62 Defence applications are arguably the longest running use cases for uncrewed systems, stretching back to World War I with the UK’s radio-controlled Aerial Target and the Kettering Bug aerial torpedo developed by the US. These days, more and more defence services are devising ways to substitute crewed missions for uncrewed ones to help keep personnel far from harm, and bolster an armed force’s effective fighting power. And just as those forces develop new tactics and strategies, so too must engineers of defence-focused uncrewed systems develop new vehicle designs, capabilities and payloads so that uncrewed systems can tackle the niche requirements of air forces, navies and ground forces. Ground fighting and ISR In issue 23 (December 2018/January 2019), we investigated the Multiscope commercial ground robot from Milrem Robotics. This is a 1630 kg modular platform with 750 kg of payload capacity for firefighting, rescue, logistics and other operations. Milrem is arguably best known for its defence UGVs however, and two of its platforms stand out in this regard. The best-known is the THeMIS, its most mature platform, with its engineers currently focused on enhancing its EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) capabilities. “That means integrating hyperspectral cameras and similar sensing technologies Defence uncrewed systems developers are tracking the changing nature of military conflicts. Rory Jackson reports on some of the direct results of that Tactical advances December/January 2024 | Uncrewed Systems Technology Milrem Robotics’ Type-X RCV is certified to Stanag 4569 L4 for protection from artillery and kinetic energy projectiles (Courtesy of Milrem)
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