The EMAV multi-purpose robot system is being developed to order by the U.S. Marine Corps. Within the framework of this project Pratt Miller and other companies develop common robotic platforms and various target payload schemes. Several EMAV solutions have been demonstrated and tested. Combat models, for example, are already on their way to the proving ground.
The U.S. Army is actively working on future multipurpose, combat robots and has conducted research on several projects. The Marine Corps didn't want to be left behind, so a few years ago it launched the EMAV (Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Transport Vehicle) program. The goal is to build a robot that fits the needs and desires of the Marine Corps.
According to the technical description, the EMAV robot is a caterpillar platform that can install all kinds of instruments and equipment. The size and weight of the robot should meet the loading requirements of CH-47 helicopter and V-22 rotary-wing aircraft. Pratt Miller, the successful bidder in the early stages of the EMAV project, has extensive experience in transportation and automation and is responsible for the development and overall integration of the system foundation platform. Individual components, including large modules for various purposes, are the responsibility of other organizations involved in the project. Northrop Grumman, Raphael, and Oshkosh, for example, are involved in the development of battle droids. Basic design work has been completed and the first experimental model of the new platform began testing last year. Several vehicles are currently undergoing trials. Test the abilities of different equipment and characters.
Common platform
The EMAV platform is a tracked chassis of the same size as a light vehicle. The flat top rectangular body is protected with ports for installing supplementary equipment. Key components of the power plant and control system are located inside the car body. In the front and rear of the car body, there are externally installed cameras and laser radar.
The EMAV uses a hybrid power unit based on diesel generators, batteries and electric motors. Depending on current demand, the vehicle can run on diesel or just batteries. In the latter case, it is confirmed that silent travel is guaranteed. There are five independently suspended support wheels on each side of the running part. Continuous rubber tracks are used. The platform weighs 6,800 pounds (less than 3.1 tons) and can carry a payload of 7,200 pounds (3.27 tons). The robot weighs 6.35 tons. The full-weight hybrid can reach speeds of up to 45mph (70km/h) and is capable of overcoming various obstacles. In short, the EMAV is as mobile as most manned tracked vehicles. The platform is equipped with technical horizon equipment and several operating state control systems. It can drive and use the target equipment according to the operator's instructions, and can also use the autonomous working state to carry out the receiving task. It is reported that it can only drive a prescribed route at present, but may carry out its own missions in the future. The operator controls the vehicle using a portable control station with a console with a sensor screen in his hand and data processing modules and communications equipment strapped to his back. The control principle is quite simple and can greatly speed up the training process of operators. For example, it only takes a few days to master the basic motion of a platform.
Diversification task
In the first stage of the test, the driving performance of EMAV was determined. In addition, future control systems under different states are tried. New tests followed, including a simulated real-world mission on a hypothetical battlefield.
Earlier this year, a platform equipped with CROWS machine gun combat modules and light unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) demonstrated the ability to perform reconnaissance and fire support. EMAV safeguards surveillance, searches for targets, and then destroys them. In another test, the vehicle was fitted with an engineering charge extended launcher. Deliver the robots to where they are needed to cut a path through the minefield. This summer the platform's transport capacity was tested enough to involve complex "payloads" -- hypothetical "wounded" -- for which ordinary military stretchers were mounted on top of tracked vehicles. The test equipment goes into a hypothetical battlefield to support the evacuation of casualties to the rear. Transport is not difficult, but transporting the wounded requires human help. A new type of robot with reconnaissance and combat functions was unveiled recently. This configuration allows the chassis to gain additional protection units. In addition, the MCWS (Medium Caliber Weapon System) combat module developed jointly by Raphael, Oshkosh and Pratt Miller was used. The stabilizers are equipped with a 30mm XM810 machine gun and parallel machine guns, which carry electro-optical devices and weather sensors and can be protected by smoke grenade. Other configurations of future robots will soon be offered by Platt Miller and other companies. It is expected to start with a new machine gun or machine gun combat module, a project of great interest to the Pentagon, and the EMAV platform could be equipped with other equipment.
Future of the project
In summary, the Pratt Miller EMAV program is similar to several other models ordered by the U.S. Military, offering a mid-sized platform that can carry a wide range of instruments and weapons without any principled innovations, technological breakthroughs, or as yet unreported.
However, the characteristics of EMAV project are prominent, which may affect its development and prospect. Pratt Miller is a new player in the field of military equipment development. Previously, it mainly supplied auxiliary systems to the military, but no complex equipment was developed or produced. A recent attempt in a new direction seems to be up to the task. Customers and their plans are equally significant. The U.S. Marine Corps has a strong interest in new technologies and directions, and the process has now evolved into multi-purpose heavy robots. At this time, the new robot put forward strict requirements: equipment to achieve air transport. Therefore, the various versions of EMAV should achieve sufficiently superior combat/operational performance and high mobility. The Marines can quickly drop the equipment to any location by sea or air, and then complete the evacuation. It's not hard to imagine that good mobility will give you a whole new ability to gain an advantage over your enemies.
A bright future
It should be noted that the realistic future of EMAV remains in doubt. The equipment in various configurations is undergoing tests and performing well, but the Staff did not specify when it would be ready for mass production. It is not clear exactly what type of robot it will be and which will enter the army.
Despite the unknowns, one fact is clear: The U.S. Marine Corps is interested in medium - and heavy-duty robots that can carry out combat and support missions. This means that in the near future this equipment will be rolled out, changing the face of the Marine Corps and giving it a whole new capability. It is likely that the first model the Marine Corps will deploy in this class will be the current EMAV.
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