Tests point to retrofittable autonomous drive systems for legacy British Army vehicles
Wolfhound Tactical Support Vehicle. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
ABD Solutions provided its retrofittable autonomous driving system for use with NP Aerospace in a recent demonstration of a driverless Wolfhound Tactical Support Vehicle.
The capability was showcased during a recent defence technology innovation day held at the HORIBA-MIRA proving ground in the UK, with NP Aerospace COO David Petheram describing ‘very positive’ feedback.
ABD Solutions stated that its vehicle-agnostic solution — comprising vehicle control robots, object detection and reaction systems and mission planning software — ‘provides any vehicle with a traditional steering wheel and pedal set up with autonomous capabilities’ that are simple to install.
Leader-follower algorithms, object detection capabilities and drive-by-wire teleoperation technology enable a single driver to platoon (operate multiple vehicles in convoy). The automated vehicles can also be precisely controlled to carry out simulated training exercises.
MD Matthew Price commented: ‘The defence industry wants to accelerate the autonomy of its vehicles as it has significant safety and cost benefits. One of the key challenges is maximising the substantial investment already made in the current fleet. Our product enables these legacy vehicles to be automated, today.’
Wolfhound is used to provide protection for frontline patrols and carry supplies such as water and ammunition. In addition to the autonomous driving tests, the vehicle is being used by the UK MoD as a test platform for a C-UAS laser weapon under the Novel Weapons Programme.
More from Land Warfare
-
Czech CAESAR howitzer order at risk of cancellation
The Czech Republic ordered 52 CAmion Equipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie (CAESAR) self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) in 2021 and added another 10 a year later. A cancellation of the programme would impact both the army’s capabilities and local industry which is involved in the manufacture.
-
Sweden turns to Nammo and Rheinmetall as world demand grows for 155mm shells
Demand for ammunition continues to increase with manufacturing capability growing to match. Sweden have turned to the two supply lines of Rheinmetall and Nammo as part of a Nordic effort to meet demand. The Polish Government has also announced a US$700 million investment to boost manufacture of munitions.
-
Malaysia signs for two additional GM400α air surveillance radars
The order is in addition to two systems ordered in 2023. It forms part of a family of systems which is becoming widely used and part of a growing demand for the capability, both in deliveries and requirements.
-
US Army’s Precision Strike Missile moves into production phase after test successes
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile system and is a planned replanned replacement for MGM-140 Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS). It is to be fired from M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.