Milrem Robotics’ UGVs to be equipped with IrvinGQ’s airdrop system

March 26, 2020 | AUVSI News

Aerial delivery technologies provider IrvinGQ has developed and tested an airdrop system that can be used to rapidly deploy Milrem Robotics’ UGV into warzones or large-scale terrain fires.

Expected to be used for defense or firefighting missions, respectively, Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS or the Multscope Rescue UGV will be equipped with IrvinGQ’s ATAX airdrop system.

Other aerial deployment possibilities of Milrem Robotics’ UGVs include helicopter underslung or in the cargo area of a helicopter such as the Chinook CH-47.

“The airdrop platform will widen the possibilities of how armed forces can deploy autonomous or remotely piloted THeMIS UGVs behind enemy lines, or as part of airborne operations combined with infantry,” says Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“Firefighters could use ATAX® to drop Multiscope Rescue systems to combat large-scale terrain or forest fires without endangering lives.”

According to IrvinGQ, ATAX is a “Modular, Rapid-Rig/De-Rig, Aerial Delivery System” that utilizes Soft Landing Airbags instead of traditional energy-dissipating materials (EDM). IrvinGQ says that the reusable airbags offer several advantages over traditional methods, including a reduction in load preparation and rigging times by eliminating consumable rigging materials; a significant reduction in the shock forces imparted into the cargo load; and they also facilitate a true drive-on drive-off capability.

IrvinGQ is also developing an airdrop restraint system with an auto release, which will enable the UGVs to self-derig and drive-off the ATAX platform unaided, creating a truly autonomous capability.