|
 The
U.S. Army has accelerated testing of two Future
Combat Systems (FCS) robotic prototypes, based on positive
feedback from soldiers who are using early versions of the systems
in with current forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through the
next six months the FCS Lead System Integrator team will deliver
25 iRobot Small Unmanned
Ground Vehicle (SUGV) units, and 11 Class I (Block 0) Honeywell
Miniature Aerial Vehicles
(MAVs), for field testing by the Army Evaluation Task Force
at Fort Bliss. Following the operational test, scheduled for
September 2008the Army will decide whether to field an early
version of the robots or continue their development under the
core FCS program. (More...)
|
|
The 30-pound SUGV
is a small, lightweight, soldier-portable unmanned ground vehicle
that is capable of conducting military operations in high-risk
environments, including urban terrain, tunnels, sewers and caves,
without exposing soldiers directly to potential hazards. The
Class I (Block 0) UAV, a platoon-level asset and the smaller
of the two FCS unmanned vehicle classes, will provide dismounted
soldiers with unprecedented reconnaissance, surveillance and
target acquisition capabilities on the battlefield. The Class
I UAV can operate in complex urban and jungle terrains with
vertical takeoff, hover and landing capability, and can be operated
autonomously or controlled by
dismounted soldiers.
 Both
tests will be separate and occur in parallel, although separately
from the official FCS "Spi-Out 1" effort scheduled
for initial field testing in 2008. Spin-Out 1 is the first of
three planned infusions of FCS capabilities to the Current Force.
Equipment and technologies included in Spin-Out 1 will provide
enhanced situational awareness and communication capabilities
through technology insertions to Abrams battle tanks, Bradley
fighting vehicles and HMMWV vehicles.
These elements include hardware systems comprising the communications
system including the Joint Tactical Radio System Ground Mobile
Radio and Integrated
Computer Systems and their related operating systems known
as 'System-of-Systems Common Operating Environment' (SOSCOE),
and Battle Command and Network Management software. Among the
sensors considered for Spin-Out 1 are the Tactical
and Urban Unattended Ground Sensors (T/U UGS) providing
real-time threat information in complex terrain. The Non-Line-of-Sight
Launch System (NLOS/LS) is the first weapon system considered
for Spin-Out 1, introducing remotely controlled precision fires
to the current force.
 "The
acceleration of the SUGV and Class I (Block 0) UAV prototypes
and testing underscores the Army's commitment to enhancing soldier
survivability and mission effectiveness by getting the capabilities
into their hands as soon as possible," said Dennis Muilenburg,
vice president-general manager, Boeing Combat Systems, and FCS
program manager. "The decision to accelerate, driven in
part by feedback from soldiers in theater, also confirms that
we are on the right track to deliver a crucial capability that
is needed and desired by our soldiers currently serving in combat
operations."
You are invited to comments and discuss this article on
|