The US Army is currently developing unmanned systems. They are designed to augment Soldiers, and improve their ability to do tasks. They can also be used to deploy autonomous systems as force multipliers. They are however not without challenges.
These include the complexity of combat environments and any obstacles that might hinder the capabilities of an autonomous truck. In addition to these hurdles, the Army will have to ensure that it has adequate technical and testing resources. It is expected that fully autonomous trucks will be ready to serve in conflict zones in the next decade or so.
Two major US Army automated convoy concepts are in development. One involves unmanned cargo trucks. Another uses a leader/follower model that employs two manned trucks. Each truck following the leader vehicle's path is followed by the follower trucks. A remote control station monitors the autonomous driving of the vehicle.
Tests of autonomous vehicles on medium tactical vehicle replacement systems (MTVR), heavy equipment transporters and RG-31 mine-resistant, ambush-protected cars have been completed. However, the military has not yet completed the testing phase of the Expedient Leader-Follower program.
The leader-follower approach aims to decrease the number of soldiers susceptible to attack. This concept relies on a combination of sensors and a specialized vehicle to vehicle communication network to monitor and guide a truck convoy. To ensure that the truck's route is optimized, it is vital to maintain a high degree of accuracy.
The Army could purchase as many as 5,723 SMETs. This depends on the budget. The vehicles are expected to arrive at the units by the third quarter of FY 2021. These trucks will be able to perform a wide range missions, including logistics and casualty evacuate.
Automated truck convoys are going to revolutionize combat logistics in the US Army. These robotrucks will be capable of resupply soldiers at distant outposts. These robo-trucks will be able to transport supplies around bases.
Driverless vehicles will help reduce the number of casualties associated with ground resupply missions. Moreover, they will help reduce the risk of an IED hitting a convoy. This technology is being developed by the Army since 1999. It has tested it on the HX60 tactical truck, the LMTV light utility truck, and the RG-31.
Even though it offers many benefits, the US Army has much work to do before autonomous trucks can be deployed on the battlefield. It will take many millions of miles to test the safety and reliability of this system. Until then, the US Army will have to contend with obstacles and obstacles.
Despite these challenges, the US Army has begun developing an extensive and long-term effort to develop and test autonomous tech. They aim to deploy hundreds of autonomous trucks by 2025. They plan to have hundreds of autonomous trucks deployed by 2025, allowing them to operate in conflict zones as well as improving the logistics operations at the US Military.
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 have the ability to deploy its Soldiers more efficiently and let them do more complex tasks thanks to autonomous systems. Technology will ultimately enhance the Army's effectiveness and play an important role in achieving military objectives.