NREC Gladiator

Notes: The Gladiator is a robotic ground vehicle being trialed by the US Marines, and has seen limited use in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2006.  It is also known as the Gladiator TUGV (Tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicle). Performance is currently described as “adequate,”  though the US Marines plan to begin fielding them on a limited basis in the 2020s and the US Army is evaluating as a member of infantry squads, as the Marines intend to deploy them in some circumstances. The Gladiator may be operated in a teleoperated mode or a semi-autonomous mode, where the Gladiator navigates by waypoints and as a limited AI vehicle, calling back to the operator when it encounters situations beyond its programming.

The Gladiator is designed to perform scout/surveillance, reconnaissance in contaminated areas, destruction of explosives, crowd control, target designation and obstacle breaching.  To this end, the Gladiator can be equipped with a number of different tools and gear, including weapons.  The Gladiator is therefore also equipped with a number of day/night vision devices, capable of performing in just about any terrain conditions, and can accept modular loadouts as necessary. It is also equipped with light armor and hardened systems.  The Gladiator has only limited autonomous capability and is primarily designed for remote use by an operator who communicates with the Gladiator by a laptop-like device and a joystick.  Deployment is currently envisioned to be limited to infantry at the battalion level and to combat engineers at the company level.

The Gladiator consists of squat, tracked, armored chassis upon which a number of weapons, tools, or sensors may be mounted.  The tracked chassis with its low center of gravity are especially adept at climbing stairs and clambering over rubble in MOUT operations. These are typically mounted on the Gladiators MBU (Mobile Base Unit) as a set of weapons, tools, equipment, sensors, and other equipment as necessary; the packages are called MPMs (Mission Payload Module.  The Gladiator is controlled by an OCU (Operator Control Unit).  Current plans call for the Gladiator to be controllable at a range of 1 kilometer, with the operator controlling the movement via a joystick and seeing through the Gladiator’s “eyes” using either a small laptop or a largish PDA-type device as an OCU. Weapons would also be aimed by the joystick and the OCU.

Base equipment (i.e., the bare minimum) would include an optical chemical sniffer, an image intensifier and thermal imager, and a small self-contained computer upon which the operator can load mission plans and instructions, to make the Gladiator semi-autonomous.  A GPS system is also to be a standard feature, as will be a laser rangefinder.  The GPS system gives the possible future capability to be controlled over a longer distance.  The Gladiator will also be able to gather information on weather conditions as a standard feature, and will have enough memory to make maps and take video of target areas and personnel; acoustic sensors will enable for operator to also hear through the Gladiator’s “ears.” The Gladiator cannot swim, but can cross water, exposing nothing but its sensor mast, for short periods of 1-3 minutes. The Gladiator employs a JCAD (Joint Chemical Agent Detector).

Currently, two broad categories of packages are being planned for the Gladiator: NLMPMs (Non-Lethal Mission Payload Module) and WMPMs (Weaponized Mission Payload Module).  NLMPMs can include anything from devices to destroy explosives to crowd control devices, while WMPMs are designed for warfighting, particularly armed reconnaissance. The Gladiator is festooned with a variety of tiedown points and can carry equipment for the unit it is attached to.

All versions, regardless of mission package, have six smoke grenade launchers, three on either side of the mission module. An optional addition for both version is the LVOSS system, which consists of a total of sixteen 40mm grenade launchers (in two rows) which can fire thick HC smoke (of various colors), CS or CN, or even poison gas (which would be a rare addition indeed),  The LVOSS system is not designed to fire weaponized grenades or 40mm LV or HV grenades; the grenades are specific to the LVOSS system.  They have a modicum of armor, and can fend off attacks by 7.62mm NATO or Nagant ball ammunition.

     The NLMPM carrier is designed to primarily carry sensors, which include night vision, day vision in for form of advanced image intensification and CCD day/night cameras, and a small GSR set.  It is envisioned that the NLMPM will accompany infantry squads or platoons to conduct pre-battle reconnaissance and generally checking out the area the Marines are about to move into, particularly in MOUT warfare.  They may also be used in advance of Companys, Battalions, or Brigades; it such cases, it is envisioned that the NLMPMs will be accompanied by one or more WMPMs and/or armed Marines and possibly manned reconnaissance vehicles.  The NMLPMs have their sensors on an extendible mast, except for their GSR, which is mounted in the front of the mission module.  They also are equipped with the APOBS, which is just inside of the line of non-lethal devices, as it is a MCLIC-type device.  The NLMPM mounts twin shotgun microphones which can rotate independently from the mission load, and record different ranges of high/low frequencies, which are combined at the tele-operator’s station or may be listened to at one range or another.

