BAE Systems’ Ironclad UGV was unveiled at DSEI 2017. This tracked robot is designed to be small enough to negotiate tight urban environments and maintains the mobility needed for cross-country operation. It can be carried on a trailer or pickup truck or join other vehicles in a convoy.

The UGV uses rubber tracks designed in an asymmetric formation that improves mobility in gradients up to 45 degrees. It can operate on silent missions at ranges up to 50 km, relying on battery power. It has an armored hull protecting the vital systems and payload against ballistic threats and blast effects.

One of the unique features is the ability to connect two Ironclads, to form a longer UGV that carries up to 500 kg of payload or a patient on a specialized stretcher, freeing up at least two soldiers who would otherwise be needed to carry the casualty.

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Two variants of the Ironclad UGV – a single unit and two units coupled into a longer UGV

The vehicle is currently teleoperated by a human operator, but BAE Systems is developing autonomy functions to enable it to operate as part of a battlegroup, interact with other UGVs and ground troops and follow mission objectives. Among the missions currently supported by teleoperation functions are remotely controlled area denial, utilizing a weapon station combined with imaging and audio sensors, and Explosive ordnance disposal, operating a manipulator arm and disruptors.

Two Ironclad UGV can link to form a longer UGV that can carry more cargo or a stretcher. Photo: Defense-Update 

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