BAE Systems Australia has unveiled a new Unmanned Combat Ground Vehicle (UCGV).

The future of land autonomy has arrived. Introducing the ATLAS Collaborative Combat Variant.

The Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV) is a cost-effective, modular, 8×8 wheeled UCGV.

According to the company, ATLAS CCV will operate with high levels of autonomy both on and off-road, accompanying crewed wheeled material such as infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks. The vehicle incorporates combat-proven technologies to provide a cost-effective capability that is mission configurable and upgradable, ensuring that it continues to evolve to counter new and emerging technologies and threats.

The autonomy system at the core of the ATLAS CCV will ‘drive’ the vehicle, avoid obstacles, route plan, and make tactical decisions.

The ATLAS CCV can perform a wide range of combat and combat support roles that can supplement a traditional main force effort where increased lethality, coverage, and battlefield flexibility are required. It can also undertake missions in a stand-alone capacity where the presence of an uncrewed platform is preferred over crewed vehicles.

The combination of a proven high-mobility, high-agility chassis and running gear, low-profile 25 mm gun VANTAGE Automated Turret System (ATS), and leading-edge autonomy, navigation, and command and control systems enables the ATLAS CCV to accompany other combat vehicles on the battlefield and contribute meaningfully to mission success in whichever role it is tasked to fulfil, all using the same base chassis.

ATLAS CCV is easily transportable, designed to fit into a standard 20-foot ISO container or 20-foot ISO flat rack. Its size and mass also enable multiple vehicles to be easily transported and deployed by transport aircraft.

Reconnaissance and surveillance

Advanced sensors consist of a multi-spectral automatic target detection, tracking, and classification system.

ATLAS CCV can act as the eyes and ears of a main force—either by being sent forward to carry out reconnaissance and surveillance or as a leave-in-place ‘sentry’ that can detect and track threats and hand target acquisition data to other combat assets.

Operating in reconnaissance/surveillance mode, ATLAS is also able to undertake overwatch and electronic surveillance duties.

Combat wingman

Of compact size and with significant firepower, the ATLAS CCV is suitable for wingman roles next to crewed combat vehicles.

High mobility enables the ATLAS CCV to maintain contact with both tracked and wheeled crewed combat vehicles across difficult terrain and in adverse weather conditions.

In its role as ‘combat wingman’ for a crewed vehicle/manoeuvre force, the ATLAS CCV can undertake flank security, target identification and engagement, and direct fire.

 Assault

ATLAS CCV is armed with a new, lightweight, affordable, highly automated medium calibre turret system called ‘VANTAGE’, designed for use on uncrewed platforms. Importantly, the turret is designed with a ‘human in-the-loop’ targeting system.

The M242 Bushmaster 25 mm cannon integrated with the VANTAGE ATS provides accurate and highly lethal fire to a range of 2,500 m.

With a dual ammunition feed system, the 25 mm gun arming the VANTAGE ATS is able to successfully destroy all vehicle targets, including infantry fighting vehicles. A ready-use ammunition capacity of 260 rounds allows for multiple engagements.

In addition to the fully stabilised 25 mm gun, ATLAS CCV‘s 10-tonne combat weight and rugged suspension system provides a stable firing platform for the consistent delivery of accurate fire.

Due to its modular design, the ATLAS CCV can fulfill a wide range of specific combat roles, including counter-UAS defence and indirect fire support using a 120 mm automated mortar system.

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