BAE Systems unveils new autonomous ground vehicle for combat operations

BAE Systems unveils new autonomous ground vehicle for combat operations
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Sep 15, 2024

BAE Systems Australia has introduced a state-of-the-art uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV), offering military leaders a strategic advantage while minimizing risks to soldiers on the battlefield.

The Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLASTM) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV), a modular and cost-effective 8x8 UGV, was developed by leveraging BAE Systems' expertise in autonomous technologies and armoured vehicle design in partnership with other industry collaborators.

Future military operations will increasingly involve a blend of autonomous systems, human-machine teams, and semi-autonomous capabilities, all aimed at increasing combat power while reducing the need for soldiers to perform dangerous tasks.

The ATLAS CCV, designed for both on-road and off-road operations, will support crewed vehicles like infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks at a lower operational cost. It incorporates proven technologies and offers mission-specific configurations, ensuring adaptability to emerging threats and new technology developments.

BAE Systems continues to innovate, providing military forces with technological advantages in rapidly evolving combat environments. The autonomy system powering the ATLAS CCV allows the vehicle to navigate, avoid obstacles, plan routes, and make tactical decisions autonomously.

Andrew Gresham, Managing Director of Defence Delivery at BAE Systems Australia, said "We've developed the ATLAS vehicle to give soldiers the advantage on the modern battlefield. This has resulted in an autonomous platform that will deliver the dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks expected in a combat environment.

"ATLAS will enable the Australian Army to be fit to fight in the littoral environment. It will help the soldier outpace, out-manoeuvre and out-think conventional and unconventional threats.

"We have proven expertise in autonomous technologies, built on more than 30 years of complex autonomous projects. We're excited that this is the first UGV of its kind to be developed in Australia and look forward to working with our industry partners to deliver this capability for our customers."

Equipped with the newly developed lightweight and cost-effective VANTAGE ATSTM medium-caliber turret system, the ATLAS CCV enhances combat effectiveness. The turret is designed for uncrewed platforms and includes a "human-in-the-loop" targeting system, ensuring human oversight in critical operations.

The ATLAS CCV is built for easy transport and can be stored in a standard 20-foot ISO container or on a 20-foot ISO flat rack. It also enhances the logistical capabilities of crewed vehicles, extending their operational endurance on the battlefield.

To deliver this advanced UGV, BAE Systems has collaborated with partners including Supacat in the UK and Australia, Valhalla Turrets in Slovenia, and Marand, a manufacturer based in Victoria, Australia.