Military

Combat robot with over-the-horizon control put through its paces in live-fire exercise

Combat robot with over-the-horizon control put through its paces in live-fire exercise
The latest version of the THeMIS UGV has beyond visual line of sight control capabilities
The latest version of the THeMIS UGV has beyond visual line of sight control capabilities
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The latest version of the THeMIS UGV has beyond visual line of sight control capabilities
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The latest version of the THeMIS UGV has beyond visual line of sight control capabilities

At a recent live-fire exercise in Tapa, Estonia, the latest version of Milrem Robotics and ST Engineering's ground combat robot showed off its ability to operate under Beyond Line Of Sight (BLVOS) control. In the April tests, the THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) equipped with the ADDER DM Remote Weapon Station was armed with a 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher and a 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun.

Various versions of the THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System) have cropped up since it made its public debut three years ago, with partner companies having developed it into a force multiplier designed to aid dismounted soldiers in urban and rural combat zones.

The latest iteration boasts a wireless BLVOS control system that allows an operator equipped with a tablet-like, ergonomically-designed mobile or stationary control unit to both steer and fire it at ranges of up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in built-up areas and 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in open ground. According to the makers, its intuitive graphical user interface makes it easier to operate with less user fatigue and better combat performance. Secure firing control is provided by a dedicated Fire Control UHF-Band data-link embedded Fire Control System.

In addition, the THeMIS is armored to NATO STANAG (STANdardization AGreement) 4569 level 3, meaning that it can withstand 7.62×51mm armor-piercing rounds, anti-tank mines, and the detonation of a 155mm High Explosive round at a distance of 60 m (200 ft). With its top speed of 20 km/h (12 mph) it can deal with 60-degree grades and water up to 61 cm (24 in) deep. Meanwhile, its diesel-electric drive provides for 15 hours of operation.

"Our joint combat UGV is one of the first armored UGVs in the world that's especially well suited for urban conflict areas," says Jüri Pajuste, Director of the Defence Programs Department in Milrem Robotics.

The video below shows the Combat UGV going through its paces the recent live-fire exercise.

Source: Milrem Robotics

A BVLOS combat UGV by Milrem Robotics and ST Engineering

4 comments
4 comments
riczero-b
Why .50 cal ? Could carry twice the ammo in 7.62 with similar end result, already have the GL for light armour etc
Username
Skynet is pleased with this new addition.
Nelson Hyde Chick
It is reassuring to know that someday we will be able to kill half a world away, oh we already can, go progress!?
ljaques
These are really cool and capable platforms. They can be used to drag wounded soldiers back to medics, get ammo to desperate outliers on the front, go head on into firefights, Or do all 3 in a single run. And they do it all with style. Kudos, Milrem, for an outstanding platform.
That they're SkyNet approved is a plus. ;)