BAE Systems has completed a series of successful trials for its Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV).
These tests form part of the company’s ongoing efforts to develop modular autonomous land systems that support main battle tank and combat reconnaissance vehicle capabilities.
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The ATLAS Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV), first introduced at Land Forces in September 2024, has undergone extensive testing across various levels of autonomy.
These include remote teleoperation, waypoint-based navigation, and full sense and avoid autonomy. The company describes the platform as a fully functional prototype demonstrator.
The ATLAS CCV is an eight-wheel drive vehicle with a weight of 10 tonnes. Its design allows for future upgrades to accommodate new technologies and evolving operational requirements.
BAE Systems has equipped the platform’s command and control system with low-probability-of-intercept communications to facilitate integrated missions involving both crewed and uncrewed vehicles.
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By GlobalDataThe vehicle supports several autonomous operation modes, such as teleoperation, “follow me” with obstacle avoidance, waypoint navigation with obstacle avoidance, and goal-oriented mission planning.
Multiple payload ATLAS CCV configurations are possible, according to the manufacturer. In its assault setup, the vehicle features the VANTAGE medium calibre turret system, described by BAE Systems as new, lightweight, and highly automated for use on uncrewed vehicles.
The VANTAGE turret incorporates the company’s passive Multi-Spectral Automatic Target Detection, Tracking and Classification System (ATTCS), which enables higher levels of automated operation.
This technology aims to reduce operator workload, enable control of multiple vehicles by one operator, lower detection risk, and decrease target engagement time.
In June last year, BAE Systems Australia conducted live test firing of the VANTAGE automated turret system developed for use on the ATLAS CCV.
BAE Systems Australia defence delivery managing director Andrew Gresham said: “In just sixteen months, we have gone from launching ATLAS at Land Forces to operating a fully functional prototype demonstrator.
“ATLAS has been developed to give soldiers the advantage on the modern battlefield. This has resulted in an autonomous platform that will deliver the dull, dirty and dangerous tasks expected in a combat environment.
“We are currently engaged in significant marketing and customer engagement activities in international markets.”
