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European Security & Defence

Start Articles Technology Portable Unmanned Assets
Shield AI’s NOVA 2 drone is optimised for collaborative and autonomous clearing
of indoor spaces. Credit: Tamir Eshel
 * Articles
 * Technology


PORTABLE UNMANNED ASSETS

Tamir Eshel

28. June 2023


In today’s rapidly evolving battlefield, small-unit tactics and the ability to
operate in complex environments are critical to the success of military
operations. Emerging technologies, such as unmanned platforms, loitering
munitions, and AI-driven solutions, are transforming how soldiers engage with
adversaries and navigate challenging terrain. This report examines the latest
innovations in portable unmanned assets, providing insight into how these
technologies enhance warfighters’ capabilities and address the needs of
small-unit tactics.

Military operations often rely on the ability of small units and individual
soldiers to execute missions autonomously. From special operations teams to
infantry squads, soldiers undergo rigorous training to function cohesively,
survive in the field, and sustain themselves for extended periods. They carry
their personal and squad weapons with full ammunition loads, personal survival
gear, observation systems, night vision and communication equipment, food,
water, and medical kits. Additionally, spare batteries are necessary to power
those electronic devices, collectively amounting to over 60 kg per individual
and nearly half a tonne for an entire squad. Consequently, something else must
be removed for every extra asset added to a soldier’s load.

The Wild Goose electrically powered robotic hauler from Marom Dolphin is fitted
with Smartshooters’ SMASH HOPPER lightweight, remote-controlled weapon mount.
Credit: Marom-Dolphin

One potential solution to the weight challenge involves utilising a robotic load
carrier to offset excess weight. However, to withstand all-terrain operations,
such a carrier must be robust and heavy enough to be able to carry the load. A
powered loader would be more convenient and advantageous, a niche filled by the
Marom-Dolphin’s WILD GOOSE tactical hauler. This electric-powered robotic
vehicle transports heavy loads over different terrain while preserving full
combat effectiveness and troop mobility. Available in two or four-wheeled
configurations, the two-wheeler model weighs 28 kg and has a load carrying
capacity of 70 kg, while the four-wheel hauler can carry 140 kg. The hauler
consists of modular units, allowing soldiers to combine two of the two-wheeler
models in the field to create a four-wheeler hauler. The haulers connect to the
soldier through an ergonomic and elastic goose-neck quick-release connector,
ensuring hands-free movement, vehicle stability, and unhindered weapon
operation.

As a four-wheel robot, the hauler can become an unmanned weapons carrier,
mounting an automatic weapon carried by the squad in a small remote weapon
station, and then remotely operated by a squad member. This feature allows the
squad to strategically position support weapons, even in exposed locations,
while operating from behind cover. The same configuration can allow for casualty
evacuation by carrying a stretcher, using the soldier’s goose-neck connector for
guidance. In this mode, the hauler frees up three soldiers who would otherwise
be needed to transport a wounded comrade to safety.

Supporting warfighters in various roles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer
innovative capabilities, such as the automated image-based medical sensing
(AIMS) developed by the US-based company Areté. AIMS enhances battlefield or
mass casualty triage by remotely locating, characterising, and monitoring
casualties from the point of injury to field care. The system employs the
drone’s camera, augmented by computer vision and on-board medical sensing
software, to detect human casualties, assess wounds, measure respiration and
other vital signs, and document patient status and changes. In 2021, Areté
demonstrated this capability in a field test, achieving a TRL-6 level of
readiness for this critical capability.

The Automated Image-Based Medical Sensing (AIMS) system developed by Arete can
be used by any camera, In the 2021 trials, it was demonstrated on an Ascent
Aerosystems’ SPIRIT coaxial drone. Credit: Tamir Eshel

Special operations teams may consider remotely controlled weapon mounts such as
Smartshooter’s SMASH HOPPER P to establish covert firing positions in ambush
scenarios. This lightweight, low-profile stationary remote weapon station (RWS)
can accommodate assault or sniper rifles and can be assembled by one person in
the field. Equipped with pan and tilt motion control, the system benefits from
the company’s fire control software developed for the SMASH range, providing
target detection and tracking to enable accurate fire.

Small Loitering Munitions and their Applications

Among the robotic assets developed for the warfighter are various nano-loitering
munitions. This new weapon category brings beyond line of sight (BLoS) attack
capability to the individual soldier and squad level.

