Time： 2024-08-18
韦克威科技
The US Marine Corps is vigorously developing EMAV multi-purpose robots
According to the customization of the US Marine Corps, we are vigorously developing the EMAV multi-purpose robot system. Within the framework of this project, Pratt&Miller and other companies are developing a universal robot platform and various target payload schemes. Several schemes of EMAV have been demonstrated and tested. For example, the combat model has already been sent to the testing ground.The US Army is actively researching future multi-purpose, combat robots and has conducted research on multiple projects. The Marine Corps did not want to fall behind, so a few years ago they launched the EMAV (Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Transport Vehicle) project. The goal is to develop robots that meet the needs and desires of the Marine Corps.
According to the technical task book, the EMAV robot is a tracked platform that can install various instruments and equipment. The size and weight of the robot developed on this basis should meet the loading requirements of CH-47 helicopter and V-22 rotary wing aircraft.
Pratt&Whitney was the winning bidder in the early stages of the EMAV project, with extensive experience in transportation and automation, responsible for the development and overall integration of the system infrastructure platform. Individual components, including large modules for various purposes, are the responsibility of other organizations involved in the project. For example, Northrop Grumman, Raphael, and Oshkosh participated in the development of combat robots.The basic design work has been completed, and the first experimental model of the new platform began testing last year. Several vehicles are currently undergoing testing. Test the abilities of different equipment and roles.The EMAV platform is a tracked chassis of the same size as light vehicles. Adopting a flat topped rectangular protective body with interfaces for installing supplementary equipment. The key components of the power plant and control system are located inside the vehicle body. There are externally installed cameras and LiDAR at the front and rear of the vehicle.
EMAV adopts a hybrid power system based on diesel generators, batteries, and electric motors. According to current demand, vehicles can run on diesel or solely on batteries. In the latter case, it has been confirmed that silent movement is guaranteed. There are five independently suspended support wheels on each side of the driving section. Adopting continuous rubber tracks.The platform weighs 6800 pounds (less than 3.1 tons) and can carry a payload of up to 7200 pounds (3.27 tons). The robot weighs a total of 6.35 tons. The fully loaded hybrid system can achieve speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (70 kilometers per hour) and overcome various obstacles. In short, the mobility of EMAVs is no less than that of most manned tracked vehicles.The platform is equipped with technology vision devices and control systems for several working states. It can drive and use the target equipment according to the operator's instructions, or it can work autonomously to carry out the assigned tasks. According to reports, currently only the designated route can be followed, but in the future it may be possible to carry out tasks independently.The operator uses a portable control station to operate the vehicle, with a control console with a sensor screen in hand and a data processing module and communication equipment carried behind them. The control principle is quite simple and can greatly accelerate the training process for operators. For example, mastering the basic exercise methods of the platform only takes a few days.The first stage of the experiment determined the driving performance of the EMAV. In addition, future control systems were attempted under different states. Subsequently, new tests began, including simulating real-life tasks on a hypothetical battlefield.
At the beginning of this year, the platform equipped with CROWS machine gun combat modules and light unmanned aerial vehicles demonstrated its ability to carry out reconnaissance and fire support. EMAV ensures surveillance, searches for targets, and subsequently destroys them. In another experiment, an engineering charge extended launch device was installed on the vehicle. Deliver the robot to the required location and be responsible for opening up pathways in the minefield.This summer, the transportation capacity of the platform was tested, and a sufficiently complex "load" - assuming the participation of "wounded" - was involved. Therefore, a regular military stretcher was installed on the top of the tracked vehicle. Experimental equipment enters the hypothetical battlefield to ensure the evacuation of wounded soldiers to the rear. Transportation is not difficult, but transporting the wounded requires human assistance.Recently, a new type of robot with reconnaissance combat functions was showcased. In this configuration, the chassis is equipped with additional protective units. In addition, the MCWS (Medium Caliber Weapon System) combat module jointly developed by Raphael, Oshkosh, and Pratt Miller was used. Equipped with a 30mm XM810 machine gun and a parallel machine gun on the stabilizing device, carrying photoelectric equipment and weather sensors, it can be protected by smoke screen grenades.It is reported that Pratt&Miller and other companies will provide other configurations for future robots in the near future. It is expected that the new machine gun or machine gun combat module will be applied first, which has attracted high attention from the Pentagon, and the EMAV platform can be equipped with other equipment.In short, Pratt&Miller's EMAV project is similar to several other models customized by the US military, providing a medium-sized platform that can carry various instruments and weapons, without any principled innovation or technological breakthroughs, or has not yet been reported.
However, the prominent characteristics of the EMAV project may have an impact on its development and prospects. Pratt&Whitney is a new force in the field of military equipment development. Previously, we mainly provided auxiliary systems to the military, but we have not developed or produced complex equipment. Not long ago, the company attempted in a new direction and seemed to be able to complete the assigned tasks.Customers and their plans are equally significant. The US Marine Corps has a strong interest in new technologies and directions, and this process has now developed into the field of multi-purpose heavy robots. At this time, strict requirements have been put forward for the new type of robot: the equipment must achieve aerial transportation.Therefore, various versions of EMAVs should achieve sufficiently excellent combat/operational performance and high maneuverability. The Marine Corps can quickly deliver this equipment to any location by sea or air, and then complete the evacuation. It is not difficult to imagine that good maneuverability will endow new abilities and gain advantages in front of enemies.It should be pointed out that there are still doubts about the future of EMAV. Various configurations of equipment are being tested and performing well, but the staff department has not specified when they will be deployed or start mass production. The specific models of robots and which ones will enter the military are not yet clear.
Despite many unknown factors, one fact is obvious: the US Marine Corps is interested in medium and heavy robots that can perform combat and auxiliary tasks. This means that in the near future, this equipment will be deployed, changing the appearance of the Marine Corps and endowing it with new capabilities. It is likely that the first model installed by the Marine Corps at this level is the current EMAV.
Source: Frontiers of Maritime Defense