A new type of unmanned ground vehicle with higher payload capacity is set to demonstrate its capabilities on the battlefield. The Hunter WOLF multi-purpose unmanned ground vehicle has been selected to advance to Phase II of the GroundBreaker 1 unmanned ground vehicle demonstration.
The Hunter WOLF is a multi-mission unmanned ground vehicle designed to reduce soldier workload, extend operational range and keep personnel away from dangerous tasks. Its adaptable architecture supports missions including tactical logistics, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, communications support and other mission-critical applications.
Mature and ready-to-use platform
“Hunter WOLF was designed for exactly this type of challenge,” said Tom Van Doren, President of Robotics at BLADE. “This is a mature, operational platform that has been tested alongside fighter aircraft in demanding environments. GroundBreaker 1 gives us the opportunity to show why the Hunter WOLF is now ready to support the fighter aircraft.”
GroundBreaker 1 is designed to evaluate unmanned ground vehicle technologies for their potential use in tactical and non-tactical missions. In Phase II, government assessors will assess technology readiness, operational readiness and cross-domain interoperability.
BLADE announced that HDT Robotics, LLC, doing business as BLADE, has been selected to advance to Phase II of the GroundBreaker 1 unmanned ground vehicle demonstration with its Hunter WOLF multi-purpose unmanned ground vehicle.
Hunter WOLF combines high payload capacity and off-road mobility
Designed for complex and harsh environments, Hunter WOLF combines high payload capacity, off-road mobility, onboard power, and autonomous and remote control capabilities. According to a press release, the system has been evaluated during military exercises and training events and has supported operational use in Ukraine, giving BLADE real-world insight into evolving unmanned ground requirements.
The selection of GroundBreaker 1 comes at a time when the War Department is placing increasing emphasis on the rapid deployment of autonomous and robotic systems that can operate alongside fighter aircraft. Following Phase II, companies whose demonstrations are successfully evaluated may be invited to Phase III to submit a full proposal for a Prototype Other Transaction Authority designation, according to the release.
The Hunter WOLF is designed to support a wide range of military missions through an adaptable, multi-mission architecture. Intended applications include tactical logistics, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), communications support and other mission-critical operations.
By transporting supplies, supporting reconnaissance activities, and assisting in casualty evacuation, unmanned ground vehicles can potentially reduce soldiers’ physical workload while extending their operational range. Their ability to perform select tasks remotely can also help keep personnel further away from dangerous situations.
BLADE’s selection for Phase II underscores the continued development of unmanned ground systems to support military operations in challenging environments. With his multi-mission configuration and experience in military exercises and operational environments, Hunter WOLF will now face further assessment of his capabilities at Camp Grafton.
