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Milrem Robotics unveils its new Type-X unmanned tracked IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle

27 MAY 2020

The Estonian company Milrem Robotics is trying to revolutionize the global defense industry by developing a new type of unmanned tracked IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) for mechanized units, a Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) designated Type-X. Although it is not a tank, the Type-X moves on tracks and has a turret.

Milrem_Robotics_unveils_its_new_Type-X_unmanned_tracked_IFV_Infantry_Fighting_Vehicle_925_012.jpg

New MILREM Type-X unmanned tracked IFV, more precisely a Robotic Combat Vehicle designed to support mechanized units

Milrem Robotics is best known for its THeMIS UGV which is operated by several countries, namely the French armed forces in Mali. Milrem Robotics founder and CEO Kuldar Väärsi said that a new long-term goal is to replace all old-style infantry fighting vehicles with new systems. He is convinced that, as in many other areas of life, the defense industry will become increasingly robot dependent in the future, and fewer and fewer people will be involved in the heart of combat operations.

What makes the Type-X unique, he says, is the combination of three elements: a hybrid transmission (electric and diesel), the ability to operate in a fully autonomous mode, and the absence of a crew. So far, some of the existing infantry fighting vehicles have been modified to provide remote control capability, and optional manned vehicles are also being created. "I think these solutions are similar to townhouses, which have the disadvantages of both apartments and houses at the same time, with almost no advantages," said Väärsi.

The company believes that the Type-X has a number of advantages over the current type of infantry fighting vehicles. First, it's almost twice cheaper. In addition, with its 12 tons (26,455 lbs), it is almost three times lighter than an IFV, which means that the Type-X has improved mobility and is easier to carry and drop by aircraft like the C-130. Being only 2.20 m (87 in.) high 2.90m (114 in.) wide and 6 m (236 in.) long, the Type-X also has a lower profile and smaller volume than most IFVs, making it difficult to spot in the field, a crucial advantage even more favored by its low heat signature. At the same time, it is fitted with a 2-ton turret armed with a 30mm automatic gun, optionally a 50mm one, which makes the Type-X as lethal as most of the other IFVs.

The system benefits from a low maintenance cost because it has been designed with maintenance in mind, using the LRU-principle. Hybrid powertrain and rubber tracks will reduce costs significantly.

Mlrem_Type-X_with_payloads.jpeg

Milrem Type-X is modular and, hence, can be adapted to many roles

Type-X is easy to upgrade for it is built following a fully modular approach (sensors and other components can be upgraded), capable of carrying multiple payloads based on the same interface. Like the THeMIS, Type-X is multifunctional. This means that its cannon can be replaced with an anti-aircraft system, a mortar, or a radar if necessary. It can also be used as a transport platform for equipment and soldiers.

How Type-X will be used in combat depends largely on the structure of the armed forces, terrain and tactics. Autonomy-enabled systems like Type-X will deploy as force multiplier at all echelons from the platoon up to the brigade combat teams. It will decrease the reaction time and reduce the cognitive load of the commander, enabling the whole unit to be more effectively led. Also, unmanned platforms can support the MESH networking principle with automatic MESH planning and communication relay. The OODA (observation-orientation-decision-action) loop of the commander and the whole unit can be processed faster because of the help of automatic and autonomous functions and AI. According to Väärsi, the main task of the new robot will be to support the main tanks and mechanized units with advantageously a much superior range: 600 km (373 miles) with fully charged batteries and full tank of JP8. Batteries are recharged while the diesel engine is running. An amphibious capability is taken into consideration by Milrem for the future.

Milrem_Type-X_Ground_Control_Station_in_APC.png

Milrem Type-X can be controlled from a station fitted in a safe and mobile environment like an APC


Milrem_Type-X_Ground_Control_Station_concept.png

Milrem Type-X control station

Type-X is ideal for high-risk situations where the presence of troops would be too dangerous. The easy control station and the enhanced mobility capabilities will enable the unit to move into denied areas without compromising the security of human lives. Specific countermeasures could also be employed automatically, under certain operational concepts.

