The U.S. Army is preparing to begin its first integration of an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), into an autonomous breaching demonstration at the end of this month. This initiative is part of the upcoming Machine Assisted Rugged Soldier (MARS) autonomous demonstration, led by the 36th Engineering Brigade.
During the MARS demonstration, the Army will employ the DARPA RACER Heavy Platform vehicle for mine-clearing operations by combining it with an M58 MICLIC (Rocket-Projected Mine Clearing Line Charge), which is designed to create safe passages through minefields for combat personnel. The integration of this UGV was first reported by the open-source defense intelligence outlet, Janes.
The Army engineers began exercises with the UGV in early October and successfully used the vehicle to tow a trailer for the first time. The RACER platform has also been equipped with an enhanced user interface developed by Overland AI.
Initially tested by DARPA in 2023, the RACER Heavy Platform vehicle measures 20 feet long and weighs 12 tons. It utilizes skid-steer tracks for mobility and is designed to operate at much higher speeds compared to other tracked vehicles, making it adept at navigating rugged terrain.
Dr. Stuart Young, a program manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology office, indicated in a podcast released this summer that the UGV is aimed at providing additional options on the battlefield while reducing the risk of personnel casualties. He noted the need for combat vehicles to maneuver effectively in complex off-road environments for tactical survivability.
Young emphasized that combat scenarios often lead to degraded road conditions, necessitating vehicles that can navigate freely without being confined to established routes. He also highlighted the potential application of autonomous vehicles in counterinsurgency operations to minimize troop exposure to improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a tactic frequently employed by insurgent groups.
Ultimately, the RACER platform serves to lessen the requirement for direct human involvement in minefield clearing, thereby contributing to a reduction in potential casualties.
About the author, Zita Ballinger Fletcher: She has previously worked as the editor for Military History Quarterly and Vietnam Magazine, and as the historian for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. She holds an M.A. with distinction in military history.
