Squad Mission Support System: Difference between revisions
America789 (talk | contribs) added block 1 |
America789 (talk | contribs) satellite control |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Squad Mission Support System''' is an unmanned all terrain |
'''Squad Mission Support System''' is an unmanned all terrain wheeled vehicle developed by [[Lockheed Martin]]. |
||
==History== |
==History== |
||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
Four vehicles were deployed to Afghanistan. They were used to resupply small combat outposts and strongpoints, and construction projects on its larger forward operating base. One unit used the SMSS to carry 10,000 pounds of supplies over the course of two days to a small combat outpost two kilometers away, regularly carrying 2,000-pound loads. One time, soldiers loaded one vehicle up with 100 sandbags, which was estimated to weigh 4,000 pounds (exceeding Lockheed’s recommended carrying weight of 1,200 pounds), and succussfully drove it up a 30-degree slope. While initially planned as a squad-level asset, it is being used more at the platoon level. From fielding experiences, Lockheed is planning improvements to the system. They are considering adding another alternator to increase its power output, since one group of soldiers in Afghanistan had been trying to use it as a mobile operations center by loading it up with generators and batteries while out on missions. Lockheed is also considering adding a manipulator arm so it can load unload cargo itself.<ref>[http://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/2012/05/deployment-of-lockheed-martin-squad-mission-support-system-smss-ugv-may-be-extended/ SMSS in Afghanistan] - Unmanned Systems Technology.com, May 24, 2012</ref> |
Four vehicles were deployed to Afghanistan. They were used to resupply small combat outposts and strongpoints, and construction projects on its larger forward operating base. One unit used the SMSS to carry 10,000 pounds of supplies over the course of two days to a small combat outpost two kilometers away, regularly carrying 2,000-pound loads. One time, soldiers loaded one vehicle up with 100 sandbags, which was estimated to weigh 4,000 pounds (exceeding Lockheed’s recommended carrying weight of 1,200 pounds), and succussfully drove it up a 30-degree slope. While initially planned as a squad-level asset, it is being used more at the platoon level. From fielding experiences, Lockheed is planning improvements to the system. They are considering adding another alternator to increase its power output, since one group of soldiers in Afghanistan had been trying to use it as a mobile operations center by loading it up with generators and batteries while out on missions. Lockheed is also considering adding a manipulator arm so it can load unload cargo itself.<ref>[http://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/2012/05/deployment-of-lockheed-martin-squad-mission-support-system-smss-ugv-may-be-extended/ SMSS in Afghanistan] - Unmanned Systems Technology.com, May 24, 2012</ref> |
||
In February 2013, the SMSS performed a successful demonstration while being controlled by satellite 200 miles from its operator. The vehicle had an adjustable-height mast with a [[Gyrocam Systems|Gyrocam 9M]], acquiring on-the-move, high-resolution electro-optical and [[infrared|thermal]] video. Movement and sensor functions were controlled from a remote station via tele-operation. In a simulated mission, the operator provided a pre-planned route and SMSS autonomy allowed navigation with minimal operator intervention, while other autonomous functions, such as follow-me, go-to-point and retro-traverse, were also demonstrated. The demonstration proved that the combination of autonomy, vehicle mobility, surveillance sensors, and satellite communications can provide a means of battlefield situational awareness without human intervention.<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/february/mfc-021913-LM-SMSS-UnmannedVehicle.html Lockheed Martin’s SMSS Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle Operates Via Satellite Control] - Lockheed press release, February 19, 2013</ref> |
|||
==References== |
==References== |
||
Revision as of 20:31, 22 February 2013
Squad Mission Support System is an unmanned all terrain wheeled vehicle developed by Lockheed Martin.
History
The SMSS was developed for the US Army as transport and logistics support by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control division.
The SMSS Block 0 could travel up to 25 miles/h and carry up to 1,000 pounds in gear. Unloaded, it weighed up to 2,000 pounds and could be parachuted from an aircraft.
The SMSS can be driven by an operator or remotely operated. Currently the SMSS is unarmed, but there are plans to arm it with either RPG or small missile systems.
The SMSS Block 1 went to Afghanistan for a military utility assessment in late 2011. The Block 1 version is lighter, has infrared driving lights, a smaller and more efficient sensor package, and insulated exhaust and hydraulics that make them quieter in the field.[1][2] It is heavier at 3,800 pounds unloaded, but can carry a larger 1,200 pound payload, and has a 125 mile operating range.[3]
Four vehicles were deployed to Afghanistan. They were used to resupply small combat outposts and strongpoints, and construction projects on its larger forward operating base. One unit used the SMSS to carry 10,000 pounds of supplies over the course of two days to a small combat outpost two kilometers away, regularly carrying 2,000-pound loads. One time, soldiers loaded one vehicle up with 100 sandbags, which was estimated to weigh 4,000 pounds (exceeding Lockheed’s recommended carrying weight of 1,200 pounds), and succussfully drove it up a 30-degree slope. While initially planned as a squad-level asset, it is being used more at the platoon level. From fielding experiences, Lockheed is planning improvements to the system. They are considering adding another alternator to increase its power output, since one group of soldiers in Afghanistan had been trying to use it as a mobile operations center by loading it up with generators and batteries while out on missions. Lockheed is also considering adding a manipulator arm so it can load unload cargo itself.[4]
In February 2013, the SMSS performed a successful demonstration while being controlled by satellite 200 miles from its operator. The vehicle had an adjustable-height mast with a Gyrocam 9M, acquiring on-the-move, high-resolution electro-optical and thermal video. Movement and sensor functions were controlled from a remote station via tele-operation. In a simulated mission, the operator provided a pre-planned route and SMSS autonomy allowed navigation with minimal operator intervention, while other autonomous functions, such as follow-me, go-to-point and retro-traverse, were also demonstrated. The demonstration proved that the combination of autonomy, vehicle mobility, surveillance sensors, and satellite communications can provide a means of battlefield situational awareness without human intervention.[5]
References
- ^ Kris Osborn (2009-03-15). "Army Robots: Will Humans Still Be in Control?". Time magazine. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
Meanwhile, the mountainous terrain and high altitudes of Afghanistan have led the Army to increasingly emphasize rapid delivery of anything that can lighten a soldier's load. As a result, the U.S. Army Infantry Center at Fort Benning, Ga., is experimenting with a 4,000-lb, six-wheeled semiautonomous, supply-carrying robot vehicle called the Squad Mission Support System (SMSS), which will likely head to the mountains of Afghanistan for testing sometime next year.
- ^ Gizmag SMSS
- ^ Lockheed SMSS pdf - Lockheed
- ^ SMSS in Afghanistan - Unmanned Systems Technology.com, May 24, 2012
- ^ Lockheed Martin’s SMSS Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle Operates Via Satellite Control - Lockheed press release, February 19, 2013