Teledyne FLIR Proposes Multi-Mission Robotic Vehicle for US Army Light Equipment Carrier Competition

Teledyne FLIR has announced its participation in the United States Army‘s Light Equipment Carrier competition.

According to Defense News, the American firm has unveiled its proposal to the public for the first time during the Association of the US Army annual conference, introducing a groundbreaking six-wheeled Multi-Mission Robotic Vehicle (M2RV).

Teledyne FLIR claimed that this cutting-edge creation aligns perfectly with the US Army’s light equipment carrier requirements during the event.

The M2RV: A Game-Changing Advancement in Military Robotics

The M2RV boasts an impressive array of features that make it a formidable contender in the competition.

With a cargo space spanning 38 square feet (3.5 square meters) and a remarkable payload capacity of over 2,600 pounds (1,179 kilograms), this robotic vehicle is poised to revolutionize the way the US Army transports essential equipment on the battlefield.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the proposed M2RV is its dual payload system. The vehicle incorporates a 10-pound (4.5 kilograms) quadcopter drone named the R80D SkyRaider and a 280-HDEP surveillance system mounted at the back.

We’re debuting our Multi-Mission Robotic Vehicle (M2RV) at AUSA this week, a powerful and adaptable mobile platform that meets the US Army’s S-MET Inc II needs. And more.

Stop by and check it out, Hall A, Booth 1003. #AUSA2023 #robots pic.twitter.com/jJ8WjtObBV

— Teledyne FLIR (@flir) October 9, 2023

These additions provide an unprecedented level of versatility, enabling soldiers to gather critical information and perform reconnaissance tasks swiftly and efficiently.

Performance and Mobility

When it comes to performance and mobility, the M2RV does not disappoint. The vehicle is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 10 miles (16 kilometers) per hour, ensuring rapid deployment and efficient movement on the battlefield.

One standout feature of the M2RV is its exceptional range. The Teledyne FLIR vehicle can run for an astonishing 100 miles (160 kilometers) with a full tank of fuel and fully charged batteries. This impressive range surpasses the Army’s typical needs for three-day platoon treks, which typically span 60 to 70 miles (96 to 112 kilometers).

Moreover, the extended range of the M2RV opens up new possibilities for prolonged missions, enabling troops to travel greater distances without worrying about refueling or recharging.

The M2RV’s rugged design is tailored to meet the harsh demands of military operations. Its solid steel chassis ensures durability, enabling the vehicle to withstand challenging environments and traverse through bodies of water as high as 3 feet (36 inches). This robust construction enhances the M2RV’s adaptability to various terrains, giving it a competitive edge in the Light Equipment Carrier competition.

Versatile Deployment and Long-Range Missions

Teledyne FLIR has thoughtfully designed the M2RV to be a versatile and easily deployable asset for the US Army.

The vehicle can be transported by air, making it suitable for rapid deployment to remote and strategically significant locations.

Helicopter lifting and towing capabilities allow the M2RV to support long-range missions, ensuring that it can be swiftly integrated into various operational scenarios.

Competition and Future Prospects

The M2RV’s entrance into the US Army’s Light Equipment Carrier competition has already sparked significant interest and anticipation.

The competition will be fierce, with proposals expected from other industry giants, including General Dynamics, Hanwha Defense, and Rheinmetall. These established competitors will undoubtedly present strong cases for their own solutions. However, Teledyne FLIR’s M2RV brings a unique blend of features that cater to the evolving needs of the modern military.

As the competition unfolds, which proposal will ultimately be selected to meet the US Army’s light equipment carrier needs remains to be seen.

The M2RV’s promising capabilities and exceptional performance specifications make it a strong contender. Its capacity to extend mission ranges, integrate advanced surveillance systems, and withstand challenging environments are compelling advantages that could tip the scales in its favor.

Rapid Progress in Robotic Combat Vehicles

While Teledyne FLIR’s M2RV takes the spotlight in the US Army’s quest for innovation, the broader landscape of military technology continues to evolve rapidly.

Last month, the Army took significant steps to enhance its combat capabilities through the development of Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs).

The service awarded agreements to four companies – namely McQ, Inc. (Fredericksburg, Va.); Textron Systems Corporation (Hunt Valley, Md.); General Dynamics Land Systems (Sterling Heights, Mich.); and Oshkosh Defense, LLC (Oshkosh, Wis.) – valued at $24.72 million, for Phase I of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program.

These companies will design and deliver two RCV prototypes each by August 2024.

The RCV program aims to enhance situational awareness, lethality, and tactical options for the Army, with plans to transition to production and fielding by 2030.

Robotics + soldiers = the future.

Watch some highlights from the Robotic Combat Vehicles Soldier Operational Experiment with the soldiers assigned to the @USArmy’s 1-7 Cav at Fort Hood, Texas. pic.twitter.com/rF85dxnjOb

— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) October 14, 2022

Phase II is set for 2025, aiming to finalize system designs and deliver up to nine full-system prototypes by 2026.

Human-machine integration is a key focus, empowering soldiers with new capabilities. The Army used the Other Transaction Authority to engage with non-traditional defense contractors and is transitioning from experimentation to a fieldable RCV platform.

This program aligns with the Army’s “24 in 23” modernization efforts.

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As Teledyne FLIR unveils the M2RV and the Army advances its Robotic Combat Vehicle program, these innovations mark significant steps toward enhancing military capabilities, underlining the continuous drive for cutting-edge solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of defense technology.