Modern combat robots
Currently, the US Ground Forces are actively researching multi-purpose robot complexes. Several such projects have been developed. The US Marine Corps also does not want to stand aside. They also launched the Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle (EMAV) project a few years ago. The goal of the project is to create a multipurpose robot complex that can meet the needs and desires of the Marine Corps.
According to general requirements, the EMAV multi-purpose robot complex is a modern platform, with the ability to integrate various equipment and weapons. The size and weight of the platform and machinery arranged above must correspond to the cargo capacity of the CH-47 helicopter and V-22 multi-mission aircraft.
The winner of the first phase of the EMAV project is Pratt Miller, with extensive experience in the field of transportation and automation. This company was assigned to develop the basic platform of the complex and the general integration of systems. In addition, equipment suppliers for the project, including modules for various purposes, are Northrop Grumman, Rafael and Oshkosh.
In 2020, the main design process was completed, the first prototype of the EMAV project was tested. A number of support vehicles and equipment were also tested in different roles and conditions. Accordingly, the EMAV multi-purpose robot uses a crawler chassis, above which is a flat rectangular surface, with slots for additional equipment. Important components such as the generator set and control system are located inside. At the same time, the camera system is installed in the front and rear of the vehicle.
EMAV is equipped with a mixed power unit, including a diesel generator, battery and electric motor. Depending on needs, the vehicle can run on a diesel engine or only use batteries.
The maximum payload of this EMAV complex is 3.27 tons. The total mass of the combat robot can be up to 6.35 tons. It can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, overcoming many different types of terrain and obstacles. In general, in terms of mobility, this combat robot is not inferior to manned tracked vehicles.
EMAV is also equipped with technical vision equipment and advanced control systems, with special operating modes. It can drive and use the target device according to the operator’s commands. At the same time, provides an offline mode when performing tasks and when solving problems independently.
Additionally, a mobile operator station is used for control. In the commander’s hand there will be a control panel with a touch screen, on the back there is a data processing unit and means of communication. The control principles are quite simple to support operator training. Therefore, it only takes a few days for soldiers to master basic control techniques.
Multi-mission combat
During the first phase of EMAV product testing, maneuvering characteristics were established. In addition, the control systems are also tested in many different modes, to address actual requirements on the battlefield.
In January 2021, a new EMAV platform, equipped with CROWS mаchine gun weapons and light unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), demonstrated effective reconnaissance and fire support capabilities. The new EMAV provided the ability to observe, search and destrоy targets. In another round of testing, an extended technical charge launcher was installed on the EMAV. This robot then moved to the specified location and cleared the path through the minefield.
Earlier this summer, a test of the transport capabilities of the new EMAV platform also took place, with the task of moving wоunded people off the battlefield. To do this, a conventional military stretcher system was installed on the roof of the tracked vehicle. The equipment then entered the battlefield and completed the evacuation of the wоunded to the rear.
Recently, the developer also launched another version of the EMAV multitasking robot, with reconnaissance and combat functions. In this configuration, the chassis receives additional elements of protection. In addition, it uses the “Medium Weapon System” (MCWS) combat module co-developed by Rafael, Oshkosh and Pratt Miller. Accordingly, this EMAV is equipped with a 30mm XM810 cannоn and a coaxial mаchine gun on a stabilized mount, carries optoelectronic equipment and weather sensors, and is also protected by a smoke grenаde launcher.
In the near future, Pratt Miller and the development units will continue to present a number of other configurations of this promising multi-purpose combat robot complex. Products under this project are receiving increasing attention from the Pentagon. However, the next new EMAVs may be equipped with many other combat equipment.
Project prospects
In general, Pratt Miller’s EMAV project, similar to a number of other modern combat robot models, was developed by order of the US armed forces. Accordingly, a medium-sized platform was developed, capable of carrying various equipment and weapons. However, the EMAV combat robot has a number of its own features, which can affect the development and future prospects of the project.
First of all, Pratt Miller is a new company in the field of military equipment manufacturing. Previously, the company provided the military with auxiliary systems, but complex equipment was rarely assigned to develop or produce. Not long ago, this company took the project in a new direction, and seems to have gradually met general requirements.
Furthermore, customers and their shopping plans for this product line are also very special. The US Marine Corps is showing interest in new technologies and weapons development, including medium and heavy multi-purpose robots. At the same time, the requirements for new combat robots were made quite strict, regarding the transportation of equipment by air.
Therefore, the EMAV project in all versions will combine all the characteristics of combat, performance and high maneuverability. The US Marine Corps will be able to easily transport such equipment to different areas by sea or air, and also conveniently withdrаw troops. This will create high mobility, giving an advantage over opponents.
According to experts, the future prospects of the EMAV project are still unknown. The testing process has shown good results, but there are still no specific contracts for staffing and mass production. However, the US Marine Corps is paying serious attention to the above medium and heavy robot systems, because they are capable of solving combat tasks and providing effective combat support.
This means that in the near future, vehicles and equipment such as EMAV will be put into use, and will change the face of the Marine Corps, as well as giving this force operational capabilities. new wаr.