The US Army is exploring the possibility of introducing unmanned technologies into the field of missile systems. The Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML) concept provides for the construction of a self-propelled launcher without the usual cockpit. Control should be carried out by the operator from a remote control panel or an autonomous system on board the machine. By now, the idea of AML has been brought to the first studies and experiments.
From interest to practice
The American army has been working on various concepts of unmanned equipment for a long time, capable of solving problems with minimal or no human participation. In 2019, unmanned technologies were proposed for use in the field of missile systems. So, it was proposed to create an unmanned modification of the M142 launcher or to develop a new similar machine from scratch for different weapons.
Last year, the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command's Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) and the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) launched a new AML program, which aims to develop a new concept, search for the necessary technologies and determine its prospects. Already in January 2021, the first work contracts were signed. The list of organizations involved in the creation of AML has not yet been disclosed.
In mid-June, AvMC and AMTC announced the first experiments in AML. It was reported that by the forces of the program participants, a prototype of an unmanned combat vehicle was prepared and launched for testing. The product passed the first tests at Fort Sill (Oklahoma) and coped with the tasks.
During the experiment, a launcher-demonstrator of technology with remote and autonomous control passed along the planned route and reached the firing position. Further, seven missiles were launched in unmanned mode. Such events have shown the fundamental possibility of the transfer, deployment and combat use of missile systems without a crew. In addition, technical difficulties and risks associated with new technologies were identified.
In the wake of the tests, interesting materials were published. So, they showed a prototype based on a serial MLRS M142 and a remote control point. In addition, a video was posted showing the alleged appearance of a serial launcher and the principles of its use. By means of animation, the transfer of the M142 and AML vehicles was shown, the subsequent entry into positions and firing at targets in the form of an enemy S-400 complex and a missile cruiser.
Project appearance
The photo from the tests shows that the demonstrator installation has retained all the main components and assemblies of the base M142. At the same time, on the roof of the cabin, you can see some devices that are absent in the serial form. Apparently, these are additional video surveillance equipment for driving and antenna communication devices. Obviously, some devices have appeared inside the cab - actuators are needed for remote control.
The video shows a combat vehicle that significantly differs from the serial HIMARS installation. External and internal differences are due to the fact that the appearance of AML was initially formed taking into account the requirements and technical capabilities.
The AML is built on a cabover-free three-axle chassis. In place of the standard cabin, a casing is placed that contains the power plant and controls. It differs from a full-fledged cabin in its lower height and the minimum required volume. In the aft part of the chassis there is a swinging frame for the installation of transport and launch containers with missiles.
A set of video cameras and lidars are installed on the roof of the low-profile "cabin" to collect information about the road. Several additional cameras are installed around the perimeter of the machine and provide an all-round view. Receiving antennas for satellite navigation and an antenna are provided to maintain two-way communication with the operator. Mechanisms for controlling the power plant, taxiing, etc. are located inside the body.
The launcher will receive several modes of operation. The operator will be able to remotely monitor and control movement, position preparation and shooting. Also, independent movement along the route will be provided due to navigation and technical vision. All basic procedures will also be carried out automatically.
An AML product needs reliable and secure two-way communication. It is necessary to ensure the constant transmission of information and commands, as well as to protect the radio channel from suppression, interception or hacking. The planned methods of use and the combat capabilities of the missile system impose special requirements in the field of security and protection.
The animated launcher was "armed" with four PrSM Increment 4 missiles - an anti-missile version of the ground-to-ground weapon under development. Such missiles are placed in two in a common TPK. The AML unit is capable of carrying two such containers.
The launcher control center must have a set of monitors for outputting video signals and other information. Controls, data processing facilities and a communications system are also required. A prototype of this kind from the available components has already been used in recent experiments.
Desired benefits
In an experimental manner, the fundamental possibility of building, deploying and using a remotely controlled launcher was shown. This makes it possible to transfer the AML project to the next stage, during which a real project of the installation itself and related funds will be developed. How similar such a sample will be to the graphics shown will become clear later.
The AML is expected to become a versatile missile system capable of using a wide range of ammunition, from unguided rockets to missiles with a range of 500 km or more. As such, it will be an important addition to the M142 HIMARS systems, which will have similar capabilities in the future. At the same time, AML will have special capabilities due to which rocket artillery will become a more flexible tool.
The unmanned complexes are planned to be made a means of rapid response. They can be transferred to the desired area in the shortest possible time, under their own power or by military transport aircraft, as shown in the video. The exit to the position followed by firing will be carried out by the operator's commands or in automatic mode. Immediately after hitting the AML, it will be possible to return to the base.
It is assumed that high strategic and tactical mobility will be beneficial in a hypothetical conflict in the Pacific Ocean. The US Army will be able to quickly redeploy its missile systems and thereby respond in a timely manner to changes in the situation and the emergence of new threats.
The absence of a crew on board the combat vehicle and control from a remote control will give obvious advantages. This will eliminate known risks to personnel without sacrificing efficiency. It will also simplify the deployment of equipment, incl. for short-term work, as shown in the video.
AML will be able to receive TPK with missiles of different types, for this a universal launcher will be developed. In addition, the absence of a full-size cabin limiting the length of the container becomes useful. Thanks to this, in terms of the AML ammunition nomenclature, it will not only repeat the M142 complex, but also surpass it. Accordingly, an unmanned combat vehicle will become a more valuable tool.
It is quite possible that new technologies will find application not only in the development of a promising missile system. They can also be used to upgrade existing M142 systems. A set of additional tools for solving this problem has already been created and even passed preliminary tests. With the successful development of such a project, the unmanned version of the HIMARS will complement the AML troops.
Theory and practice
The US Army has long shown interest in unmanned vehicles and robotic systems. Some developments of this kind have successfully passed all the checks and reached the operation in the army. Now such technologies are proposed to be used in rocket artillery and operational-tactical missile systems. The fundamental possibility of this has already been shown at the test site.
However, AML is still at the stage of preliminary research and testing. Positive results have been obtained, which can now be implemented in a real project for the army. Whether it will be possible to get an order for the development of such a sample, how long it will take and how it will end - time will tell.