     While the NLMPM is near production-ready, the WMPM is still in advanced testing and exists only in prototype form.  (The stats below depict a projected, mature production WMPM.) The WMPM does not carry as many sensors as the NLMPM; it generally is equipped with the sensor mast, shotgun mikes, the laser rangefinder/designator, and the “bare minimum” equipment listed above, as well as the smoke grenade and LVOSS system.  Possible weapons fits include M240 and M249 machineguns and SAWs, an Uzi with an extended drum magazine, an FN303 less-lethal launcher, an M320 multiple-shot grenade launcher, multiple M203 grenade launchers (usually four to six), or standard rifles or semiautomatic shotguns of various sorts with extended magazines or belts if possible.  Any weapon carries one box of ammo at a maximum (for weapons such as firearms, or the ammo inside the weapon (such as grenade launchers).  The WMPM generally carries extra ammunition as cargo, allowing the Marines of soldiers with them to reload them.

     Optional payloads include grapples which allow a self-recovery capability or even allow the Gladiator to climb almost vertical surfaces.  The Gladiator is festooned with a variety of tiedown points and can carry equipment for the unit it is attached to. A spotlight which may become bright enough to dazzle opponents may be mounted. A laser rangefinder/designator may be carried.

     Perhaps the greatest strike against the Gladiator (and other UGVs in general) is that the Gladiator, while quiet, is not nearly as quiet as a skilled Marine Infantry squad.

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Ground Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

NLMPM

$387,346

2xLi-Ion Batteries

127 kg

725 kg

1

10

GSR (15 km), FLIR (9 km), 2nd Gen Image Intensification (30 km), Day/Night CCD Camera (6 km)

WMPM

$305,654

2xLi-Ion Batteries

187 kg

725 kg

1

11

FLIR (9km), 2nd Gen Image Intensification (30 km), Day/Night CCD Camera (6 km)

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Battery Duration

Config*

Suspension

Armor

NLMPM

138/104

41/29

N/A

9 Hours

CiH

T2

TF4  TS3  TR3  HF6  HS4  HR4

WMPM

138/104

41/29

N/A

12 Hours

CiH

T2

TF4  TS3  TR3  HF7  HS5  HR5

 

 

Fire Control

Stabilization

Sensors/Equipment

Armament

Ammunition

NLMPM

+2

Fair

GPS, Laser Designator/Rangefinder, Secure Radios, OCU, JCAD, 1TB Hard Drive, 2xShotgun Mikes, 6x76mm Smoke Grenade Launchers.

LVOSS, APOBS

12x40mm Grenades, 2xAPOBS MCLIC

WMPM

+3

Fair

GPS, Laser Designator/Rangefinder, Secure Radios, OCU, JCAD, 1TB Hard Drive, 2xShotgun Mikes, 6x76mm Smoke Grenade Launchers.

LVOSS, APOBS, M240 or M249 or 2xUzi or 6xFN303 or 2xM320 or 6xM203 or 4xM4 or 3xRemington 11-87P Military or 2xAA-12

12x40mm Grenades, 2xAPOBS MCLIC, 200x7.62mm or 500x5.56mm or 100x9mm or 6x40mm NL Grenades or 12x40mm LV Grenades or 6x40mm LV Grenades or 200x5.56mm or 40x12 Gauge

 

 

Lockheed Martin MULE

     Notes: Not to be confused with the later four-legged platform or the same name, the MULE (Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment) was originally designed as part of the FCS (Future Combat Systems) to provide infantrymen, combat engineers, long-range patrols, etc, with a robotic vehicle able to carry a large amount of up to an infantry squad’s equipment without them having to carry them themselves, thus taking the burden of equipment carrying off of them.  The MULE dies one death with the demise of the FCS (Future Combat Systems) program in the US Army, but about ten years later, the US Marines dusted off the data and prototypes again and set about continuing its development, this time with more advanced components and capabilities.  Of course, since the MULE was originally an Army program, they are now taking a second look at it too.  The Marines expect first fielding in 2024; the Army hasn’t released a date, or if for sure they are going to field it.

