The French remote weapon systems manufacturer Hornet and Europe’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems Milrem Robotics display a new THeMIS Combat unmanned ground vehicle at DSEI 2021 in London.
The system features Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with the Hornet Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS). The Hornet was developed for the new French 4×4 and 6×6 armoured vehicle program “Scorpion”, however, it offers unique features for UGV applications.
“The Hornet includes a specific cleaning system for the optronics as well as the option to flip down the sensors to protect it from dirt and damage – crucial aspects for an unmanned vehicle operated from a distance. It’s also equipped with a protected ammunition feed,” explained Jean Boy, Managing Director of Hornet, adding that the Hornet was developed keeping in mind the French Army’s high standards for firing accuracy.
THeMIS Combat UGVs provide direct fire support for manoeuvre forces acting as a force multiplier increasing stand-off distance, force protection and situational awareness. The THeMIS is equipped with intelligent functions such as waypoint navigation, follow-me, obstacle detection and avoidance. The intelligent functions are only used for mobility and the weapon system is controlled by a human operator.
“Combat robotics is the future of warfare that will significantly increase the capabilities and survivability of units. Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS is the preferred UGV for weapon systems integrations. With the future-oriented Hornet that has several innovative features, we have created an unmanned system that allows combat units to encounter today’s challenges on the battlefield more effectively,” said Captain (res) Jüri Pajuste, Director of Defence Research and Development at Milrem Robotics.
Milrem Robotics is the European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator with offices in Estonia, Sweden, Finland and shortly in the Netherlands.