As early as this year, the US army can arm itself with robot mules. Yesterday, March 31, portal janes.com He reported that General Dynamics Land Systems has announced the completion of deliveries of prototype MUTT machines.
In April, the US Army will receive the latest MUTT robotic all-terrain vehicles for the final test. If the testing is successful, the small-scale assembly of the vehicles will begin in the summer, and by the end of the year, the first unit of the army will be fully staffed as part of the SMET (Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport) program.
MUTT Robotic All-terrain vehicle
Image source: janes.com
The US Army has long considered various options for equipping infantry units with "mechanized porters". In 2017, the Ministry of Defense agreed on the final requirements and announced a tender under the SMET program. Of the four contenders, the victory was won by the MUTT robotic eight-wheeled all-terrain vehicle from General Dynamics Land Systems.
As part of the $162.4 million contract, General Dynamics will supply 624 MUTT vehicles to the US army. This amount also includes software development, technical support, and training. At the same time, the US Department of Defense estimates the army needs 5,700 robot mules.
The technical specifications of the MUTT have not yet been disclosed, but the requirements under the SMET program are known. Specifically, the robot must carry 1,000 pounds (453 kg) of payload and travel up to 60 miles in three days. In addition, these machines must provide soldiers with electricity (at least 1 kW / h when moving and at least 3 kW / h when stationary). The MUTT must be able to move automatically behind the presenter or be controlled remotely. In the basic version, it will be a platform for the transport of goods, while it is planned to develop specialized modifications, as well as expand the possibilities for autonomous movement.
