Mission Master SP continues to spiral at the British.

04/29/2022 By Redaktion

A-UGV Combat Vehicles ISTAR Mission Master

Rheinmetall has received an order from the British Ministry of Defence for the third time as part of the Robotic Platoon Vehicles (RPV) project. The RPV program is a three-stage experiment to investigate the extent to which unmanned vehicles can increase the combat power and capabilities of dismounted troops on foot. For Spiral 3, the final phase of the program, the British once again chose to collaborate with Rheinmetall Canada.

The British Army ordered a total of seven new Rheinmetall Mission Master SP vehicles. Four models in a surveillance configuration (ISTAR = Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) and three Rheinmetall Mission Master SP - Cargo, the transport version. In the previous program phases, Britain had procured a total of eight Mission Master vehicles. The Rheinmetall Mission Master SP belongs to the family of Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGV) developed by Rheinmetall Canada.

The A-UGVs ordered in January 2022 are expected to be fully delivered by the end of August this year. The order also includes comprehensive training, support services, and spare parts. Rheinmetall Canada is the main contractor and is working with Rheinmetall Provectus, the Ottawa-based robotics branch.

Like James Bond: "Follow inconspicuously."

The Mission Master SP is a discreet A-UGV that can follow the soldier anywhere. The Mission Master SP is agile and transportable. It features a low-signature electric motor, a quiet driving mode, and a compact profile, contributing to its camouflage. Like all members of the Mission Master family of A-UGVs, the Mission Master SP is powered by the PATH Autonomy Kit (A-Kit). This proven, agnostic, reliable, and autonomous package of advanced sensors and perception algorithms allows the Mission Master to find the safest routes through dangerous environments and difficult terrain and carry out its missions without delay.

The Mission Master SP - Surveillance is equipped with an ISTAR payload module. This module supports the supply of mission-critical operations on the "last mile," monitors discreetly, and carries supply goods. The sensors of the ISTAR module are designed to optimize situational awareness and can be easily changed depending on the mission objective. These sensors enable excellent target acquisition, recognition, and identification at long distances, regardless of weather and lighting conditions. They also facilitate early reconnaissance and identification of chemical threats in the event of a chemical attack.

The ISTAR module is mounted on an improved version of the Mission Master SP vehicle. Customer feedback and trial experiences were the main reasons for these improvements. For example, the drivetrain and frame are now more robust and easier to access for maintenance. In addition, the Mission Master SP platform now features a diesel generator that can be used for longer deployments.

The Mission Master SP - Cargo, on the other hand, reduces the combat load of soldiers and thus improves mobility and efficiency. The rugged A-UGV can transport supplies, tactical equipment, and medical equipment either autonomously, in follow-me mode, or in convoy mode with other Mission Master vehicles.

As the owner of several Mission Master vehicles and modules, the British Army now has a true combat force multiplier that can be used for more complex experiments, especially in relation to Rheinmetall's "Wolf Pack" concept.

The Wolf Pack consists of a team of Mission Master vehicles that work together to perform tasks from monitoring to transmitting target positions and swiveling to the target. The units communicate with each other using their advanced artificial intelligence to maintain comprehensive situational awareness. The Wolf Pack is remotely controlled by a single operator, allowing them to focus on a successful mission outcome rather than individual UGV tasks. This unique capability is enabled by the Rheinmetall Command and Control Software.

Rheinmetall Canada's successful bid for Spiral 3 is further evidence of the British Army's trust in the Canadian branch of the Rheinmetall Group, one of the leading European defense companies. The contract was awarded as part of a tender in which Rheinmetall achieved an exceptionally good placement.

While the delivery of Spiral 3 marks the end of the RPV program, Rheinmetall Canada intends to continue participating in British experiments with robotic vehicles as part of the newly established Expeditionary Robotic Centre of Expertise (ERCoE).