The German company Rheinmetall has introduced a tracked robot based on the Wiesel platform. It can be used to solve a wide range of tasks.
Different countries are increasingly working on drones that could replace tanks, armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. One of these machines was the Autonomous Combat Warrior (ACW). The German company Rheinmetall has announced that it has created a new complex based on the Wiesel platform. It has a "high-tech autonomy kit".
The robot is powered by a system that is suitable for various tracked and wheeled combat vehicles, such as Boxer and Lynx. It is assumed that robotic samples will be able to deliver supplies themselves, conduct reconnaissance and even fire. At the same time, manned vehicles will operate at a safer distance.
Presentation of Autonomous Combat Warrior / ©Rheinmetall
Autonomous Combat Warrior can be controlled directly, remotely, or completely offline by programming waypoints on a tablet. He can avoid obstacles on his own, and also knows how to follow the leading car in convoy mode.
In the future, the machine will receive new functions that, among other things, will allow more efficient use of ACW in rough terrain.
Wiesel, on the basis of which ACW was developed, is a light tracked airborne combat vehicle for airborne units. Its combat weight is approximately three tons. The crew is two people.
Wiesel
Image Source: Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall is one of the largest manufacturers of military equipment and weapons in Germany and Europe. One of the most famous novelties of the concern was the Lynx armored combat vehicle mentioned above. Last year, Rheinmetall published a video from the KF41 Lynx tests, where she performed on the "same stage" with Allied troops.
At least one more company from Europe, Milrem Robotics, is currently engaged in the development of large ground combat robots. Earlier, she attracted attention by showing the Type-X unmanned tracked platform.
The platform has proven its ability to move and maneuver. So far, this is just a test sample, but in the future Milrem Robotics wants to create a full-fledged combat vehicle based on it. It can be equipped with a 30-millimeter or even a 50-millimeter cannon, so that the "robot tank" will approach the firepower of modern infantry fighting vehicles.
Type-X
Image Source: Milrem Robotics
Russia has traditionally been very active in this direction. A few years ago, it introduced a whole line of unmanned or optionally manned armored vehicles, including an "assault robot".