According to information published on November 2, 2022, General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), on November 2, 2022, delivered to the U.S. Army an initial tranche of 16 Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) vehicles, making them the first ground robots of their kind in U.S. Army history.
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General Dynamics Land Systems Robotic Infantry Support Vehicle. (Picture source GDLS)
Based upon GD’s Multi-Utility Tactical Transport (MUTT), the S-MET is an eight-wheeled, enabling robotic technology for the dismounted Soldier. It lightens the load as an equipment-carrying “robotic mule” but also has built-in flexibility for a wide variety of combat, combat support and combat service support functions and payloads.
Featuring a hybrid-electric powertrain, it provides expeditionary power generation and is operated by a single-hand remote control.
“We are proud to deliver this breakthrough unmanned ground vehicle capability,” said Gordon Stein, vice president and general manager of U.S. operations at General Dynamics Land Systems. “Through our partnership with the Army, General Dynamics Land Systems has remained at the leading edge of robotic combat vehicles that are designed to relieve Soldiers of dull, dirty and dangerous missions now and into the future.”
The S-MET is an autonomous 8x8 all-terrain vehicle able to carry dismounted soldiers’ water, ammunition, and other equipment and gear. The vehicle is designed to be an unmanned system, but can also be optionally manned, and can carry 1,000 lb (454 kg) while also traveling for distances of more than 97 km in 72 hours.
