Army Testing Autonomous Resupply
Autonomous resupply systems will face operational assessments across the Indo-Pacific after the U.S. Army announced plans to award up to six prototype agreements following recent soldier trials in Hawaii, MeriTalk reported.
Soldiers evaluated equipment from six companies during the U.S. Army Pacific Accelerated Capability Event 27-01. The competition ran from Nov. 4-13 in Honolulu, testing how unmanned ground vehicles and their command-and-control capabilities could move supplies and evacuate casualties while reducing the physical burden on troops, according to MeriTalk reported details.
Potential follow-on prototype awards are valued at up to $2 million each, according to the Army.
Sustaining Dispersed Forces
“We need to move further, move faster, and with less risk to our soldiers,” Schunke said.
Schunke described platforms of varying sizes, including one built on a Polaris four-wheeler with autonomous driving capability. Such systems could carry ammunition, water, food, or a casualty, and potentially perform limited reconnaissance.
Casualty evacuation is a particular concern, he said.
Terrain and Power Limitations
Testing also exposed limitations.
The Army is collecting data across events to help identify where particular capabilities would fit, he noted.
Power presents another trade-off. Schunke said transporting batteries across the Pacific and maintaining their performance in Arctic cold complicates their use.
Acquisition Approach and Next Steps
Beyond the vehicles, the competition is testing an acquisition approach that embeds contracting expertise alongside operational commands. Hill said selections incorporate technical evaluations, producibility, cost, company pitches, and soldier feedback, with soldiers holding the largest voice in determining which companies advance.
Questions About Resupply Trials
What was the valuation of the follow-on prototype awards?
Potential follow-on prototype awards are valued at up to $2 million each, according to the Army.
What programs organized the Honolulu competition alongside G-TEAD?
The competition was organized by G-TEAD, U.S. Army Pacific, and the Army FUZE xTech Program.
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