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Elbit Systems and Roboteam have unveiled their new multi-payload military 6x6 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), dubbed ROOK.
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Israel’s Elbit Systems and Roboteam have unveiled their new multi-payload military 6x6 UGV, the ROOK, which was developed upon the operational experience of the 4x4 PROBOT UGV systems in use by the US, France, Israel and the UK.
Elbit Systems described that the UGV’s primary missions are expected to include casualty evacuations, intelligence gathering missions as well as operating as a remote weapons system.
Despite drawing from the PROBOT’s experience, Elbit Systems explained that the rook was “designed from scratch”.
The system includes a Modular Box structure, which enables operators to undertake on-field component replacement without requiring technicians or OEM lab maintenance.
The systems also include a built-in TORCH-X Robotic and Autonomous (RAS) application, enabling the system to autonomously navigate through terrain over day or night.
The vehicle weights 1200 kilograms and is capable of carrying a payload of an additional 1200 kilograms. The system has a ground clearance of 24 centimetres, has eight hours of drive time and can travel at speeds up to 30 kilometres per hour.
Elbit outlined that the system is operated via the TORCH-X RAS application, which the company suggested enables operators to manage several unmanned systems from the one platform.
Earlier this week, Elbit Systems was awarded a $144 million contract to supply SIGMA fully automatic self-propelled howitzer gun systems to an undisclosed country in the Asia-Pacific region.
The prime is expected to deliver the capability over the next five years.
SIGMA is a 155mm/52 calibre self-propelled howitzer, built for automatic loading and laying of the gun system, rapid in-and-out action times and high rate of fire.
The capability, which is tipped to offer a protected cabin for a three-person crew, is capable of automatically selecting and loading the required projectile, propellant and fuse, and laying the gun to engage targets.
“The SIGMA system effectively addresses the growing need of armed forces to enhance the effectiveness of their artillery formations and reduce life cycle costs while improving precision, rapidity, autonomy, survivability and connectivity,” Bezhalel Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Systems, said.
“The SIGMA system is based on the know-how and experience accumulated by the company over decades in supplying artillery systems to numerous customers, including the new 155mm fully automatic self-propelled howitzer gun systems for the Israel Defense Forces.”
