US Army Successfully Test Autonomous Unmanned Rocket Launcher

The U.S. Army successfully demonstrated its new Autonomous Mobile Launcher (AML) at Yuma Proving Ground, showcasing advanced autonomous capabilities and enhanced long-range precision firepower. This innovation aligns with the Army Modernization Strategy, aiming to integrate robotics and autonomy to boost operational effectiveness.

The U.S. Army recently showcased a significant advancement in military technology with the successful launch of three Reduced Range Practice Rockets (RRPR) during a demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground. This event highlighted the capabilities of the Army’s new Autonomous Mobile Launcher (AML) prototype, emphasizing its potential to enhance long-range precision fires.

Key Features of the AML Prototype

Over two weeks leading up to the demonstration, the team fired six RRPRs, thoroughly testing the system’s capabilities. The AML prototype demonstrated various mobility modes, including teleoperations, waypoint navigation, and convoy operations. These modes allow the launcher to move independently from a concealed position to a firing point, adjust its direction as needed, and receive fire control commands from a remote operator.

Collaboration and Feedback

The demonstration was led by the DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC) team, in collaboration with the Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC). Field Artillery Soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard conducted the operations, while experts from DEVCOM AvMC and GVSC collected valuable feedback to refine future designs.

Lucas Hunter, AML project manager for DEVCOM AvMC, remarked, "The AML team has shown that remote, autonomous technologies can deliver Long-Range Precision Fires. This could boost firepower without significant changes to force structure or increased risk to Soldiers."

Maj. Michael S. Lowry, executive officer of the 1-181st Field Artillery battalion, praised the event, saying, "Our Soldiers and the Tennessee National Guard are grateful for the opportunity to provide feedback on the AML program. Seeing its development from inception to operation in a tactical environment is a unique experience."

Strategic Impact

The AML concept aligns with the Army Modernization Strategy, which aims to integrate robotics and autonomy to enhance operational effectiveness. The autonomous, unmanned, highly mobile launcher, capable of being transported via C-130 aircraft, offers the potential to increase firepower by adding more launcher platforms and tripling the magazine depth, all without increasing personnel.

Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, director of the Long Range Precision Fires Cross-Functional Team, stated, "We are integrating humans and machines into formations to optimize the strengths of both. This allows humans to utilize terrain effectively while machines handle the execution, reducing risk."

Future Prospects

The successful live fire demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground validates the integration of autonomous technology into a modified High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher. This achievement sets the stage for the AML’s participation in Valiant Shield 2024, a major military exercise.

With the AML program set to transition to the Long Range Precision Fires Cross-Functional Team and their ASA (ALT) partners in Fiscal Year 2025, this demonstration underscores the Army’s commitment to advancing warfighter capabilities through innovative technologies and partnerships with industry.

The integration of autonomous systems like the AML represents a significant step forward in military technology, promising enhanced capabilities and increased safety for Soldiers.