Print Friendly, PDF & Email

The weapon systems of the heavy platoons in the infantry companies contribute significantly to the high operational value of the German infantry units in firefighting. The transfer of the automatic grenade weapons and MELLS anti-tank guided missile systems and the associated ammunition is a proverbially "difficult" matter when deployed.

On average, each soldier in the three-man squad carries an additional weight of 10 kg to 75 kg, which currently has to be brought to the scene with sheer physical strength. It is obvious that this severely limits the range, deployment and endurance of the squad. However, this could change in the future.

Because the Bundeswehr intends to equip the heavy trains with unmanned ground vehicles for the transport of weapons and material and is testing several commercially available systems in changing application scenarios. The results of a test last year and a trial that was completed at the end of November 2020 show the great potential of these Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) - also known as Cargo Mules - and the degree of maturity that has already been reached.

The Probot V2 during testing in Hammelburg. The vehicle is characterized by the fact that it can be used both as a wheeled and tracked vehicle (Photos: Fraunhofer FKIE)

"The product is ready to be bought," says Dr. Frank E. Schneider, deputy head of the "Cognitive Mobile Systems" department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics (FKIE), the results of the tests in a nutshell. According to his assessment, all providers meet the specified basic requirements.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Related topics

blankKNDS with stable sales in 2020