Ripsaw tracked all-terrain vehicles from the American company Howe & Howe Technologies are well known to the public and are already in serial production. The development company is trying to re-attract the attention of the US Army, for which it has created a new version of the existing platform, designed for combat use. The modernized Ripsaw M5 all-terrain vehicle has become a robotic complex and can now solve a wide range of tasks.
All-terrain vehicle at the exhibition
The first demonstration of the experienced Ripsaw M5 in the configuration of a multipurpose combat robot took place a few days ago at the AUSA-2019 conference. The demonstration of a real sample was accompanied by a demonstration of a commercial. It featured other uses for the basic robotic platform.
The new project is the result of a collaboration between the two organizations that make up Textron. The tracked chassis was modernized by the developer Howe & Howe Technologies, and the surveillance equipment and other components were presented by FLIR Systems.
The Ripsaw M5 is designed to participate in the US Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle program. The purpose of this program is to develop promising military RTKs with broad capabilities. At the same time, the new technology should be distinguished by a limited cost and be built on the basis of existing components.
Platform and equipment
RTK Ripsaw M5 is a lightweight and compact tracked vehicle with remote control. At its core, the M5 is an upgraded version of previous all-terrain vehicles, modified in accordance with the requirements of the military. The shape of the case has been redesigned, protection has been added, and seats for various equipment have been provided.
The layout of the machine has not undergone major changes: the engine and transmission are placed in the stern, while other volumes are given over to other devices. The suspension has been seriously changed. Now on each side there are six road wheels, interlocked in pairs. Previously, the Ripsaw had a coilover suspension, but the M5 uses a hydropneumatic suspension.
Despite a significant redesign, the M5 retains its high mobility characteristics. The platform is capable of carrying various types of loads with its modular architecture. Power supply of installed devices is provided. They are also included in the general control loops.
Around the perimeter of the Ripsaw M5 housing is a set of video cameras, the signal from which is transmitted by radio to the operator. It also provides a signal transmission from the installed means of observation or weapon guidance. Using his console, the operator can monitor the road and the situation, control the machine and its target equipment, etc. Two-way communication is carried out over a secure radio channel.
The operator's console can be carried out in a portable version or mounted on any equipment. In the latter case, the “robot-slave” concept is implemented: the crew of a manned combat vehicle can control the slave RTK and receive the required benefits from this. The joint use of armored vehicles and RTK will provide a more effective solution to all major tasks.
The M5 is capable of carrying a variety of payloads. At AUSA-2019, they showed such a vehicle in a light fire support configuration. A remotely controlled weapon station with artillery weapons is mounted on the roof of the platform. A small-caliber cannon and a block of optical-electronic guidance equipment are installed on the forehead of the armored turret. A TacFLIR 280-HD optics unit with panoramic sight functions was placed on the turret roof.
Like the base all-terrain vehicle, the M5 RTK is small in size and weight. It shows high cross-country ability in different terrains, and is also suitable for transporting military transport aircraft. It can be transported in the cargo compartment of existing aircraft or on the external sling of helicopters.
Drone with drones
The Ripsaw M5 RTK project proposes the construction of a remotely controlled platform capable of using additional unmanned vehicles. A combat or reconnaissance vehicle on a universal platform is itself capable of carrying remotely controlled equipment.
In the bow of the M5, there is a compartment with a hinged front flap-ramp. It carries a remotely controlled SUGV developed by FLIR Systems. The robot weighing 31 kg is equipped with a high cross-country tracked chassis, a manipulator and cameras. If necessary, this RTK is used for reconnaissance, manipulating objects, etc.
The M5 can also carry the R80D SkyRaider drone with a video camera. UAVs take off and land from a small platform on the roof of the carrier. The drone is able to climb to a certain height and provide a better view of the terrain. This can be useful in combat work or when conducting reconnaissance.
The commercial showed another version of the Ripsaw M5 with a UAV on board. Instead of a turret with a weapon, it must carry a closed, protected platform for transporting and launching reconnaissance UAVs of the Skyraider type. For self-defense, such a RTK receives a DBM with machine gun and anti-tank missile weapons.
An alternative version of the reconnaissance aircraft without the use of a UAV has been developed. Instead of a platform for a drone, such a robot carries an articulated boom lift with optoelectronic equipment. For reconnaissance, the optics unit rises to a certain height, incl. over the cover of the vehicle and provides the necessary visibility.
Targets and goals
The Ripsaw M5 combat robot presented at the exhibition can solve the tasks of a combat reconnaissance vehicle, fire support for infantry or armored vehicles, etc. RTK can be displayed in a dangerous area to carry out reconnaissance without risk to people. An automatic cannon will be an important argument when facing an enemy.
Modifications with different means of surveillance on board are intended only for reconnaissance - both in the interests of their unit and with the transfer of data to third-party consumers.
Unified RTKs for different purposes can be combined into groups and used together. Such a unit may be headed by a manned vehicle carrying the necessary control panels. This will provide maximum flexibility in the use of robotic systems in the interests of the troops in all conditions. RTK groups will be useful both in low-intensity conflicts and in full-fledged combined arms battles.
However, while the main goal of the Ripsaw M5 project is to find customers. The Pentagon, which conducts the Robotic Combat Vehicle program, is considered as the main one. In the near future, the military will have to consider the proposed projects of technology and choose the best one that meets their requirements.
Prospects of the project
A key requirement under the RCV concerns the provenance of the competing samples. The army does not want to deal with projects that require lengthy development and refinement. Only RTKs created on the basis of already existing components are considered. This will speed up the testing and adoption process with understandable positive consequences for the army.
RTK Ripsaw M5 fully complies with the customer's requirements in terms of the use of finished products. In the near future, he will have to prove compliance in other characteristics. Various phases of verification and testing within the RCV have already begun. Textron's M5 will join trials next year. Work will continue over the next several years. The final results of the program are expected in 2023.
It is not known whether the Ripsaw M5 will be able to win the competition and enter service. This RTK has high performance and versatility. However, other equally interesting projects of equipment of a similar purpose are also involved in RCV. It remains to wait for further developments and follow the news. Obviously, the Robotic Combat Vehicle program will be extremely interesting - regardless of the victory or loss of the Ripsaw M5.
