Milrem unveils new unmanned, armored vehicle
Estonian unmanned military vehicles manufacturer Milrem Robotics has unveiled a new unmanned fighting vehicle designed to operate on the perimeter of convoys to provide support. The vehicle is much cheaper to produce and use than analog, manned vehicles, Milrem says.
The machine, called the Type-X, is equipped with a CPWS Gen 2 weapon system (see photo) and was made in cooperation with Belgian weapon systems manufacturer John Cockerill Defense.
The Type-X is designed to bolster and support the combat capability of mechanized units, Milrem says, and is an armored, tracked vehicle which can be operated from a safe distance by operators and can operate autonomously.
"The main functions of unmanned fighting machines are to secure convoys and protect the perimeters or bases. The Type-X, armed with CPWS, can be positioned either in front of and behind a convoy, giving the unit additional observation and firepower," said Simon Haye, Marketing Director at John Cockerill Defense.
"The Type-X is a very new military capability in terms of both Europe and the world. It gives a proud feeling that Estonian engineers, in cooperation with Swedish colleagues, have put together the most modern technological solutions, and created a highly capable combat machine," said Kuldar Väärsi, Milrem Robotics board chair, ERR's online news in Estonian reports.
"The Type-X order and the development work have given Milrem Robotics the opportunity to reach a whole new level in terms of competencies and procedures, and it is heartening to be able to say that Estonian industry can also develop 6x6 armored vehicles for the Estonian Defense Forces," he added.
Type-X specs
- The Type-X is a new generation, hybrid-powered combat machine.
- Almost three times lighter than existing equivalent vehicles, and two to three times cheaper.
- Low-profile makes it easier to be concealed in terrain.
- CPWS is a remotely-operated 25 mm high-speed cannon,weapon system, originally designed for deployment on armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. The weapon system is equipped with a 360-degree panoramic sight and various sensors, making it a suitable addition to an unmanned vehicle.
- Various anti-tank missile systems, such as Javelin, can be added to the weapon system.
- The Type-X can be parachuted from a plane.
- Top speed: 80 km per hour on the roads, 50 km per hour off-road.
Milrem kit has been used in the West African country of Mali, where Estonian troops are deployed in the French-led counter-terrorism Operation Barkhane. Their primary client is the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF).
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Editor: Andrew Whyte
