WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Milrem and QinetiQ North America (QNA) today launched Titan, the first fully modular, hybrid unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that complies with the initial requirements put forth in the U.S. Army’s Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) Initiative.
Milrem and QinetiQ partnered to create a breakthrough UGV that combines Milrem’s THeMIS (Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System), the first fully modular hybrid unmanned ground vehicle made for military applications, with QinetiQ’s robotic control technology: the TRC (Tactical Robot Controller) and RAK (Robotic Appliqué Kit). This joint solution not only meets, but exceeds, the rigorous SMET program requirements. As a multi-mission vehicle platform, Titan can assist and replace soldiers on the battlefield to perform complex and hazardous tasks.
The US Army, in partnership with industry, is developing and testing early prototypes of SMET autonomous vehicles. The Army has provided an outline of expected capabilities including:
- Able to haul a squad of soldier gear and keep up for a typical 72-hour patrol
- Have enough power to charge additional devices
- Capable of fitting in the back of a helicopter or slung below
- Able to carry an array of sensors and weaponry to defend itself
Unlike existing UGVs, Titan is a highly modular platform that allows different superstructures to be easily mounted and integrated onto the middle vehicular platform for complex missions such as rescue, transport, combat, and reconnaissance. The flexibility and versatility of the system not only increases efficiency, but also significantly reduces warfighter and operator workload and lowers total life-cycle system costs.
Additional benefits include:
- Increases unit capability and squad support on extended missions
- Increases mission effectiveness
- Improves safety for warfighters
- Provides high load carrying capability and off-road mobility
- Diesel/Electric hybrid offers run-silent mode and squad auxiliary power
- Operable in unmanned or manned modes
Milrem and QinetiQ North America will display the vehicle during AUSA 2016 in Washington, D.C. Monday, October 3-5.
“Milrem’s THeMIS and its unique architecture have been well-received worldwide, with testing programs underway in four countries,” said Kuldar Väärsi, Milrem’s CEO. “We highly value our partnership with QinetiQ NA, a technology leader in the unmanned ground vehicle sector. Together, we’re providing a perfect match of technologies that delivers highly advanced robotic capabilities for the US Army.”
“The launch of Titan is a massive achievement that we are proud to bring to market for the U.S. military,” said Jon Hastie, Product Manager at QinetiQ North America. “Our extensive development and robotic systems engineering experience, combined with the Milrem’s field-tested THeMIS, will give troops an asset that will significantly reduce workload and increase soldier safety.”
Milrem’s vehicles for the US market will be constructed in the United States, with manufacturing preparations already underway. THeMIS was first introduced in London during the DSEI exhibition to high interest. Since then, Milrem has partnered with several well-known defense and commercial companies including Raytheon UK, Singapore Technologies Kinetics, and Leica Geosystems to produce specific, purpose-built UGVs.
Additional Resources
- For multimedia assets, including high-resolution video and photos, download the media kit here
- For more information about Milrem, please visit: http://milrem.ee/en
- For more information about Qinetiq North America, please visit: https://www.qinetiq-na.com
About Milrem AS
Milrem AS is an Estonian technology solutions provider specializing in military and commercial engineering, repair and maintenance. Established in 2013 by Mootor Grupp, a group of companies with 23 years of experience and representations in several European countries, Milrem’s two main lines of business include the research and development of unmanned vehicles and repair and maintenance of heavy-duty military vehicles. Milrem is a member of The Estonian Defence Industry Association (EDIA). EDIA is a non-profit organisation, established with the task of acting as a strategic partner of the state for the development of the defence industry by bringing together the enterprises in the sector, developing cooperation between EDIA members, including representing and protecting their interests, and promoting common positions.
About QinetiQ North America
QinetiQ North America (QNA) is a subsidiary of QinetiQ Group plc, the FTSE250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:QQ.L). QNA delivers world-class technology and revolutionary products to defense, security and commercial markets worldwide. Our product offerings include survivability, unmanned systems, power sensors, control systems and transportation solutions. Customers rely on our products to increase readiness, improve mission effectiveness, streamline operations, increase situational awareness and enhance security. QNA is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