     The MULE then expanded into four roles: the standard cargo carrier, EOD, site reconnaissance, and direct combat, or for use as a decoy to allow troops to surprise an enemy. The basic MULE has four major components – a 6x6 Common Mobility Platform, the ANS, a Centralized Controller, and one of three mission equipment packages.  The MULE, at a maximum weight of 3.5 tons, can be slug or air-transported by most cargo aircraft and helicopters, or even inside a truck with a 5-ton load capacity or better in certain configurations. The electric engine of the MULE is equivalent to a 350-horsepower engine; it has fantastic acceleration and torque, but the speed can be set by the operator.  In tests, the MULE-T towed an empty 5-ton truck slowly, but this is not a normal role envisioned by Lockheed Martin.  Regardless, the MULE series is equipped to tow special trailers with the same mobility, though a limit of 5 tons is recommended.

     The suspension is 6x6, with the two rear and the one front being independently steerable.  They can climb a 1.5-meter obstacle, cross a 1.5-meter trench, take a 40% slope, and ford up to 1.25 meters.  The wheels also have independent suspension and the drive train has a locking differential.

     The Centralized Controller allows one of the squad members to follow him; he wears a receiver on the back of his belt that the MULE follows.  When carrying a casualty or other sensitive cargo, the independent can actually keep the load bed level under most circumstances. Alternatively, a small controller can be used to teleoperate the MULE, up to 100 meters away.  In addition, a tablet can be used to give the MULE a route of travel.  The normal controller is based on an Xbox video game controller, The MULE is modular, and by changing or removing mission modules, one variant of the MULE can be changed into another.

     The XM1217 is the furthest along in development, as the Marines consider reducing the Marines’ load to be carried to be the most important need.  The MULE-T is the version that will begin fielding in 2024, but Marine special Ops units have been testing some advanced prototypes in Afghanistan since 2011. The XM1217 Transport MULE (MULE-T or TV) is the basic load-carrying body; it can carry two tons for 12 hours before requiring recharging.  Recharging may be accomplished by hooking up to virtually any vehicle, APU, generator, etc. Alternatively, the MULE may carry as cargo extra batteries, though these are smaller and only power the MULE-T for six hours. Part of the load is a battery-based 5kW APU, used to recharge the MULE-T.  This weighs 6 kilograms and is usually mounted on the rear left, though it can be moved to any position on the load bed. The battery-powered APU can recharge the MULE by 1% per minute; other methods may recharge the MULE by 2% per minute. The battery APU can also recharge personal equipment. There are a plethora of tie-down and load-securing points on the load bed.  Alternatively, the load bed may be partially cleared or rearranged and accommodate a sitting or laying casualty. Side, front, and rear rails help the MULE retain cargo regardless of side slope or degree of slope of hills, or whether crawling over difficult terrain.

     The XM1218 Countermine MULE (MULE-CM) is equipped with a variety of tools and devices to deal with explosives and other EOD tasks.  This includes a laser, a .50-caliber water cannon, and arms to pick up and lay explosives on an explosive device to detonate them.  An armored mine plow may also be fitted to the front of the MULE-CM. The MULE-CM has a small locker with its tools and 10 kilograms of C4, along with fuzes and a radio detonator.  The MULE-CM has a radio jammer that jams radio signals from up to 3 kilometers from detonating an IED or other explosive on a roll or 14 or less.  An experimental device can sniff out explosives; it is not nearly as good as an EOD dog, however, and is only 25% likely to find a given explosive. At the rear on each corner there are rotary cylinders which contain flags to mark minefields or mines and IEDs that the MULE-CM was not able to defuse or otherwise disarm. The MULE-CM uses ground-penetrating radar, pulsed magnetic Induction and a long-wave IR sensor to find mines and IEDs, to a depth of 4 meters in the case of the GPR, or 3 meters in the case of the PMI.  The LWIR primarily finds evidence of disturbed ground or the residual heat from persons that have been near the disturbed earth within 10 minutes.  The GPR and PMI sense in a circle of 3 meters; the LWIR sees in a circle of 5 meters, and MULE-CM must make a skill roll of 14 to detect (essentially allowing 3 rolls, one for each sensor, to find mines and IEDs). The MULE-CM will often tow a MCLIC trailer, though this is not standard equipment and is not included below.  The MULE-CM has the same recharging methods as the MULE-T, including extra batteries and battery APU.

