Diesel Progress North American

to designated points, follow roads and trails, operate in “come to me” mode, or follow an assigned person. According to Lockheed Martin, the system’s software ensures that several SMSS units can be operated in close proximity and always follow the right person. The vehicle can also be controlled manually via a handheld touchscreen remote. It can also carry and power a Mobile Network Integration Kit (MNIK) for network-to-platoon communications.

The SMSS is based on the Land Tamer, a commercial, heavy-duty ATV platform provided by
PFM Manufacturing. Powered by a four-cylinder Kubota V2403-M-T-E3b turbodiesel engine
rated 59 hp, the high-mobility six-wheel drive ATV can carry 1200 lb. of gear in total.

on the Land Tamer, a commercial, heavy-duty ATV platform provided by PFM Manufacturing Inc., Townsend, Mont. Powered by a four-cylinder Kubota V2403-M-T-E3b turbodiesel engine rated 59 hp, the high-mobility six-wheel drive ATV can carry 1200 lb. of gear in total — which is more than what a full 9- to 13-person squad typically carries.

is “aware” of its surroundings and is able to stay with troops as they walk over rough terrain. Operating under day or night conditions, it avoids people and obstacles and can follow assigned waypoints, travel

The fully loaded SMSS, weighing about 2.5 tons, can be sling loaded under a UH-60L helicopter or carried internally in a CH-47/53 helicopter. In the future, the SMSS technology could be adapted to armed variants for reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance and target acquisition, the company said. dp

www.lockheedmartin.com

It incorporates a hydraulic/gear drive system based on an Eaton closed-loop variable flow tandem pump system. Each individual pump powers a set of gearboxes to the wheel axles on the left or right side located inside the vehicle’s hull. All wheels on each side are coupled together to a drive shaft connecting all wheel axles and are driven by one Eaton heavy-duty hydraulic drive motor for each side. A purpose-built platform optimized for SMSS mission requirements continues to be developed.

The SMSS also serves as a power management resource. It can provide up to 4 k W of electrical power, which is enough to power all vehicle systems plus Perlite six-battery chargers. In support of the Nett Warrior system, this is sufficient to charge 146 batteries within 10 hours, Lockheed Martin said.