Hanwha’s Arion-SMET, a multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), has emerged triumphant following a rigorous week-long evaluation conducted by the US Marine Corps and US Army. This milestone achievement not only underscores the Arion-SMET’s capabilities but also positions it as a formidable player in the ever-evolving global UGV market. The field tests, conducted under the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) program spearheaded by the US Marine Corps Systems Command, took place at the Marine Corps Training Area Bellows (MCTAB) on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. From December 14 to 22, 2023, representatives from III Marine Expeditionary Force (III-MEF) and Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) collaborated in meticulously evaluating the Arion-SMET’s prowess. This marked a historic occasion as the first South Korean UGV to participate in the US Department of Defense FCT. The program’s primary goal is to assess and validate state-of-the-art technologies developed by allied defense contractors, aimed at bolstering the defense capabilities of the US military.
The Arion-SMET underwent comprehensive testing encompassing diverse terrains such as turf-covered packed sand beaches, soft sand, sand clay, and challenging roads to evaluate its multifaceted mission capabilities. From heavy equipment transport to remote-controlled driving, waypoint navigation, exploratory maneuvering, soldier following, and physical tether following, the vehicle showcased its versatility and adaptability in various scenarios. Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA), the American subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, is gearing up to compete in the US Army’s S-MET Increment II program. The Arion-SMET, an acronym for Autonomous and Robotic Systems for Intelligence Off-road Navigation – SMET, is a testament to the integration of HAEMOS (Hanwha Aerospace’s robotic and autonomous systems solutions) into a 6X6 fully electric unmanned vehicle, catering to infantry operations such as ammunition transport, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and close combat support.
Boasting a maximum payload capacity of 550kg and a remarkable range of 100km on a full charge, the Arion-SMET hits a top speed of 43km/h on paved roads and 22km/h on unpaved terrain. Its adaptability extends to accommodating an advanced Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS), capable of automatic target tracking and aiming through gunshot source localization, equipped initially with a 5.56mm RCWS extendable to a 7.62mm machine gun. The vehicle’s modes of operation include remote-controlled driving, autonomous off-road navigation, exploratory maneuvering, physical tether following, and soldier and vehicle following, showcasing its agility and versatility in diverse combat scenarios. Derived from a 4×4 UGV developed in 2019 through a civil-military joint R&D initiative led by Hanwha Defense, the Arion-SMET’s evolution into a 6×6 platform underscores its robust design, tailored for various mission profiles.
Engineered to support infantry operations ranging from munition and weapon transportation to wounded evacuation, reconnaissance, and close combat support, the Arion-SMET’s modularity-driven design facilitates mission adaptability. Key technologies such as autonomous off-road navigation, tethering capabilities, autonomous homing during communication failure, and software for MUM-T (manned and unmanned teaming) operations highlight the vehicle’s innovative edge in facilitating seamless integration into infantry operations. The incorporation of a Deep Neural Network (DNN)-driven remote-controlled weapons station (RCWS) underscores the Arion-SMET’s sophistication. This system detects enemy soldiers, localizes gunfire, and can retaliate in the direction of the incoming threat, amplifying its capabilities in facilitating MUM-T operations for infantry troops. The Arion-SMET’s electric-powered design delivers exceptional mobility, achieving speeds of up to 43kph on paved roads and 34kph on unpaved terrain.
