Rheinmetall Unveil Mission Master SP A-UGV for U.S. Marine Corps
Defense News ,U.S :- American Rheinmetall Vehicles, based in Sterling Heights, MI, and Rheinmetall Canada recently showcased the impressive capabilities of their Rheinmetall Mission Master SP autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) during a live-fire demonstration for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) in Fort Clinton, Ohio.
This armed version of the Mission Master SP offers Marines a range of remote-operated abilities, including armed reconnaissance, sentry overwatch, fire support, flank security, and more. Having successfully completed numerous tests, American Rheinmetall Vehicles is delivering groundbreaking advancements in A-UGV systems to the USMC, with initial deliveries made in early 2023 and additional orders proceeding in 2024. These A-UGV platforms have the potential to significantly enhance Marine operations.
During the Talisman Sabre Exercise (TS23) in Queensland, Australia, and the Apollo Shield exercise at Marine Corps Base, Twentynine Palms, California, the Mission Master SPs underwent extensive testing, supporting Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) evaluations. The A-UGVs took on various tasks, including casualty evacuations, resupply missions, autonomous road marches, and operations in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) environments. Feedback from Marines and their commanders drove design modifications and highlighted the benefits of A-UGVs in Marine operations.
In December 2023, American Rheinmetall Vehicles received an order to manufacture and deliver six Mission Master SPs for the III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). Four of these A-UGVs will support the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, marking the first unit to undergo pre-deployment work-ups and deploy with A-UGVs.
Mike Brooks, Director of Business Development for American Rheinmetall Vehicles and retired Gunner (CW05) USMC, expressed pride in bringing the Mission Master SP A-UGV capabilities to today's Marines, emphasizing the potential to save lives and better prepare Marines for battle.
Maj Steven Atkinson, Robotics & Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Branch Head for the Science and Technology Division of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, highlighted the commitment to innovative technologies that enhance tactical capabilities, ensuring Marines are well-equipped and agile on the battlefield.
Additionally, Rheinmetall's Mission Master SP A-UGVs utilize the Rheinmetall PATH autonomy kit (A-kit), a navigation system developed by Rheinmetall Canada. This system allows fully autonomous movement and mission planning for vehicles, rapidly adapting to existing legacy vehicles or integrating into next-generation platforms. The PATH A-kit, a core element of Rheinmetall's Mission Master family of autonomous vehicles, offers advanced sensors, leading algorithms, and real-time data analysis, providing a high degree of autonomous mobility. American Rheinmetall Vehicles is leveraging PATH A-kit technology to deliver program-specific vehicle solutions for the U.S. Army's Common Tactical Truck program and XM30 program.
