The Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET), an initiative of the US Army, provides infantry brigade fighting teams (IBCTs) with the ability to quickly field new capabilities and improves the physical as well as mental workload of Soldiers. To speed the acquisition process, the Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support (PEO CS&CSS) developed a strategy called the "Other Transactional Authority." It's a collaborative tool that speeds modernization while maintaining high standards of quality.
S-MET will provide IBCTs with the ability to transport more equipment, extend radio communications range, and carry essential supplies. S-MET cars will eventually become a standard part of every US Army battalion. 624 platforms have been ordered by 2024. These platforms will provide support for a wide range of mission needs including digging fighting positions and filling Hesco Barriers. They also carry mission-centric equipment.
To improve the program's efficiency, PEO CS&CSS worked with the Product Management Office for Applique and Large Unmanned Systems to develop a strategy for streamlined procurement. SMET can provide better performance for FLRAA or FARA through innovative integration strategies.
For the first year, the SMET program will train IBCTs in the use of systems. The Army will also collect operational feedback from soldiers during this period. This information will be used to select a production system. The Army will conduct a technology demonstration before deciding on a vehicle. In addition, two Army Infantry units will receive copies of competing SMET vehicles.
The program is divided into two parts. A Phase I Assessment was conducted in September 2017, while a Phase II Technology Demonstration takes place during the next one year. Both assessments involve early soldier testing to determine if the systems are functional, durable, and efficient.
Phase I of the assessment gave the Army a complete picture of the systems being considered and how they could be used to lessen the Soldier's burden. The program also revealed whether the current industry solutions would be suitable for this program. The program will ultimately offer an unmanned electric-powered mobile charging station to Soldiers while they are on patrol.
The Army narrowed down to four candidates after Phase I's assessment: General Dynamics, Textron and HDT Global. Each of these four candidates had a remote control.
The Army will choose a vehicle that best meets its requirements as a result of Phase II Technology Demonstration. Once selected, the Army will begin low-rate initial production. Every infantry unit in the US Army's Army will be equipped within five years with an SMET. Six-hundred of these vehicles are expected to be manufactured, with the first receiving them in mid-2021.
Additional capabilities could be added to SMET as the program develops. Other options include unmanned aerial and dismounted engineer mobility. Future modifications could allow for a teleoperation feedback system. In order to meet specific mission requirements, modular mission load payloads will also be available.