Type-X (unmanned ground vehicle)
The Type-X is a robotic combat vehicle designed and built by Milrem Robotics. Unveiled in 2020, it is the second UGV to be manufactured by the company after its flagship product THeMIS.[1]
| Type-X | |
|---|---|
 Type-X Combat mounted with John Cockerill CPWS II turret | |
| Type | Unmanned ground vehicle Military robot |
| Place of origin | Estonia |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Milrem Robotics |
| Manufacturer | Milrem Robotics |
| Produced | 2020-present |
| Variants | Combat |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 12,000 kg (26,000 lb) |
| Length | 600 cm (240 in) |
| Width | 290 cm (110 in) |
| Height | 220 cm (87 in) |
| Armor | STANAG 4569
|
Main armament | up to 50mm autocannon or other various weapons systems |
Secondary armament | 7.62mm machine gun |
| Engine | Electric engine, diesel generator |
| Payload capacity | 4,100 kg (9,000 lb) |
| Drive | Tracked |
| Ground clearance | 50 cm (20 in) |
| Maximum speed | 80 km/h (50 mph) (road) 50 km/h (31 mph) (terrain) |
Design and purpose
The vehicle is operated from a safe distance by a combination of augmented artificial intelligence (AI) and a remote system operator which means it considerably raises troop survivability and lowers lethality risks by increasing standoff distance from enemy units. It features a tracked design with armor protection which increases its cross-country performance and durability.[2]
The Type-X is designed to be highly modifiable and easily upgradable, meaning it can be fitted with either autocannon turrets up to 50mm, such as John Cockerill CPWS II[1] or various other weapons systems, such as ATGMs, SAMs, radars, mortars etc. The heavy armament that can be mounted on the vehicle means that the Type-X provides equal or overmatching firepower and tactical usage compared to traditional infantry fighting vehicles.[3]
In October 2020, Milrem and the Israeli UVision announced that they are co-developing a variant of the Type-X and THeMIS that can mount a multi-canister launcher for the latter's Hero-120 and Hero-400EC loitering munitions.[4]
The intended main purpose of the Type-X is to bolster and support the combat capability of mechanized units, for example providing convoy and perimeter or base defence. It can drive along in a convoy autonomously using the "follow-me" technology, giving the formation additional eyes and firepower. The system can also be utilized to localize and engage lower range targets and provide flanking support.[2]
The Type-X is designed to deploy at a weight below the 12-ton mark for rapid deployment into the combat theater, either by parachute or by heavy lift helicopter, providing vital fire support to airborne troops while maintaining a logistic footprint compatible with the logistics of a parachute-deployed force.The C-130J and the KC-390 can carry one Type-X vehicle, an A400M two and a C-17 5-6 vehicles. [2][3]
See also
References
- "Milrem unveils new unmanned, armored vehicle". ERR. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
- "Milrem Robotics revealed Type-X RCV with John Cockerill CPWS II turret". Milrem. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
- Paolo, Valpolini. "Type-X: an unmanned direct fire support solution (and more) by Milrem Robotics". EDR Magazine. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
- "Israeli, Estonian Firms Develop Unmanned Vehicles-Mounted Loitering Munition Launcher". Defense World. Retrieved 16 November 2020.