Most developers of unmanned ground vehicles (UAVs) use vehicles that move rather slowly and require relatively complex control, as well as lacking effective circular (360 degrees) situational awareness. As a result, the enemy can quite easily maneuver faster than them and even neutralize them, coming very close to the BNA. The US Army is eyeing a much larger, more powerful, flexible, and deadly robot developed by Howe & Howe (H&H), known as "RipSaw Military Specification 2", which provides many benefits that minimize said vulnerability. The Ripsaw-MS2 is being tested as a convoy guard and combat support vehicle.
The unmanned tracked vehicle RipSaw Military Spec 1 (MS1) is a test platform for testing advanced off-road capabilities. His ability to move quickly off-road made the army interested in using him as the "guardian angel" of convoys. The device is able to move quickly with the convoy, without interfering with the movement of the convoy itself, quickly inspect the places of possible placement of IEDs or respond to enemy fire from ambushes, suppress the sources of this fire, or tow stuck vehicles from the line of fire. The Ripsaw-MS1 recently demonstrated this capability during the "Robotics Rodeo" at Fort Hood. In addition to the convoy defense mission, the Ripsaw is capable of other potential missions, including perimeter defense, security, rescue, border patrolling, riot control, and ordnance disposal.
Ripsaw uses multiple cameras to provide a continuous 360-degree view, providing the operator with "always" situational awareness. In addition, the device is large enough that it is capable of carrying out such effective protection of the perimeter as not to let anyone get close. This active self-defense system uses modular ammunition selection control to
"crowd control" M5 (Modular Crowd Control Munitions, MCCM) installed around the perimeter of the device. Relying on this deterrent weapon, Ripsaw can blast into crowds with MCCM flashbangs or use non-lethal rubber bullets to scare off approaching enemies from the vehicle. Similar weapons can also be used as offensive weapons. Another payload has already been tested on the Ripsaw, including equipment to combat IEDs and mines.
The Ripsaw MS2 is remotely controlled from a nearby M113 APC. However, as in a semi-autonomous vehicle, many of its functions are computer controlled. The device is designed as a highly adaptive platform that can be integrated with many weapons systems and various payloads.
The height of the Ripsaw MS2 is only 1.77 meters, so the device is able to effectively blend into the landscape, disguising itself from enemy eyes. The low silhouette is also useful when using the aircraft as an advanced combat module; The Ripsaw-MS2 has already been tested with 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns. The BNA was also equipped with Javelin ATGMs, but they have not yet been fired on in combat. The device was equipped with weapons by the American Army Engineering Research Center for Development (Armys Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, ARDEC) in Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. The installation kit included a remotely controlled M240 machine gun, which was controlled from a separate console installed in the escort vehicle.
Originally, Ripsaw's "unmanned tank" was designed as a "one of a kind" project in a backyard garage. The developer, Howe and Howe Technologies, attracted the attention of the US military after the device was presented at the 2005 DARPA Challenge.
Two years later, the small, growing company won its first contract with the US Army, which converted the craft into a demonstrator of the capabilities of unmanned ground vehicles.
The current version of the device, called the Ripsaw MS2, is bigger, faster and more modular than the MS1 version. The device is capable, despite the significant combat damage received, to continue to be quickly repaired in the field and return to full combat readiness the next day. According to the manufacturer, unlike other vehicles, which, as a rule, cannot be repaired after being blown up by a mine or IED, damaged Ripsaw can be "disassembled for parts" right on the spot and assembled into a fully operational vehicle within one night.
Weighing 4.5 tonnes, the Ripsaw MS2 is similar in size to the HMMWV. It can carry about one ton of payload and be operated remotely or by a crew of two, including the driver. It is based on a lightweight tubular chassis derived from NASCAR racing cars and is powered by a 6.6 liter Duramax diesel engine delivering 650 hp. and a torque of 1,356 Nm, thus delivering an exceptional power-to-weight ratio for vehicles in this class. Fully armed and loaded, the Ripsaw MS2 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 80 km / h in just 5.5 seconds (!). The maximum speed is around 100 km / h. "Ripsaw is very fast and agile, he can easily outplay a human," said Michael Howe, pointing out that this is not trivial for the BNA.
The high power-to-weight ratio, efficient suspension and low ground pressure give the Ripsaw MS2 exceptional maneuverability. Its center of gravity is at a height of 70 cm, which results in high stability on an uphill of 50 degrees and a side slope of 45 degrees. High ground clearance of 60 cm and relatively low weight, wide tracks and long suspension travel provide a low ground pressure of 0.2 kg per square centimeter. This allows the vehicle to overcome rough terrain at high speed, vertical obstacles up to 1.5 meters high, or over obstacles such as a heavy tank.
An innovative mechanical clutch system that controls a hydrostatic transmission with a powerful, fast and simple mechanical drive is responsible for the car's fast acceleration, agility and handling.
