BAE Systems Australia unveiled its new ATLAS CCV at the opening day of the Land Forces 2024 show in Melbourne. (BAE Systems )
A new uncrewed ground combat vehicle designed as a battlefield companion to crewed armoured fighting and logistics vehicles was unveiled by BAE Systems Australia (BAES) at the opening of the Land Forces 2024 exposition in Melbourne on 11 September.
Named the Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV), the 10 tonne (dependent on payload) 8×8 vehicle is optimised for high levels of autonomy with both on-road and off-road mobility matched to crewed counterparties such as infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks.
According to BAES, the vehicle leverages existing, proven technologies to provide a cost-effective capability that is mission-configurable and upgradable in response to emerging technologies and threats.
“The ATLAS CCV is capable of undertaking the dirty and dangerous tasks such as direct fire support, obstacle clearance, combat reconnaissance, or very short-range air defence,” Stuart Bryden, business development manager (autonomy) at BAES, said. “‘All of these tasks place an armoured vehicle and its crew at significant risk.”
BAES has self-funded ATLAS CCV development, partnering with Supacat in the UK and Australia (driveline); Marand in Australia (mission module); and Valhalla Technologies (turret) in Slovakia.
A fully stabilised M242 Bushmaster 25 mm cannon is integrated with the new lightweight, low-profile Vantage Automated Turret System (ATS) and provides lethal fire out to 2,500 m, BAES said. A ready-use ammunition capacity of 260 rounds provides for multiple engagements.
The system is designed with a ‘human-in-the loop' for weapon engagement to ensure compliance with applicable national and international laws.
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