US Accelerates FCS SUGV Testing Programme

The US Army has accelerated its testing schedules for iRobot's Future Combat Systems (FCS) Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) development programme.

iRobot is now required to deliver 25 FCS SUGVs by April 2008, in order for testing and evaluation to begin in May.

The army is expected to make a decision on production in September 2008.

FCS SUGV is a tactical reconnaissance robot designed to help soldiers obtain intelligence in dangerous or inaccessible areas.

Weighing 30lbs, the FCS SUGV has multiple video sensors for real-time day and night tactical situational awareness.

iRobot is currently under contract agreement to develop the next generation SUGV for the FCS programme with Science Application International Corp – the FCS lead systems integrator alongside Boeing.

By staff writer