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British multinational defence company BAE Systems has successfully tested manned-unmanned teaming with their amphibious combat vehicle.
An Israel Aerospace Industries, Elta Systems Rex MK II Unmanned Infantry Combat Support System was used with the ACV C4UAS during the technology demonstration earlier this month.
MUM-T directs manned and unmanned assets to act in concert towards a shared mission objective, increasing capacity and responsiveness, broaden capabilities, and reducing risk to military personnel.
Unmanned autonomous vehicles like the Rex MK II system can provide direct support to manoeuvring infantry units or perform tactical logistic support, tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, operating lethal weapons through target acquisition, and evacuating wounded personnel.
The ACV itself, built in partnership with Iveco Defence Vehicles, can be used in open-ocean amphibious capability, land mobility, survivability, and weapons deployment.
The trial reportedly provided enhanced mission effectiveness through greater situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.
Garrett Lacaillade, BAE Systems amphibious vehicles product line vice-president, said the ability to incorporate MUM-T into mission planning expands mission parameters and tactical sphere while reducing human risk and technological assets in uncertain or hostile environments.
“This is an exciting next chapter to show the growth potential of the ACV C4UAS,” he said.
“Pairing an unmanned system like the Rex provides increased situational awareness, supports mission success, and reduces the risk to our Marines.”
Manned-unmanned teaming with the ACV could have wide-ranging benefits in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, anti-air and uncrewed aerial systems integration.
Robert Dougherty
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