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An ULTRA fully autonomous tactical vehicle has been announced for the defence market by US off-road autonomy developer Overland AI.
The tactical vehicle, designed for ground operations, is reportedly capable of carrying modular payloads such as uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS for reconnaissance and breaching operations.
The vehicle features an approximate 450-kilogram payload capacity and a top speed of 56km/h, with a cruising range extending to 160 kilometres. The vehicle is designed to accelerate through complex terrain at high speeds without GPS or prior maps.
“ULTRA gives commanders an immediately deployable solution for reconnaissance, counter-UAS, and logistics operations,” Overland AI co-founder and chief operating officer Greg Okopal said.
“The vehicle is backed by resilient, networked communications that extend reach and reduce risk.”
The vehicle uses an OverDrive software stack, SPARK hardware infrastructure and off-road autonomy software, developed through extensive and rigorous testing in the DARPA RACER program, to provide uncrewed platform movement in GPS-denied environments across difficult terrain and conditions.
For versatility across critical ground operations, ULTRA is envisioned to provide integrated reconnaissance operations, direct support of manoeuvre forces, counter-UAS protection, resupply for humanitarian aid, including food and water, and contested logistics missions.
It also has networked capabilities to enable seamless communication with warfighters and command nodes through local mesh networks, 5G and satellite uplinks.
“ULTRA can navigate environments ranging from dense forests to volcanic ridges,” Overland AI co-founder and chief executive officer Byron Boots said.
“This empowers the warfighter to win in crucial contested theatres like the Indo-Pacific while keeping them out of harm’s way.”
The vehicle builds on the company’s established relationship with the US Armed Forces, following an US$18.6 million contract with the US Army and Defense Innovation Unit for the Robotic Combat Vehicle program. Overland AI continues to support programs across the Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command.
