Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • RBSL-led consortium delivers concepts for Dstl UGV study

Defence

RBSL-led consortium delivers concepts for Dstl UGV study

As part of a Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) study to explore new approaches to Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs), RBSL is leading a consortium of UK companies – Prodrive, ARKE, Think!Creative, Cranfield University and BAE Systems – to explore new UGV concepts for the British Army.

Image copyright RBSL & Dstl

The UK MoD’s Dstl initiated the study to explore new approaches to UGVs as part of its wider Mounted Combat Systems research project. The RBSL-led consortium, together with Dstl, are working on concept development, analysis and technology risk reduction.

The team’s primary goal has been to enable the development of a more robust, agile and efficient platform that can operate at high tempo and within the decision cycle of opposing forces. The vehicle should also include an amphibious capability that enhances its mobility and effectiveness across a range of terrains.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The study also aims to demonstrate how UGV capabilities can be integrated with other crewed platforms in manoeuvre warfare, providing an insight into what the British Army’s future force may look like.

RBSL and its partners are developing solutions in two phases, the first using currently available or mature technologies, and the second using technologies that are likely to be available in 10+ years. The consortium is focusing on medium-weight platforms (c. 2-5 tonnes), which ensures the UGVs can carry a range of critical payloads for re-supply, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, weapons platforms, decoys and communication.

The programme is sustaining highly-skilled roles within the consortium and creating potential export opportunities for the UK.  It is also providing opportunities to use new technologies to integrate into UK defence capabilities, leading to significant operational advantage.

Matt Ackroyd, Dstl Project Manager for the study, said: “In order to meet demanding and conflicting requirements, novel modular concepts have been developed which would allow platforms to be configured in theatre to meet specific mission requirements. We are thrilled to be working with RBSL and the wider consortium to explore new ways to meet these requirements and enable the spectrum of operations that UGV must deliver.”

Dr Marcus Potter, RBSL Head of Mobility, said: “Not only will this study deliver exciting results for UGV development, it also provides an opportunity to develop new technologies for UK defence.  RBSL is proud to be leading the consortium on this work and exercising our significant capabilities in mobility and survivability.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

The next step for the programme is an evaluation phase where the concepts will be bench-marked against current UGVs. The team will then launch an experiment to test the concepts’ operational capabilities in a synthetic environment noting that, where weapon systems are involved, targets are never engaged autonomously; there is always a human in the loop.

This study is the latest in a series of UK UGV programmes that RBSL and its parent company, Rheinmetall, have supported. Rheinmetall has supplied a total of eight Mission Master UGVs, including cargo and fire support variants, to the British Army under the Robotic Platoon Vehicle (RPV) programme. The RPV programme is an additional opportunity to test how unmanned vehicles can boost the firepower and capabilities of dismounted combat troops at platoon level which will further support Dstl’s research.
 

 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
DE&S delivers innovative tech to HMS Richmond

Defence

DE&S delivers innovative tech to HMS Richmond

25 April 2025

Innovative technology that allows the Royal Navy to share combat data at speed during operations at sea has been installed on the T23 frigate, HMS Richmond, ahead of its operational deployment as part of the Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) heading for the Pacific Rim.

Dstl unveils advanced portable oxygen delivery system

Defence

Dstl unveils advanced portable oxygen delivery system

25 April 2025

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), in collaboration with Defence Medical Services (DMS), has unveiled an advanced portable oxygen delivery system designed to improve casualty survival rates for UK soldiers and civilians.

Chinook Maintenance School receives VMT system

Defence

Chinook Maintenance School receives VMT system

24 April 2025

Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter technicians now have access to latest generation interactive training technology to speed up their learning and development.

SME support from banks required to bolster defence strategy

Defence

SME support from banks required to bolster defence strategy

24 April 2025

Defence firms fear being debanked over ethical concerns amid the government's planned defence investment push and according to Heligan Group the UK’s defence strategy must include greater SME support from banks.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ITSA sees positive start to 2025 for UK connector market

Aerospace Defence

ITSA sees positive start to 2025 for UK connector market

24 April 2025

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has reported that in Q1 of 2025 the UK connector market showed strong performance, with sales up 11% up over Q4 2024 and up 7% on Q1 2024.

Cranfield partners with ADI

Defence Events

Cranfield partners with ADI

23 April 2025

The Academy of Defense Industries (ADI) and Cranfield University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Human Capability Initiative event to advance collaborative research and teaching and to build skills in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Advertisement
ODU RT