

“These are exciting times for developing world-class, cutting-edge technology right here in Australia,” Minister Price said

“We are investing $12 million to boost Defence’s experience and understanding of new and emerging technologies in partnership with Australian industry and academia.

“There is a global increase in the use of these types of technologies and investments like these ensure both Defence and Australian industry are well positioned to take advantage and further develop these state-of-the-art technologies.”

Army’s Robotic & Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office (RICO) was launched in March 2020 to explore, coordinate and develop concepts for disruptive technology in pursuit of its Robotic and Autonomous Systems Strategy.

(Aus DoD)

Rheinmetall Launches Autonomous Combat Warrior in Australia

01 Maret 2020

Mission Master vehicle (photo : Rheinmetall)

Rheinmetall partners with DST, CSIRO, QUT and RMIT to develop new sovereign automated military vehicle capability

Rheinmetall is pleased to announce the launch of its first Australian research and technology program. Under the Autonomous Combat Warrior (ACW) program, Rheinmetall’s Australian, German and Canadian development teams will work alongside research teams from Defence Science and Technology (DST) group, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). The aim is to develop advanced sovereign robotics and automated vehicle technologies. This will create a local automated military vehicle capability.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Gary Stewart said the program would lead the Australian development of next generation automated combat vehicle technologies for integration into the family of Rheinmetall vehicle platforms. “ACW’s goal is to fundamentally change the way in which land vehicles support military operations by transforming a vehicle from tool to teammate to provide currently unachievable levels of soldier protection, support and tactical advantage,” Mr Stewart said. “This will see the Australian development of the next generation of land vehicle systems warfighting capability, with an emphasis on developing trusted automated systems which provide human-machine teaming and optional crewed control.”

The program will focus on the automation of driving capabilities. Rheinmetall only develops systems that are strictly compliant with the rules of engagement of its customers. Rheinmetall does not develop, manufacture or market fully autonomous weapon systems. Rather, Rheinmetall is convinced that humans must retain the power of decision and therefore rejects fully autonomous weapon systems that deprive humans of the power to decide whether or not to use weapons against other humans.

Mission Master vehicle (photo : Rheinmetall)

Rheinmetall’s contribution to the program will take place across its Australian, Canadian and German businesses with the focus of research to take place at the company’s Melbourne operations and its new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland which is due for completion in the second half of 2020.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia is working with the DST Group under a 5-year strategic R&D alliance agreement to work collaboratively to advance automated vehicle systems. The agreement builds on Rheinmetall’s longstanding relationship with DST in the area of simulation and augmented reality. The partnership also includes R&D around novel concepts and technologies that support the new Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle capability Rheinmetall is delivering to the Australian Defence Force under the $5.2 billion Land 400 Phase 2 program.

Rheinmetall Canada has developed Mission Master vehicles that incorporate an eight-wheel drive, skid-steer, electric, unmanned platform operated in either robotic, semi or full autonomous driving modes. These vehicles can be fitted with various payload modules including cargo, protection, medical and surveillance variants.

Rheinmetall Landsysteme Germany has over twenty years of experience in the automation of vehicles. Its system safety and system architecture competencies derive from more than ten research projects, and relevant technologies such as drive-by-wire have been developed to a uniquely high level of maturity. This underscores Rheinmetall's status as a leader in automation technologies.

Mission Master vehicle (photo : Rheinmetall)

The Autonomous driving vehicle capability, or “A-kit”, currently integrated into the Mission Master provides the base software architecture for all future stages of the ACW research program and provides the autonomous capabilities including robotic vehicle control (robotic control or semi-autonomous); “follow me” control (semi-autonomous); simultaneous localisation and mapping); autonomous waypoint navigation (semi or full autonomous); and GPS allowed/denied navigation (semi or full autonomous).

Rheinmetall is also upgrading two Wiesel 2 digital vehicles with drive-by-wire architecture and the Rheinmetall Canada autonomous driving A-Kit package. These vehicles, when upgraded with Australian advanced autonomous applied research under the ACW Program, will be used to demonstrate the vehicle-agnostic and integrated payload capabilities of Rheinmetall’s Advanced A-Kit.

ACW’s research and development objectives are to:
-Develop game-changing autonomous technologies in Australia;
-Leverage Rheinmetall global research and development efforts and existing vehicle platforms and technologies, to fast track the development of autonomous technologies;
-Develop a platform agnostic Autonomous Kit (A-kit), suited for integration into a variety of road and off-road military vehicles;
-Partner with the Australian research community and local industry with deep technical expertise to solve complex development problems;
-Generate a strong return on investment to the Commonwealth, in the form of employment and sovereign robotics capability; and
-Work with Army to support its evaluation and strategy development for the use of autonomous vehicles.

(Rheinmetall)