DCube has unveiled the VUHLCAN (Vision Under Hatch for Land Carriers through Assisted Navigation) driver vision system, marking a significant advancement in vehicle safety and maneuverability. This system combines day and night/thermal cameras strategically positioned around the vehicle to provide unparalleled visibility for drivers in various conditions. At the forefront of the VUHLCAN system are the front-facing cameras, offering an impressive horizontal field of view ranging from 90° to 120°, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the vehicle’s surroundings. Complemented by additional sets of cameras on each side and at the rear, the system enables a seamless 360° view, crucial for navigating complex environments. One of the key features of the VUHLCAN system is its innovative software, meticulously designed by DCube to minimize latency. This ensures instantaneous switching between camera views as the driver’s head moves, eliminating any noticeable delays and providing a natural driving experience.
The strategic positioning of the cameras serves various purposes, catering to different driving scenarios. The main HD camera offers crisp, high-definition visuals, ideal for maintaining optimal driving vision even at high speeds. With a simple shift of the head, drivers can effortlessly monitor the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle without the need to manually select cameras.A downward-facing front camera enhances proximity vision, aiding in the detection of obstacles in the vehicle’s path. Side cameras provide a view of the vehicle’s wheels, facilitating precise maneuvering in tight spaces, while the rear camera ensures clear rear-view driving vision, enhancing overall situational awareness. Extensive testing of the VUHLCAN system has been conducted under rigorous conditions, including day and night operations, both on and off-road. With over 2,000 km driven with the system installed on an armored vehicle, DCube has demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of its innovative technology.
The development of the VUHLCAN system was finalized between 2018 and 2020, culminating in a contract signing with the Italian Army. Five systems were delivered by 2022 for integration into the Centauro 2 8×8 mobile gun system, showcasing DCube’s commitment to supporting military operations with cutting-edge solutions. Looking ahead, a further contract for 150 systems is expected in 2024, with discussions underway for potential applications across the entire fleet of Italian Army vehicles. The introduction of the VUHLCAN driver vision system represents a significant milestone in enhancing vehicle safety and maneuverability, reaffirming DCube’s position as a leader in defense technology innovation. With its advanced features and robust performance, the VUHLCAN system sets a new standard for driver visibility and situational awareness in military vehicles.
DCube is an innovative start-up mainly focused on cutting edge projects, from land vehicle management and underwater communication to optronic aiming, anti-sniper protection, and innovative solutions for semi-autonomous driving, all aimed at elevating defense capabilities. DCube is also working on four other systems:
NEPTUS system aims to facilitate communication, sharing Blue Force Tracking information and navigation of underwater operators engaged in both exercise and operational activities
MAHRS is an Optronic aiming system, designed to equip machine guns and cannons up to 25 mm; in order to improve operational efficiency, thanks to a rapid and precise target’s alignment in both day and night conditions
GAPPI semi-autonomous driving Platform and independent Payload solves various problems, especially concerning the safety of personnel on board, both in naval and land sector
SHIVA system, an acronym for Shielding Highly Integrated Vehicular Assembly, is an anti-sniper protection system with laser detection capability, acoustical detection capability, and counter-sniper designation, with a scalable Soft-Hard reaction. SHIVA is intended to be hosted on both tactical, logistic and combat vehicles.