The US Army is preparing a fleet of new experimental remotely controlled vehicles (ROVs) for a series of exercises over the next few years. Their goal is to assess the level of effectiveness of such systems, which would allow the army to begin a new development and procurement process with the aim of officially adopting robotic combat vehicles (RBM) for supply.
Army commanders are optimistic about the potential of a combination of sensors and weapons equipped with SAMs and a reliable communication network and are ready to rethink tactics, methods and methods of warfare.
Robot revolution
“Robots have the potential to revolutionize the way ground combat operations are conducted,” said Ross Kofman, NGCV CFT (Next-Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team) head of the complex. "In addition to the fact that they will increase the firepower of a dismounted patrol trying to knock the enemy out of position, or conducting an RCB reconnaissance, it seems to us that such vehicles will give commanders more time and space to make decisions and reduce the risks for soldiers."
The Army has launched a Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program that is exploring ways to integrate unmanned combat vehicles into ground forces.
The goal is to determine the need for robotic capabilities in a series of virtual and real-world experiments so that an official program for the development and procurement of light and medium variants can be launched by 2023, and subsequently to take on a heavy tank-like model.
The Army will increase investment in its BSR project over the next five years by 80%, from $ 420 million in its five-year plan that began in 2020 to $ 758 million in the long-term plan included in the 2021 budget request.
By investing new technologies in the form of prototypes in the hands of soldiers and working closely with industry, the army plans to develop principles of combat use and a doctrine of interaction between robots and personnel, in fact, a theory of joint actions of inhabited and uninhabited platforms. The army hopes that the project will identify new methods of warfare, assess the limitations and advantages of new RBM technologies, and possibly start producing a new class of combat vehicles.
Fantastic Four
The RBM is one of four main projects in the portfolio of the complex group, which also includes: the optional Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, which will replace the Bradley BMP; the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) light tank project for infantry units; and the universal armored vehicle Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, designed to replace the M113 armored personnel carrier.
The army, having decided on a preliminary set of requirements, currently sees the need for three variants of the BSR - light, medium and heavy. “I believe the army is serious about experimenting with this class of vehicles. In theory, we know our requirements, but we don't know them in practice until we pull all these systems into real conditions,”said Major Corey Wallace, BSR project manager in the integrated group.
The lightweight RCV-Light (L) platform should be primarily equipped with sensors capable of coordinating with other weapon systems for convincing fire effects on targets. "The military wants to get a small expendable platform that can perform a maneuver with relative advantage, quickly provide the commander with information about the situation, and enable him to use all suitable weapons on selected targets," Wallace said.
The larger medium platform RCV-Medium (M) is seen as a low-cost platform that requires minimal maintenance.
“It is preferable that she was not lost, but if she should die, then so be it, it is better for a robot to die than a soldier. The car is a little more reliable; its armament must be capable of hitting medium armored threats. That is, the light platform works on manpower and unarmored vehicles, while the middle platform has more firepower and can cope with threats such as armored personnel carriers."
The army envisions the RCV-M as a direct fire platform with more power and a larger volume for modular target loads. Platforms of both classes will have a common chassis so that the commander has the opportunity to configure the RBM for the needs of a specific task. “The RCV-Heavy (H) platform is planned to give the soldiers what they need,” Wallace said. - It has the same firepower as a crewed armored vehicle. It will maneuver in tandem with a crew tank or armored personnel carrier and provide decisive firepower from a vantage point."
Dependent relationship
The BSR program will make full use of the groundwork gained over decades of scientific and technical work of army specialists in the field of ground robots. But the army is not looking for fully autonomous systems. "They will never be completely autonomous," Wallace said. - Complete autonomy means that people are not needed at all. There will always be a person in the control loop, at any given moment, especially with regard to endowing the RBM with the ability to fire at targets. The robot will never be able to give itself permission for a combat encounter, the use of its weapons and protective equipment.
However, new systems will be allowed to defend themselves regardless of the operator's actions. RBMs will, for example, be able to intercept attacking RPGs with their active defense systems.