     The XM1219 MULE ARV (Armed Robotic Vehicle), or Assault-Light, turns the MULE into a mobile weapons platform.  It’s standard loadout is a pair of Javelin ATGM and a pair of M240 machineguns, but other weapons have been fitted, including a brace of twelve M203 grenade launchers, four M240s, four M249s, two M2HBs, two M32s, six LAWs, two Hydra-70 or APKWS pods, two Mk 19s, or two M242 25mm autocannons or Mk30 30mm autocannons have all been tested. Mixes of weapon fits may also be carried, such as One Javelin and one M2HB, Two M240s and four M203s, one APKWS pod and one M249, etc. Where possible, the ARV’s weapons use extended belts, and the ARV often carries extra ammunition, which can be used by the MULE (and reloaded by Marines accompanying the ARV), or the Marines themselves.  The ARV carries an integrated Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) package, including a FLIR imager, image intensifier, multiple day/night CCD cameras, and a short-range GSR.  Other equipment includes a laser rangefinder/designator, and a fire control computer.  The MULE-ARV carries a 1TB hard drive and can download data, pictures, or movies to requesting units or the controller, on a delayed basis if necessary.  Sensors are on a mast atop the center of the vehicle, except for the GSR, which is in the lower front of the mast.

     It should be noted that every magazine or belt fired or missile or rocket launched uses 1% of available battery power.

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Ground Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

MULE-T

$387,346

4xLi-Ion Batteries

2.21 tons

2.5 tons

1

10

IR/WL Headlights, IR Spotlight

MULE-CM

$461,644

4xLi-Ion Batteries

1.11 tons

2.4 tons

1

10

IR/WL Headlights, IR Spotlight, GPR (3m), LWIR (200m), Explosives Sniffer (15m), Image Intensification, Day/Night CCD Camera (200 m)

MULE-ARV

$497,164

4xLi-Ion Batteries

1.17 tons

2.27 tons

1

11

IR/WL Headlights, IR Spotlight, FLIR (9 km), 2nd Gen Image Intensification (40 km). GSR (10 km). 2xDay/Night CCD Cameras (10 km)

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Battery Duration

Config*

Suspension

Armor

MULE-T

200/140

56/39

N/A

12 Hours

Stnd

W(3)

HF3  HS3  HR3**

MULE-CM

208/132

58/37

N/A

12 Hours

CiH

W(3)

TF5  TS2  TR2  HF4  HS4  HR4***

MULE-ARV

218/139

61/39

N/A

12 Hours

CiH

W(3)

TF5  TS2  TR2  HF4  HS4  HR4***

 

 

Fire Control

Stabilization

Sensors/Equipment

Armament

Ammunition

MULE-T

Nil

Nil

GPS, Secure Radios, OCU, JCAD, 6x76mm Smoke Grenade Launchers, 5 kW Battery APU

None

None

MULE-CM

Nil

Nil

GPS, Laser Rangefinder, Secure Radios, GSTAMIDS System, 1TB Hard Drive, 6x76mm Smoke Grenade Launchers, Radio Jamming 3, 5kW Battery APU

Laser (0.25 kW), .50 Water Cannon

Laser (05% Battery Drain per Shot), .50 Water (6 Shots)

MULE-ARV

+3

Fair

GPS, Laser Rangefinder/Designator, Secure Radios, 1TB Hard Drive, 6x76mm Smoke Grenade Launchers, 5kW Battery APU

2xJavelin ATGM and 2xM240 or 12xM203 or 4xM240 or 4x249 or 2xM2HB, or 2xM32 or 6xLAW Rockets or 2xHydra-70 or 2xAPKWS or 2xMk 19 AGL or 2xM242 25mm Autocannons or 2xMk 30 30mm Autocannons or Mix

2xJavelin Missiles and 400x7.62mm; or 12x40mm LV Grenades; or 800x7.62mm; or 1000x5.56mm; or 420x .50; or 12x40mm LV or MV; or 200x40mm HV or 38xHydra-70 Rockets; or 38xAPKWS Missiles; or 200x25mm; or 200x30mm; or Mix