Robot based on “old man” chassis M113 – Why not?
According to The War Zone, during EDGE 22 – a two-week demonstration of military technology with at least 20 participating Pentagon organizations in Utah recently, a variant of the M113 armored personnel carrier appeared.
More notably, this prototype is part of a research program on the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) to control weapon systems on the battlefield.
Based on a photo posted on the Internet of the prototype, next to the automatic turret can be seen a modification that makes its overall height significantly lower than other variants of the M113 – believed to have been modified. completely eliminate the role of human on the vehicle.
A photo of the M113 prototype in EDGE 22.
It is known that the Electro Optic Systems R150 automatic turret is equipped with a thermal and laser sighting system along with an Arnold Defense LAND-LGR4 launcher containing four 70 mm APKWS precision rocket launchers.
The LAND-LGR4 is said to be interchangeable with a 12.7 x 99mm NATO (.50) heavy machine gun.
An Army spokesman America said EDGE 22 is part of a series of exercises aimed at evaluating new technologies and operational concepts and is the first time these technologies have been demonstrated “under natural conditions” to the public.
Arnold Defense LAND-LGR4 launcher.
The technology inside the Utah M113 variant is still unknown, but according to the US Army – it will likely achieve “operability” (considered for inclusion in equipment tests) with some upgrades. hardware or AI level in larger drills.
It should be noted that in 2019, the American arms “big” BAE Systems and at the same time the current manufacturer of the M113 (since 2005) announced a robot based on the famous American armored vehicle chassis – however its design is not the same as what appeared at EDGE 22.
The main difference lies in the design of the sensors according to the beveled front of the vehicle, a 30 mm automatic turret, a rubber crawler system, a diesel-electric transmission system and an auxiliary robot with “legs” to help scout. .
BAE Systems combat robot prototype unveiled in 2019 (Image:
“Good news” for the militaries that own the M113?
The US military has been researching and developing unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for years – most testing has shown that prototypes are capable of semi-autonomous operation, but humans still act as drivers. Direct weapons and sensors.
Their surplus M113 armored vehicles have also been repeatedly converted to operate in RCV (robot combat vehicle) mode.
For example, during a 2020 exercise in Colorado, four RCV M113s were piloted by soldiers in modified Bradley armored vehicle variants called MET-D. – Technology Activation Mission).
During the exercise, the soldiers tested the ability to control and maneuver RVCs as well as whether the inclusion of other semi-automatic vehicles in motorized convoys would increase their lethality and combat effectiveness. .
Soldiers inside the MET-D are said to be able to control the RCV M113 armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun with a remote-controlled 360-degree camera at a maximum distance of 2 km.
Armored vehicles M113 and Bradley in formation in Colorado in 2020.
80,000 M113 armored personnel carriers have been built and more than 40 variants are still in service with 44 militaries worldwide.
Although the armor of this armored vehicle is currently difficult to protect the soldiers inside against modern weapons, they still have the potential to operate with different applications such as conversion into self-propelled mortars. or civilian applications.
Prototyping in the EDGE 22 with its low profile on the M113 chassis – operated remotely, semi or fully automated – could provide not only the US Army and other countries with a lower cost option than the develop a robot fighting vehicle from scratch.
The absence of a human on the armored vehicle also overcomes the limitation of the vehicle’s armor – making casualties no longer a concern.
According to The War Zone, they are currently in contact with both manufacturer BAE Systems and the US Army to learn more about the M113 variant prototype and its role at EDGE 22 and will have a follow-up update soon.
In the framework of the Zapad-2021 exercises last year, the Russian Army operated for the first time the Platform-M attack robot complexes equipped with four grenade launchers and a Kalashnikov machine gun.
According to the developer, Platform-M is not a specific weapon, but a platform that can be integrated “with a variety of chassis and defensive weapons”.
An M113 converted to a self-propelled mortar.
at Blogtuan.info – Source: Soha.vn – Read the original article here
