The US Army is developing a variety of unmanned systems. They are designed to augment Soldiers and increase their ability to perform tasks. They will enable the deployment autonomous systems to increase 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. The Army will also need to make sure it has the right technical and testing resources to overcome these obstacles. It is expected that fully autonomous trucks will be ready to serve in conflict zones in the next decade or so.
The US Army is working on two main automated convoy concepts. One is a fleet manned cargo trucks. Another system involves a leader-follower arrangement that utilizes two manned trucks. Each follower truck follows along the route of the leading vehicle. A remote control station monitors the vehicle's autonomous driving.
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 model focuses on reducing soldiers that are vulnerable to attack. The concept uses a series of sensors as well as a specialized vehicle–to-vehicle communications network to monitor and guide the truck convoy. High accuracy is crucial to ensure the truck's route is optimized.
The Army could acquire up to 5,723 SMETs depending on its budget. The vehicles will start arriving at units during the second and third quarters FY 2021. These trucks can be used for a variety of missions including logistics and casualty evacuation.
The US Army's approach to combat logistics will be transformed by automated truck convoys. These robotrucks are capable of replenishing soldiers at faraway outposts. They can also transport supplies from bases to distant outposts.
Driverless vehicles will help reduce the number of casualties associated with ground resupply missions. They will also reduce the chance of an IED striking a convoy. The Army has been developing this technology since 1999. It has tested this technology on the HX60 tactical vehicle, the LMTV light-duty utility truck, as well as the RG-31.
Despite its advantages, the US Army still has a long way to go before autonomous trucks are ready for the battlefield. To achieve a reliable, safe system that is reliable and secure, testing will take place over millions of kilometers. The US Army has to deal with many obstacles before it can be developed.
The US Army is working hard to develop and test autonomous technology despite these difficulties. They aim to deploy hundreds of autonomous trucks by 2025. By then, they hope to be able to serve in conflict zones and enhance the logistics operations of the US Military.
As the Army continues its research and development in autonomous tech, it will now shift its focus to integrating these technologies into existing 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. This technology will improve the Army's effectiveness, and it will play a crucial role in achieving military goals.