Estonian robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics has launched its latest combat vehicle, the Type-X RCV.
Designed to support mechanised units, the Type-X RCV has passed initial mobility tests and will assist main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles capable of taking on dangerous tasks and positions.
At 12 tonnes, the Type X is three to four times lighter than a conventional infantry fighting vehicle and, according to Milrem, features efficient power management that provides superior terrain capability.
Furthermore, its low height of 2.2m and a rear engine provide low visual and heat signatures.
The vehicle will be equipped with intelligent functions such as follow-me, waypoint navigation and obstacle detection with AI part of its algorithms.
It has been designed with intelligent predictive maintenance combined with a health and usage monitoring system and line replacement unit principle to ensure a low through lifecycle cost and logistic footprint.
Additionally, its hybrid powertrain and rubber tracks are designed to reduce lifecycle costs.
Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, said: “The Type-X will provide equal or overmatching firepower and tactical usage to a unit equipped with infantry fighting vehicles.
“It provides means to breach enemy defensive positions with minimal risk for own troops and replacing a lost RCV is purely a logistical nuance.”
To create the Type-X, Milrem utilised knowledge gained from developing its flagship product, the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), which it demonstrated to the Italian Army in November 2020.
To date, THeMIS has been acquired by 10 countries, seven of which are members of NATO.
