The US Army is working on a range of unmanned systems. These systems are intended to enhance Soldiers' capabilities and enable them to complete more tasks. They can also be used to deploy autonomous systems as force multipliers. These systems are not without their challenges.
These include the complexity of combat environments and any obstacles that might hinder the capabilities of an autonomous truck. These obstacles will be added to the Army's need for adequate testing and technical resources. It is expected that fully autonomous trucks will be ready to serve in conflict zones in the next decade or so.
Two main concepts for automated convoys are being developed by the US Army. The first involves a fleet unmanned cargo trucks. Another uses a leader-follower system that uses two manned trucks. Each truck that follows the lead vehicle is followed by its follower. A remote control station monitors the vehicle's autonomous driving.
Autonomous vehicle have been tested on medium-tactical vehicle replacement (MTVR), heavy-equipment transportationers and RG-31mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicules. However, the Expedient Lead-Follower program testing has not yet been completed by military personnel.
The leader/follower concept is designed to reduce soldiers' vulnerability to attack. This concept uses a suite of sensors and a specialized vehicle-to-vehicle communication network to guide and monitor the path of a truck convoy. A high level of accuracy is necessary to ensure that the truck's route follows the intended path.
The Army could buy up to 5,723 SMETs based on their budget. The vehicles will begin arriving to units in the second or third quarter of FY 2021. These trucks will be capable of executing a wide range of missions, including logistics, resupply, and casualty evacuation.
Automated truck convoys will revolutionize the way the US Army conducts combat logistics. These robo-trucks will be able to resupply soldiers at faraway outposts. These robo-trucks will be able to transport supplies around bases.
Driverless vehicles can help to reduce casualties in ground resupply missions. These vehicles also lower the risk of an IED exploding on a convoy. This technology is being developed by the Army since 1999. It has tested the technology on several vehicles, including the HX60 tactical pickup truck, the LMTV light-utility truck, and RG-31.
Although it has many advantages, the US Army still needs to get autonomous trucks ready for combat. It will take many millions of miles to test the safety and reliability of this system. The US Army must face many obstacles until then.
Despite these challenges, US Army has begun a long-term effort for autonomous tech development and testing. They aim to deploy hundreds of autonomous trucks by 2025. They hope to be able serve in conflict zones and improve logistics operations for the US Military by then.
As the Army expands its research into autonomous tech, its primary focus will shift to integrating those technologies into its systems. The US Army will become more efficient in its deployment of Soldiers, and be able to free them up for more difficult tasks by integrating autonomous systems. The technology will ultimately improve the Army's effectiveness and be an integral part of reaching military objectives.