For an organization as large as the U.S. Army, frequent change is a significant challenge. However, military leadership and their commercial partners are embracing this mindset, endeavoring to bring new solutions to the table.
At this year’s AUSA Exhibition, General Dynamics Land Systems prominently displayed three innovative vehicles. The Stryker, TRX and MUTT, each impressive on their own, were designed with a collective vision.
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The Stryker variant Mission Command on the Move (MCOTM) aims to bring traditionally static battle positions closer to the fight. Jeff Massimilla, global vice president of engineering, design and technology at General Dynamics, explained the concept.
“How do you distribute the assets within the command post and leverage unmanned assets? They may perform reconnaissance or disguise the command post by altering its signature,” Massimilla said. “The idea is mission command on the move.”
Massimilla emphasized creating multiple advantages for a crew of up to six soldiers.
“We integrate unique ways of generating power and use the MUTT XM to make the command post appear in a different location, enhancing safety for the Army,” Massimilla said.
A crucial component of this concept is the Tracked Robot 10-ton, or TRX, a robotic combat vehicle designed for reconnaissance, fire support, air defense and electronic warfare missions. Chad Malec, program manager for General Dynamics, highlighted the platform’s benefits.
“You have a range between operators in their manned platform and the TRX, providing standoff distance from threats,” Malec said. “This allows us to defeat threats before they reach our forces.”
The TRX is one of the machines the Army is considering for its next robotic combat vehicle. Malec noted that the platform’s benefits include keeping soldiers out of harm’s way and creating options for commanders.
The MUTT XM, the newest member of General Dynamics’ family of multi-utility tactical transport robotic vehicles, supports various missions, including delivering robotic quadrupeds to areas where soldiers need surveillance without exposure. Ray Moldovan, business development manager at General Dynamics, described the MUTT XM as “a soldier’s best friend.”
“With its expanded power offload and payload capacity, the MUTT XM offers numerous options for different missions,” Moldovan said.
While it remains uncertain if the Army will adopt the vehicles showcased by General Dynamics at AUSA, the concept appears timely and promising.
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