Composite Rubber Track (CRT) on Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) Introduction Militaries worldwide are increasing their Research and Development (R&D) into RAS. Within the next 10 – 15 years RAS could potentially be at Military Commanders behest and play an active part on the complex future battlefield. With the advantages of Soucys CRT already widely known on manned vehicles there is already an instilled confidence in the minds of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) globally to use our proven product on RAS.
A perfect illustration of advantages of our CRT technology on the THeMIS UGV developped by MILREM Robotics – photo credit MILREM Robotics
There are many reasons why CRT is an asset to RAS: 1.
Maintenance. a. CRT has low maintenance requirements which enable Commanders to better forecast maintenance breaks into their mission analysis. With the average weight of an RAS being much lighter than current armored vehicles, the CRT durability is increased therefore in most circumstances, can operate un maintained for up to 8000 Kms. b. The collaboration of wheeled and tracked vehicles is becoming more important as future conflicts are almost certainly going to be more enduring operations. The Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) on conventional Steel Track (ST) is much greater than that of CRT which prevents combined arms working together at reach. The introduction of CRT would allow formations to maintain battle rhythm. c. The additional hardware that accompanies the CRT such as sprockets, road wheels and support rollers are also designed to complement the durability of the CRT, in addition the maintenance free characteristics of CRT ensures autonomous systems stay ‘on task’ and are not operationally effected by wear and tear essential maintenance procedures therefore there is no requirement for scheduling maintenance breaks into the Commanders estimate.
THeMIS equipped with Soucy CRT Technology - photo credit MILREM Robotics
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5 Priorities of Robotics Autonomous Systems a. Sustainability - The ability of being able to continue over a longer period of time than conventional ST. CRT has less ground pressure and therefore causes less damage to existing road networks. This applies more so during peacetime training exercises as local authorities want assurances from senior military commanders that no lasting damage will be be caused to the local infrastructure or environment that can potentially have a cost of repair. b. Maneuverability - CRT traction has been proven on manned vehicles allowing platforms to utilize previously ‘no go’ terrain. Tracks have significantly lower ground pressure than wheels and are more suited to soft surfaces. Maneuverability is also increased due also to the slightly wider design of CRT. Large tires could be used in soft surfaces however would be limited to the types of terrain they operated – for example on snow. c. Situational Awareness (SA) - SA is key in the battle winning sphere. To effective combat decision making in the tactical environment a commander must have up to the minute cognizance or the awareness required to operate equipment at reach. With CRT’s no maintenance attributes, platforms have greater battlefield range giving leaders this ability, in turn may giving a tactical advantage. d. Lethality – In recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan combat vehicles have increased in weight because of new and increasing threats. Militaries are looking to find the balance between increasing the lethality aspects of their armored platforms whilst reducing the weight to be more rapidly deployable. On average CRT weighs 50% less than conventional ST, this weight saving can be used by designers to enhance lethality components of their platforms. e. Survivability – CRT is blast tested to STANAG level 3, therefore with modern militaries encountering threats such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in recent theatres of conflict, integrating CRT onto RAS would aid them in remaining ‘mission capable’ for longer. To understand the principles of RAS survivability it is important that the relationship between protection and cross-country mobility is quantified.
3.
On Board Electronic Sensors. a. RAS inevitably have a plethora of electronic sensors fitted to enable them to perform to their optimum potential. With a 70% reduction in vibration felt on armored platforms fitted with CRT, the durability of the on-board electronics is enhanced enabling them to remain combat effective longer. b. The unique design of CRT promotes less vehicle ground pressure which induces a reduced dust cloud emanating from vehicle platforms. This will prolong the life of the electronic circuits boards and sensors fitted to RAS.
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Potential RAS Uses and CRT Advantages. a. Hazardous Situations: Predominantly RAS are used to replace humans in hazardous situations, such as handling explosives, bomb disabling vehicles and where humans cannot easily go. The integration of CRT with its smooth-running profile prevents ‘track slap’ being transmitted to on board explosives and ammunition prolonging their effectiveness.
b. Reconnaissance: Due to the rubber on rubber design of CRT there is an overwhelming noise reduction during operation. With RAS potentially being used in the reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition fields the decrease in emitted noise is a big advantage. The proven acceleration enhancement of vehicles fitted with CRT would give RAS the edge in combat reconnaissance. c. Amphibious: Nations are conducting R&D into amphibious RAS that will give them the ability to conduct logistical missions from sea to land. CRT has many attributes that would enhance the performance of a land/amphibious platform such as, saltwater resistance, buoyancy and reduced corrosion. 5.
Weight. a. RAS may require the ability to be para dropped onto the battlefield hence they are lighter in design. The addition of CRT being on average 50% lighter than conventional ST would give potential OEMs scope to develop the lethality aspects of the platform.
THeMIS equipped with Soucy CRT Technology - photo credit MILREM Robotics Conclusion In order to preserve life, enhance capabilities and gain a tactical edge over near peer groups, Militaries are increasing their R&D into the potential integration of RAS. It’s therefore inevitable that Nations will demand the most compatible products for their designs. With its proven record on manned vehicles the Soucy CRT with all the attributes it brings should be the ‘track of choice’ for RAS. Due to the durability that is provided by CRT the Life Cycle Costs (LCC) for any given platform would be significantly reduced allowing more resource to be focused on critical battle winning assets.