Who was the first to show interest in the new combat system? Väärsi said that Milrem Robotics has a very important customer in the armed forces of a country that has paid almost full price for the development. This does not mean that Milrem Robotics may lose its patent and its rights to the vehicle. The company is not worried about whether anyone will want to buy the products with which it enters the market. Rather, countries are lining up to cooperate with it.

It is worth noting that the Type-X exists today only on paper. The components for the prototype are ready, but not yet delivered to Estonia. The company hopes to assemble a prototype by the end of summer 2020. The product will take another three years to become a certified product ready for sale. Väärsi is not afraid that something will go wrong. Most of the work has been done, all the stages have passed the software tests, and all that remains is to assemble a real machine. “Milrem initially planned to unveil the mockup of Type-X at the Eurosatory 2020 event,” Kuldar Väärsi, Milrem CEO told Army Recognition during a webinar organized on May 27, but this major defense exhibition scheduled for June has been canceled. “We plan to complete the prototype of the vehicle by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2020 and begin mobility testing in October.”

Milrem_Type-X_with_THeMIS__soldier.jpg

Milrem Type-X only exists as a project but the company will have a prototype ready by the end of Summer 2020

Is the beginning of a major economic crisis a good time to launch a new project? Väärsi admitted that although Milrem Robotics has not experienced a 90-100% drop in revenue as a tourism sector, the crisis is also affecting it. Countries are cutting spending on defense and military development. New and interesting, but expensive robotic solutions are not considered.

Italy and Spain are the most affected countries by the Coronavirus pandemic in Europe, said they would have to postpone their cooperation with Milrem Robotics. However, many of the orders that the company has received have already been confirmed by contracts, which means that this year it should not face serious problems. Milrem Robotics, however, was forced to cut its salaries.

Kuldar Väärsi expects that the Estonian armed forces will prefer domestic contractors to foreign ones. The companies have the know-how and production facilities that allow them to keep existing jobs and create new ones. "Especially since our defense industry has flourished in recent years," Väärsi said. For the same reason, Milrem Robotics recently told the Estonian Defence Forces that it is possible to build several hundred of these companies.

Milrem_Type-X_unloaded_from_C-130.png

Milrem Type-X unloaded from C-130 Hercules in a fast operation scenario. Type-X is light enough for airdropping or undersling transport by a heavy helicopter


Milrem_Type-X_in_target_detection_mode.png

Milrem Type-X in target detection mode


Milrem_Type-X_in_camp_attack_scenario.png

Milrem Type-X operating in a camp attack scenario


Milrem_Type-X_in_spearhead_attack_scenario.png

Milrem Type-X operating in a spearhead attack scenario


Mlrem_Type-X_in_town_assault_scenario.jpg

Milrem Type-X in a town attack scenario. The control station fitted in an armored vehicle works from some distance away

https://www.armyrecognition.com/may...ed_tracked_ifv_infantry_fighting_vehicle.html

This should be the future of our armed forces, bringing unprecedented level of firepower, minimizing the number of personnel on the field and hot zones but keep the boots on the grounds being relevant and suppressing the enemies by technological, mobility, and firepower advantage. I am all for the motion to disband territorial command units like Korem, Kodim and Koramil and keeping the personnel at lean level but maintain the technological and firepower edge over the number.
 
Milrem Robotics unveils its new Type-X unmanned tracked IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle

27 MAY 2020

The Estonian company Milrem Robotics is trying to revolutionize the global defense industry by developing a new type of unmanned tracked IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) for mechanized units, a Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) designated Type-X. Although it is not a tank, the Type-X moves on tracks and has a turret.

Milrem_Robotics_unveils_its_new_Type-X_unmanned_tracked_IFV_Infantry_Fighting_Vehicle_925_012.jpg

New MILREM Type-X unmanned tracked IFV, more precisely a Robotic Combat Vehicle designed to support mechanized units

Milrem Robotics is best known for its THeMIS UGV which is operated by several countries, namely the French armed forces in Mali. Milrem Robotics founder and CEO Kuldar Väärsi said that a new long-term goal is to replace all old-style infantry fighting vehicles with new systems. He is convinced that, as in many other areas of life, the defense industry will become increasingly robot dependent in the future, and fewer and fewer people will be involved in the heart of combat operations.

