General Dynamics Land Systems–UK has become the latest company to announce the delivery of unmanned ground vehicles to the British Army.
Although the company did not specify what the two 8×8 multi-utility tactical transport (MUTT) will be used for, the delivery of the systems in April this year coincides with the other deliveries made as part of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s (Dstl) autonomous vehicle testing campaign.
The companies that previously announced UGV deliveries to the MOD include Rheinmetall, Horiba Mira, Qinetiq and Marlborough Communications Limited.
Alongside the delivery of the fully-electric UGVs, GDLS said it would provide new operator training, maintainer training, and in-service support.
The company says the MUTT provides stand-off from threats or increased projection of combat power. It can accommodate new payloads, including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR).
The UK is currently undertaking a project to determine the extent to which unmanned vehicles can boost the combat effectiveness and capabilities of dismounted troops at platoon level.
Divided in several phases for different roles, the testing forms part of early de-risking work to increase the UK defense ministry’s understanding of the capabilities and limitations of these systems.