Defendtex, an Australian company, offers the unique D40 expendable grenade-sized
munition, designed for launch from 40 mm grenade launchers, but can also be
hand-launched if required. Prior to launch, the D40 is folded in a compact
state, measuring 120 mm in length and 40 mm in diameter. Upon deployment, it
extends its rotors into a quad-rotor configuration and takes flight, with a top
speed of 20 m/s, a maximum range of 20 km, and a flight time of 30-60 minutes,
depending on payload. The drone has an empty weight of 190 g and a maximum
takeoff weight of 300 g. Its modular payload can be configured for kinetic,
electronic attack, ISR, smoke/flash, and flash/bang effects. Capable of
autonomous flight and swarming, the D40 enables a single soldier to engage
multiple targets or deliver a multiple rounds, simultaneous impact (MRSI)
strike, an effect previously achievable only by a modern artillery system or a
battery executing a coordinated fire plan.

Defendtex D40 can be deployed from a 40mm grenade launcher. Each D40 round
comprises separate drone and payload assemblies which are joined just before
launch.
Credit: Tamir Eshel

Another loitering munition is the Spike Firefly developed by Rafael. This
coaxial-rotor-powered VTOL drone utilises a bi-directional military-standard
datalink and features a detachable high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG)
warhead. Easily assembled and launched by a single operator, the Firefly employs
day and thermal optronic and proximity sensors for navigation towards its
target, using either preset waypoints or being guided via camera Upon target
detection, the operator can command the Firefly to strike or abort the attack at
any time before impact. The weapon is disarmed if no target is engaged and can
be safely retrieved for reuse. The Firefly boasts an engagement range of 500 m
in dense urban terrain or 1,500 m in open areas, with a mission endurance time
of 15 minutes. A complete Firefly system includes three loitering munitions,
spare batteries, a control tablet, and a backpack, with a combined weight of 15
kg.

SpearUAV, another Israeli company, has developed the VIPER, a canister-launched
loitering munition with autonomous hovering capability. VIPER provides organic,
responsive, precision fire support at the squad level, allowing operators to
neutralise immediate threats such as enemy snipers and RPG teams without
dependence on higher-level assets.

Featuring a low acoustic and visual signature, day and thermal camera sensor
with automatic target recognition capability, VIPER utilises AI-driven obstacle
avoidance sensors for safe flight, even in challenging terrain. It can operate
individually or as part of a collaborative swarm controlled by a single operator
during complex missions. VIPER has an interchangeable payload bay, with current
options including explosive, non-lethal, or electronic warfare payloads. In
2022, Spear partnered with Leonardo DRS to market the VIPER in the US.

Turkish company STM has developed the KARGU, to provide reconnaissance and
precision strike options for ground forces. The KARGU weapon system operates
through fully autonomous navigation, requiring only 60 seconds for pre-mission
preparations. Upon target identification using its on-board cameras, supported
by automatic target recognition software, KARGU transfers control to the
operator over the secure, AES-256-bit encrypted datalink. The operator maintains
full control and can then authorise the strike. KARGU weighs 7.6-7.8 kg
depending on the payload, and is armed with a proximity fuzed 1.3 kg HE-FRAG
warhead with 840 pre-formed 4 mm cuboid fragments. The platform has a mission
endurance of 30 minutes, and can operate up to 10 km from the control station
and at altitudes of 3 km, in wind conditions of 10 m/s.

In the US, Aerovironment is now offering the Switchblade 300 Block 20. This is a
tube-launched loitering munition featuring a foldable wing design. The
predecessor Block 10 model has seen extensive combat use in Iraq, Syria,
Afghanistan, and Ukraine. The updated Block 20 model introduces a tablet-based
control system, streamlining usability, planning, and training for the operator.
Additionally the updated model received an improved Digital Data Link (DDL)
range with AES-256 bit encryption, a new day/IR panning camera suite enabling it
to be cued onto target while circling and carrying out continuous positive
identification (PID).

SWITCHBLADE 300 BLOCK 20 has a new panning camera suite enabling direct cueing
while circling.
Credit: AeroVironment

Weighing 1.77 kg, the Switchblade 300 Block 20 can be made ready and deployed by
tube launch in less than two minutes, allowing it to be quickly employed. Its
winged configuration allows for a dive velocity of 50 m/s, significantly faster
than the terminal speed achieved by multirotor drones. It has an endurance of
over 20 minutes, can operate up to 10 km from the controller, and reach
altitudes of 4.57 km.