“We are betting on extended telecontrol, which means that the RBM is, in fact, a remotely controlled platform. But it has additional capabilities, for example, very limited navigation by intermediate coordinates, a very limited system of detection and avoidance of obstacles."
The Army has defined a "BSR Campaign Plan," which calls for three main real-world experiments (each preceded by a pair of virtual experiments) to refine their plans for robotic machines.
The plan is divided into three phases with progressively increasing difficulty in maneuvering vehicles and soldiers while expanding the capabilities of prototype platforms.
During its implementation, a number of new technologies were used with the aim of adopting large remotely controlled platforms into service with the ground forces. The first of these is a deeply modernized BMP Bradley, designated MET-D (Mission Enabler Technology-Demonstrator - a technology demonstrator that can help in the task). These infantry fighting vehicles will become the base platforms for soldiers in control of unmanned combat vehicles.
The MET-D program, operated by the Detroit Arsenal Ground Vehicles Center, is funded by the Army Advanced Projects Agency. Prototypes are equipped with state-of-the-art subsystems, including a perimeter camera system, improved crew seats with touch screens and a remotely controlled turret with a 25mm cannon.
These armored vehicles provide protection for the workplaces of operators operating the BSR platforms. In addition, the army intends to use MET-D as a test bed for experimenting with new technologies, in particular for promoting projects created in government laboratories or industry, that is, promising functional prototypes that can accelerate the implementation of these technologies. In addition, this could be helped by information from the soldiers participating in the experiments, justifying the need, as well as determining the directions for further improving the projects.
Layout stage
For stage 1 of the RBM project, the army integrated remote control into the BTRM 113, converting them into running models of the RBM for initial experiments. “Phase 1 will validate the concept of co-operation between inhabited and uninhabited platforms,” Wallace said. "The goal is to start developing basic tactics, methods and methods of warfare that the army will use after adopting robotic machines, as well as further expanding and confirming the concept of robotic warfare."
In early 2020, even before the coronavirus rush began, the army planned a month-long experiment in Fort Carson in March and April with the participation of a platoon from the 4th Infantry Division, providing its soldiers with two MET-D dummies and four RBM dummies based on M113. In the spring, the experiment was postponed indefinitely.
These specially modified M113 vehicles are equipped with a remote-controlled weapon system, including a Picatinny Lightweight Remote Weapon Station turret and a 7.62mm electric machine gun.
Two of the four BSRs are equipped with advanced situational awareness tools, including a target detection and recognition system, as well as an advanced third-generation long-range surveillance system. In addition, these two vehicles will be equipped with an enemy fire detection system and a set of situational awareness cameras. The program provides for the conduct of the initial unmanned maneuvers with the driving of the RBM mock-ups by the soldiers by means of telecontrol with continuous monitoring of the vehicles.
The Phase 1 experiment will focus on reconnaissance missions to demonstrate basic obstacle detection and avoidance at speeds of 32 km / h on road and over 16 km / h off road. Traffic on paved roads, dirt roads and semi-autonomous control in open areas is planned. It is also expected to work with RBM in light dusty conditions, during rain, snow and fog.
Each MET-D platform will initially be equipped with four RBM control stations - two for motion control and two for weapons control. The modified Bradley vehicle will also be modified for wire-guided control, an electronic control kit and a laser detection and ranging kit for optional crew operations. In addition, the army plans to experiment with helmet-mounted displays while driving with closed hatches.
Planned tasks include route and area reconnaissance, obstacle surveys and cover. In the final part of the experiment, the MET-D and BSR mock-ups should demonstrate a “future scenario” that includes decentralized scheduling and execution of tasks, driving with closed hatches with a crew of two and an assessment of maneuvers with a maximum BSR control cable.
In addition, this final phase will assess how BSR units operate with the latest technology and tactics in modern warfare, including aggressive low-flying drones, electronic countermeasures, precision targeting and signature management.
“We're trying to solve simple problems in the first place,” Wallace said. - And then move in a spiral: the experience that we got in the previous experiment, build into the next experiment.
