Marshall SDG: a Marshall Land Systems Company - Capability Development

Marshall SDG (MSDG) focuses on the provision of specialist and urgent requirements such as the development of unattended ground vehicles (UGVs) and unattended air vehicles (UAVs), special communication equipment and power management systems. MSDG is responsible for capability development for MLS, the UK and other MoDs and major defence and security companies.

MSDG is particularly well known for its capability in the unattended ground vehicles (UGVs) area. Projects range from 10kg hand-portable platforms to a 25 tonne excavator for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) tasks. With skills in protection engineering, EW, ECM and EMC/EMI conflict resolution, MSDG is committed to future development of innovative equipment.

Testimony to MSDG’s skills was partici¬pation in the winning team for the UK MoD’s Grand Challenge. As part of the winning Team Stellar, Marshall SDG provided the key unattended ground vehicle. This UGV utilises sensors to identify threats and hazards such as gunmen, IEDs, damaged bridges or blocked roads; without having to commit people to the hazardous areas.

MSDG frequently acts as a technical advisor to the customer community, providing programme and technical skills to assist with supplier selection, and on-time and on-cost delivery of technically complex programmes.

UGVs

TRAKKAR – High-mobility autonomous load carrier

TRAKKAR is a multi-role autonomous 4 x 4 platform with a 250 kg payload that has outstanding cross-country mobility. In its present configuration, it can carry up to six fully laden military bergens (each weighing 40kg) or other equipment. TRAKKAR has ‘follow-me’ technology which enables the vehicle to follow its human controller across the ground as the unit moves forward. Fitted to the front of the vehicle is a receiver linked to the vehicle control system whilst the soldier has a small transmitter fitted to his back and a PDA sized hand held control unit. The soldier has a simple three button interface for common commands, such as “follow me”, “catch up” and “return to last RV”. TRAKKAR can also follow a pre programmed route or be remotely controlled.

TRAKKAR is electrically powered using quick change battery packs and has provision for a diesel-electric hybrid power unit to give an overall endurance of up to 70 hours. It has ground clearance of 200-300mm depending on the tyre type, a low centre of gravity and a four wheel drive line. Two TRAKKARs can be joined together to create an articulated 8x8 UGV.

As well as its primary role as a cargo carrying platform, TRAKKAR can be rapidly reconfigured for a wide range of roles using quick-change mission pods, allowing it to serve as a communications rebroadcast station, casualty evacuation, logistic re-supply and a sensor package for surveillance, CBRN and C-IED tasks. A route clearance package is also available for CIED tasks.

QUESTAR – High-mobility autonomous sensor platform

QUESTAR is an agile, modular reconnaissance surveillance UGV. QUESTAR can be remote-controlled or fully autonomous depending on mission requirements. It is a development of the successful SATURN vehicle which won Team Stellar the 2008 MoD Grand Challenge. The payload can be tailored according to user requirements and may include: radio rebroadcast, optical, IR, thermal, radar, LIDAR, CBRN and explosives.

QUESTAR is a skid steered UGV which can be rapidly converted to have either wheels or tracks. It is electrically powered using high density re-chargeable batteries. QUESTAR has a footprint of 900mm length and 590mm width and can scale slopes of up to 40°. QUESTAR has an endurance of up to 1½ hours and a range of 3km with a top speed of 30kph with an economical cruising speed of 20kph.