Electronics Weekly
Specifically, a single remote operator controlled three uncrewed air and land vehicles. The trials were to prove that robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) can be integrated into and controlled from crewed command vehicles.
Uncrewed
It is described as a UK first, and apparently draws on lessons from Ukraine’s battlefields.
“As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, we plan to use drones, data and digital warfare to ensure our Armed Forces stronger and safer, whilst boosting jobs and innovation across the UK,” said the UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP.
“This trial is an example of our Government’s new partnership with industry; delivering the cutting-edge technology to our front line troops and making defence an engine for growth, as part of our Plan for Change.”
GVA
The trial also demonstrated the extension of the UK’s Generic Vehicle Architecture standard to autonomous systems, said the Dstl. Nato is also adopting the system.
In order to improve interoperability between allies, the goal is to deploy autonomous systems, sensors or software between vehicles at reduced risk and cost. Basically, a modular approach to integrating RAS into military situations.
Salisbury Plain
The live trial took place on Salisbury Plain with a drone operated in tandem with two uncrewed ground vehicles, commanded by a single operator in another crewed vehicle.
Thales, as systems integrator, designed and developed the test for the Dstl. You can see it in the video below.
Basically, one vehicle moved up one side of a hill with another vehicle moving up the other. And there was an uncrewed drone going up the middle. The aim was for the drone to detect things on the other side of the hill. And also report back to the vehicles using the GVA standard.
See also: Dstl trials underwater robot to improve pipeline and cable security