Innovations in Indoor and Underground Operations

Small loitering munitions have revolutionised small-unit tactics, particularly
in complex urban terrains, by placing precision lethality in the hands of
individual warfighters. However, drones and loitering weapons have limitations
regarding indoor or underground operations. New platforms specifically designed
for these environments, employing cutting-edge AI and machine vision
technologies, now support warfighters engaged in close-quarter battle (CQB)
scenarios, even indoors.

Situational awareness is crucial in CQB, and traditionally it has been achieved
through assault teams meticulously clearing buildings room by room. This
time-consuming and dangerous process exposes soldiers to significant risk, and
is even more complex when clearing underground facilities, or high-rise
buildings. Drones designed for these tasks can perform as effectively as humans
but with greater speed. As most indoor spaces are unoccupied by the enemy,
drones can use their sensors to map indoor areas, scanning every corridor and
space for signs of life or booby traps. To expedite the process, surveillance is
conducted autonomously, with the drone only reporting the precise target
location or using effectors against the target when a suspected enemy is
detected. These drones utilise various technologies to ensure accurate
navigation without GPS and maintain continuous communication links, often using
advanced self-healing MESH networks.

Shield AI’s NOVA 2 drone is optimised for collaborative and autonomous clearing
of indoor spaces.
Credit: Tamir Eshel

Examples of drones designed for indoor use include the Nova 2 from US-based
Shield AI. This drone employs state-of-the-art path planning and computer vision
algorithms to autonomously navigate complex subterranean and multi-story
buildings, for up to 16 minutes hovering time, at ranges of up to 150 m indoors.
The full autonomy eliminates the need for RF or teleoperation links. As Nova 2
clears a building, detected threats are automatically added to a map, and users
are alerted through vibration notifications. It uses ten sensors, five Intel
RealSense stereo depth cameras, four IR cameras, and a long-wave infrared (LWIR)
camera. Throughout the flight, the drone generates a 3D indoor multi-story and
outdoor map of the building and its surroundings, highlighting door and window
entry points and providing a common operating picture of the scene. It features
top and bottom payload attachment points, high-speed data interfaces, power
connections, and remote ejection capabilities to accommodate a variety of
payloads. With a gross weight of 1.5 kg, Nova 2 can carry external payloads of
250 g in each of the top and bottom payload slots.
The Xtender is another drone optimised for indoor operation, from Israeli
company Xtend.

Unlike the Nova 2, the Xtender relies on human guidance for indoor flight. The
drone can support payloads weighing up to 150 g, and these can be radio relays
or other loads required in complex scenarios. Its control system is provided
with Xtend’s proprietary Mark & Fly XOS operating system, which supports
multiple drones’ coordinated swarming. The company offers a single-hand
controller which is linked to a wearable communications system and virtual
reality goggles, enabling the user to guide the drones using simple hand
gestures and monitor the environment through their cameras.

A third drone optimised for indoor operation is the Rooster, developed by the
Israeli company Robotican. This unique design combines a quadrotor drone encased
in a rugged, barrel-shaped frame that serves as a protector screen and a wheel,
enabling the Rooster to both fly and roll on the ground. This hybrid
configuration enables rapid, agile movement and extended endurance for indoor
missions. The hybrid system uses rotors in flight and conserves power when
rolling on the ground or stationary. By employing multiple Roosters, the
vehicles can establish a self-healing mesh network to relay communications
between the vehicles and maintain continuous data links to the controller. This
enables more reliable operation in environments such as caves, rubble-strewn
areas, or complex built-up environments. The Rooster weighs 1.45 kg and can
carry payloads of up to 300 g. It can hover and fly for 12 minutes or roll for
up to 45 minutes, but by combining movement and static observation, it can
support a longer mission time out to around 90 minutes.

Rooster is a hybrid robotic system for indoor surveillance, using the rotors at
full power for flight and reduced power when rolling on the ground or
stationary.
Credit: Tamir Eshel

As military technology advances, increasingly sophisticated personal unmanned
assets are giving soldiers unprecedented new capabilities to carry employ. By
leveraging the power of unmanned systems, AI, and advanced communication
networks, these solutions are setting new standards for small-unit tactics and
transforming the capabilities of special forces and dismounted infantry
operations.

Tamir Eshel


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