The leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG), the leading technology and defence supplier successfully performed the first live firing of the PROTECTOR Remote Turret from the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV). The first firing on the second week of June was carried out with KONGSBERG’s PROTECTOR RT40 which includes the Bushmaster 30 mm cannon and a linkless ammunition handling system. The Type-X with the RT40 is exhibited at Eurosatory 2022 in Milrem Robotics’ stand in Hall 6 K253.
The live-fire was a step towards the companies’ joint project of developing the Nordic Robotic Wingman (NRW) – a robotic fighting vehicle that addresses the requirements of the Nordic and Western European countries, but also the US. The NRW’s purpose is to support Main Battle Tanks (MBT) and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) like the Leopard 2 or CV90. It will be equipped with KONGSBERG’s latest and best PROTECTOR Remote Turrets (RT) that will be chosen specifically to meet the particular needs of various end-users. Milrem Robotics and Kongsberg have agreed to jointly continue the development of the Type-X RCV by integrating Kongsberg’s systems to address the requirements of many countries interested in this type of technology.
The Type-X, which the NRW is based on, provides equal or overmatching firepower and tactical usage to a unit equipped with IFVs and gives mechanized units the means to breach enemy defensive positions with minimal risk to their own troops. It can be fitted with a cannon up to 50 mm, anti-tank missiles and a tethered drone for continuous situational awareness. Milrem Robotics’ Type-X is equipped with intelligent functions such as follow-me, waypoint navigation and obstacle detection with Artificial Intelligence being part of the algorithms. With the Type-X Milrem Robotics also introduces a feature called Indirect Drive that allows remote-controlled operations at higher speeds.
Milrem Robotics, a robotic solutions provider based in Estonia, is developing the Type-X vehicle to reduce the number of soldiers on the battlefield. The vehicle has an overall length of 0.6m, breadth of 0.3m, and height of 0.22m. The curb weight of the vehicle is 12,000kg, while its payload carrying capacity is 4,100kg. The unmanned IFV will be capable of carrying a variety of payloads based on the same interface to meet multiple mission requirements. The RCV has smaller volume and low heat signature compared to conventional IFVs. It can carry mesh-enabled communication modules to relay wireless communications. Equipped with rubber tracks and hybrid propulsion, the vehicle will greatly reduce maintenance costs.