Spring Campaign
The Army will then begin work as part of Phase 2, scheduled for spring 2022, in which the experiment will expand from a platoon level demonstration to a company level demonstration.
“This phase is expected to provide food for thought on the broader application of the BSR. We know that we can transfer the experience gained with the company to the brigade."
The 2022 event will aim to expand the synergy between inhabited and uninhabited platforms, as well as increase the autonomous capabilities of robotic platforms. The 2022 experiment will involve six MET-D platforms that will control a dozen BSRs.
“We are now in the process of creating these additional MET-Ds. We are looking at a few additional technologies … We are thinking what this experiment will be like."
In the Phase 2 experiment, the set of tasks will change, reconnaissance will give way to organizing offensive and defensive actions, including demonstration of making passes at once using a certain type of robotic capabilities - either demining with a small robotic platform or a special armored vehicle for making passes. The experiment is also planned to conduct remote chemical reconnaissance using sensors installed on one of the robotic platforms.
“Clearing passages and scouting for poisons are two of the most dangerous tasks our soldiers perform,” Wallace noted, adding that outright clearance is one of the most risky and difficult maneuvers a mechanized force can perform.
Rapid prototyping
In January 2020, following an industrial request for proposals for an expedited supply of BSR variants for Phase 2, the Army selected QinetiQ North America to build four RCV-L prototypes and Textron to build four RCV-M prototypes.
The RCV-L platform is based on the Pratt Miller Defense Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle (EMAV), originally created for the Marine Corps Combat Laboratory. The RCV-L variant is a combination of Pratt Miller's EMAV chassis and QinetiQ control systems. The company points out that this proven platform has good characteristics, as a result of which the risks of falling behind the delivery schedule and getting unsatisfactory characteristics are seriously reduced.
“EMAV offers a unique combination of proven technological maturity and high performance. Our state customer receives a platform that he can use not only in the next experiments, but also boldly adopt it , - explained the representative of QinetiQ.
A Pratt Miller Defense spokesman added that he “has no doubt that EMAV will exceed the expectations of the US Army's experimental group. Corpus Labs have independently experimented with the EMAV for the past two years and the results have been phenomenal. Our main goal is to provide the US Army with a proven platform to experiment with without worrying about the capabilities of the technologies integrated into it.”
For its part, Textron has teamed up with the small tracked vehicle manufacturer Howe & Howe Technologies, as well as FLIR Systems, to offer the army an RCV-M variant based on the Ripsaw M5 vehicle. The company calls it "the fifth generation robotic platform, which combines stackable armor, reliable suspension and power drives that allow you to solve a variety of tasks."
While these two contracts give the winners the opportunity to help the army formulate the requirements for the BSR, they are unlikely to be limited to them. “I don't think this is the end of the competition. We also have contracts for prototypes and demonstration samples for testing,”Wallace said. He noted that innovative activities in other branches of the armed forces could affect the future plans of the army. For example, this is the Marines' Rogue Fires program, in which a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System will be installed on an unmanned Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.
“Some very interesting things are happening in other military structures outside the army, but they can come back and have an impact on the army. I don't think the choice of QinetiQ / Pratt Miller and Textron is the end of the story. I believe this is just the beginning."
Difficult task
Phase 3, which will carry out the final real-world experiment, is slated for the spring of 2024. There will be assessed the possibility of using uninhabited combat platforms to perform the most dangerous task - a combined arms breakthrough.
“A combined-arms breakthrough is usually the maneuver that would cause the greatest losses to mechanized forces,” Wallace said. - It is also the most difficult because it requires good synchronization of actions. You try to synchronize direct fire, you try to synchronize engineering assets, synchronize your forces and assets that secure the flanks, fire to suppress and then attack. That is, it is a very risky, very difficult business. For RBM platforms, the principles of combat use and tactics should be developed that would make it possible to fully use their potential. After all, you must not only get through the obstacle, you must also break through the enemy who is in prepared defensive positions,”Wallace said, highlighting the complexity of the tasks included in the last three planned experiments.
