The battlefield possibilities for autonomous, unmanned combat vehicles are being explored by many armies with a range of vehicles of various sizes and configurations being pursued. BAE Systems Australia has joined these offers with it Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System – ATLAS.
ATLAS builds on the proven traditional combat vehicle model with an 8 X 8 automotive platform and remote turret that has historically demonstrated its combat effectiveness in crewed versions while incorporating a suite of technologies that allow it to operate totally autonomously. It further takes advantage of the attributes these technologies provide to gain advantages in the design that offer tangible benefits in lethality, survivability, mobility, situational awareness, and deployability.
Beyond this, ATLAS is from inception intended to be able to operate as a Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV) on a battlefield which BAE outlines as “involving a mix of autonomous, semi-autonomous and human machine teams”. As such the system is capable of not only fully autonomous uncrewed behaviours, but also real-time control from a user (akin to remote control), direction via a programmed autonomous geometric path (following waypoints defining a path the vehicle follows), “follow-me” direction and path generation to avoid obstacles and navigate complex environments. It is also able to operate as an element of a team of manned and/or unmanned systems in a coordinated and cooperative manner.
ATLAS CCV is intended to operate using high levels of autonomy both on and off-road, complementing crewed counterparts such as infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks. It draws on automotive side from the fielded and proven SupaCat HMT tactical vehicles with commonality in the power pack, transmission, and suspension while also including additional capabilities such as adjustable height and central tire inflation.
The system has a new, lightweight, automated M242 Bushmaster 25mm medium calibre” VANTAGE ATS” turret system. Specifically designed for use on uncrewed platforms it operates with a ‘human in-the-loop’ targeting system. The Bushmaster is fully stabilized providing accurate and lethal fire to 2,500m ranges against light armoured and other targets.
The ALTAS platform is, however, also adaptable to accept counter-UAS, 120mm automated mortar indirect fires, and other combat capabilities. The sensor suite includes 360-degree continuous day/night optronics with automatic target detection and identification, LIDAR, acoustic, stereo vision and passive electronic warfare.
Low probability of intercept, multi-band communications and networked conductivity are provided in the ATLAS both to support it reporting and control functions and to allow for data exchange between tactical platforms.
The envisioned ATLAS mission roles include forward reconnaissance, tactical security, “leave-behind” observation, fire and assault support, and acting associated with crewed systems and augmenting their combat actions. The ATLAS is compact with an operational weight of around 10 tonnes and size able to fit into an 8 ft X 20 ft ISO container or on a flat-rack. This both makes it easily transported but offers more discreet ability to move and a smaller target.
First displayed at the Melbourne defence exposition BAE has been actively presenting the ATLAS to the Australian Army and intends to make further presentations to other militaries in the region. The straight forwardness, maturity of the approach and existing logistics could give ATLAS a favourable audience.
by Stephen W. Miller
