UK Experience with Unmanned Land Vehicles for Combat Engineer Applications

摘要

DERA is currently conducting applied research in support of the UK MOD programme for Combat Engineer Equipments which includes Robotic Land Vehicles. Three examples of research into remote operation of combat engineer equipment are described, the Scatterable Mine Clearance Device (SMCD) on a 15 tonne truck, Chieftain Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (CHAVRE) with mine plough and fascines, and Combat Engineer Tractor (CET) fitted with 4-in-1 bucket. The paper addresses the advantages and limitations of operating via remote control and suggests techniques that alleviate some of these problems. All of the systems described used applique kits on in-service vehicles with no vehicle modifications and were intended to be capable of use in operational environments. Adaptation was achievable in less than a day and there was minimum interference with normal operation, change-over to remote control being near instantaneous. The presentation includes a short video clip of aspects such as tele-operation from moving vehicles, vision needs and problems encountered when undertaking specific tasks such as digging and obstacle negotiation. Results of our trials are summarized and pointers given to future research and features that should be incorporated in future systems. Mr. Peter Gibson - Robotics Technical Expert, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), Land Systems, Chobham Lane, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0EE, UK.