According to the army, at the third stage, when working with prototypes of the RBM, the experience gained in the first two experiments will be used, various approaches will be studied to solve emerging problems. Current plans include the study of new modular target loads for innovative uninhabited platforms. The aim is to issue at least two contracts for the design and manufacture of 12 new BSR platforms for participation in the experiment, scheduled for 2024.
Phase 3 platforms will focus on firing missions, with an emphasis on remote work and the integration of automatic weapons, missile systems and advanced sensors. The software for such modular subsystems as, for example, the smoke screen, the electronic warfare subsystem, chemical-biological and reconnaissance sensors will be improved and integrated.
As part of its BSR project, the Army has issued a so-called “Preliminary Capability Development Document”, which includes an estimate of the total number of platforms purchased based on various factors such as average cost per vehicle and total life cycle cost. Typically, such a document will not be finalized until after the official launch of the Milestone B program, currently scheduled for 2023.
“After each virtual experiment, after each natural experiment, we take the documents with the requirements, update them based on the information we receive from the soldiers and the test results. By the time we reach Milestone B, these requirements will have been reviewed by the soldiers, verified in real-world testing, and then through a regular approval process. We will have a complete set of requirements when Milestone B starts,”Wallace said. - The army wants to be the first to launch either the RCV-L project or the RCV-M project. The most mature and finished platform will arrive at Milestone B in 2023.
Weight problems
The RCV-H project, unlike other options, is still very far from being realized. “There are many problems that we have to solve in this difficult option project. For example, we want it to be as resilient as a tank, but weigh 30 tons,”Wallace said. This is an ambitious target as the current Abrams tank weighs 72 tons.
“Technologies are not yet ready for this type of platform with this kind of requirements. That is, in order to avoid the same past mistakes that were with the promising combat system Future Combat System [$ 20 billion wasted since the early 2000s], we do not want to move this program until we are absolutely sure of the capabilities industry ".
In anticipation of working out technical problems for the RCV-H platform, for example, the development of an automatic loading system for a 105-mm or 120-mm main cannon, which would be comparable in speed with the speed of the crew, the army plans to solve various organizational and doctrinal issues. “But we can include many questions in virtual experiments. We don't want to wait for technology to fall into our hands."
While army commanders do not publicly discuss the RCV-H's development and procurement strategy, some in the industry see potential candidates in the MPF (Mobile Protected Firepower) program, which will develop a light tank for infantry units. In December 2018, the army chose General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and BAE Systems, which will produce twelve MPF prototypes, respectively, based on the British Ajax chassis with an M1 Abrams turret and on the basis of the M8 Armored Gun System.
“The Mobile Protected Firepower program has a lot of potential,” Wallace said. - But one of the questions is very important - whether the selected companies BAE and GD have relevant experience in developing unmanned operations or robotic tethered platforms. If they have it, then it will only benefit the cause and the implementation of the chosen MPF project will pick up much-needed momentum."
The need for the network
Although the BSR program is actively testing technology and demonstrating the potential of robotic capabilities aimed at increasing the fire efficiency of ground forces, the ultimate fate of the project lies in the hands of developers and experts in the field of communication technologies.
“The biggest problem we have is with the network,” Wallace said. “To be honest, we could have the best platforms in the world, the best and latest helicopters, the best and latest artillery assets. But all this will not cost anything if there is no network. Safe digital transmission of data, excellent resistance to hacker attacks, resistance to electronic suppression, independent choice of means of countering electronic warfare or cyberattacks. This is what is extremely important and necessary for us."
“I'm not going to oversimplify things here, but this is really an engineering problem that can be solved with enough money and time. This network is very complex. A lot of people are working on it. Before we go any further, we need to make sure our main digital backbone is secure. I guarantee you that we will not move forward with the BSR program if the network is not ready to support it. When it comes to the operation of uninhabited ground combat systems, reliable communication between the operator and the machine comes to the fore."
