Frazer-Nash provides architecture for next-gen UGVs
Dstl purchased HORIBA MIRA's Viking to aid in the development of a future ground combat vehicle. (Photo: HORIBA MIRA)
The Frazer-Nash is supporting Dstl’s Future Ground Combat Vehicle team to develop a generic architecture for future UGVs that is modular and open.
This architecture will allow UGVs to be rapidly configured with mission-specific fits and supports through life insertion of new and improved technologies as they mature.
It will provide UGV and UGV sub-system suppliers with a framework for product development and exploitation.
Frazer-Nash has produced a prototype architecture along with recommendations for adopting applicable standards and successfully demonstrated it at the Armoured Trials and Development Unit in Dorset.
As part of the demonstration, the re-rolling of UGVs with multiple mission modules in a battlefield scenario was showcased. It proved that the architecture could enable quick configuration of different mission modules in a battlefield scenario.
It also demonstrated that two different UGVs could be controlled from the same base station, as part of a single communication domain, which will allow the land forces to use more UGVs in missions without increasing manning requirements.
The final element of the demonstration showcased the handover of control from one base station to another on the same network, this will allow operators to transfer control between mounted and dismounted units.
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