Type-X (unmanned ground vehicle)

Type-X
Type-X Combat mounted with John Cockerill CPWS II turret
TypeUnmanned ground vehicle
Military robot
Place of originEstonia Estonia
Production history
DesignerMilrem Robotics
ManufacturerMilrem Robotics
Produced2020-present
VariantsCombat
Specifications
Mass12,000 kg (26,000 lb)
Length600 cm (240 in)
Width290 cm (110 in)
Height220 cm (87 in)
ArmorSTANAG 4569
  • Level 4 (Kinetic energy and artillery)
  • Level 1 (Mine blast)
Main
armament
up to 50mm autocannon or other various weapons systems
Secondary
armament
7.62mm machine gun
EngineElectric engine, diesel generator
Payload capacity4,100 kg (9,000 lb)
DriveTracked
Ground clearance50 cm (20 in)
Maximum speed 80 km/h (50 mph) (road)
50 km/h (31 mph) (terrain)

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]

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 company 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

  1. ^ a b "Milrem unveils new unmanned, armored vehicle". ERR. 18 June 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "Milrem Robotics revealed Type-X RCV with John Cockerill CPWS II turret". Milrem. 18 June 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  3. ^ a b Paolo, Valpolini (8 June 2020). "Type-X: an unmanned direct fire support solution (and more) by Milrem Robotics". EDR Magazine. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  4. ^ "Israeli, Estonian Firms Develop Unmanned Vehicles-Mounted Loitering Munition Launcher". Defense World. Retrieved 16 November 2020.