What makes the Type-X unique, he says, is the combination of three elements: a hybrid transmission (electric and diesel), the ability to operate in a fully autonomous mode, and the absence of a crew. So far, some of the existing infantry fighting vehicles have been modified to provide remote control capability, and optional manned vehicles are also being created. "I think these solutions are similar to townhouses, which have the disadvantages of both apartments and houses at the same time, with almost no advantages," said Väärsi.

The company believes that the Type-X has a number of advantages over the current type of infantry fighting vehicles. First, it's almost twice cheaper. In addition, with its 12 tons (26,455 lbs), it is almost three times lighter than an IFV, which means that the Type-X has improved mobility and is easier to carry and drop by aircraft like the C-130. Being only 2.20 m (87 in.) high 2.90m (114 in.) wide and 6 m (236 in.) long, the Type-X also has a lower profile and smaller volume than most IFVs, making it difficult to spot in the field, a crucial advantage even more favored by its low heat signature. At the same time, it is fitted with a 2-ton turret armed with a 30mm automatic gun, optionally a 50mm one, which makes the Type-X as lethal as most of the other IFVs.

The system benefits from a low maintenance cost because it has been designed with maintenance in mind, using the LRU-principle. Hybrid powertrain and rubber tracks will reduce costs significantly.

Mlrem_Type-X_with_payloads.jpeg

Milrem Type-X is modular and, hence, can be adapted to many roles

Type-X is easy to upgrade for it is built following a fully modular approach (sensors and other components can be upgraded), capable of carrying multiple payloads based on the same interface. Like the THeMIS, Type-X is multifunctional. This means that its cannon can be replaced with an anti-aircraft system, a mortar, or a radar if necessary. It can also be used as a transport platform for equipment and soldiers.

How Type-X will be used in combat depends largely on the structure of the armed forces, terrain and tactics. Autonomy-enabled systems like Type-X will deploy as force multiplier at all echelons from the platoon up to the brigade combat teams. It will decrease the reaction time and reduce the cognitive load of the commander, enabling the whole unit to be more effectively led. Also, unmanned platforms can support the MESH networking principle with automatic MESH planning and communication relay. The OODA (observation-orientation-decision-action) loop of the commander and the whole unit can be processed faster because of the help of automatic and autonomous functions and AI. According to Väärsi, the main task of the new robot will be to support the main tanks and mechanized units with advantageously a much superior range: 600 km (373 miles) with fully charged batteries and full tank of JP8. Batteries are recharged while the diesel engine is running. An amphibious capability is taken into consideration by Milrem for the future.

Milrem_Type-X_Ground_Control_Station_in_APC.png

Milrem Type-X can be controlled from a station fitted in a safe and mobile environment like an APC


Milrem_Type-X_Ground_Control_Station_concept.png

Milrem Type-X control station

Type-X is ideal for high-risk situations where the presence of troops would be too dangerous. The easy control station and the enhanced mobility capabilities will enable the unit to move into denied areas without compromising the security of human lives. Specific countermeasures could also be employed automatically, under certain operational concepts.

Who was the first to show interest in the new combat system? Väärsi said that Milrem Robotics has a very important customer in the armed forces of a country that has paid almost full price for the development. This does not mean that Milrem Robotics may lose its patent and its rights to the vehicle. The company is not worried about whether anyone will want to buy the products with which it enters the market. Rather, countries are lining up to cooperate with it.

It is worth noting that the Type-X exists today only on paper. The components for the prototype are ready, but not yet delivered to Estonia. The company hopes to assemble a prototype by the end of summer 2020. The product will take another three years to become a certified product ready for sale. Väärsi is not afraid that something will go wrong. Most of the work has been done, all the stages have passed the software tests, and all that remains is to assemble a real machine. “Milrem initially planned to unveil the mockup of Type-X at the Eurosatory 2020 event,” Kuldar Väärsi, Milrem CEO told Army Recognition during a webinar organized on May 27, but this major defense exhibition scheduled for June has been canceled. “We plan to complete the prototype of the vehicle by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2020 and begin mobility testing in October.”

Milrem_Type-X_with_THeMIS__soldier.jpg

Milrem Type-X only exists as a project but the company will have a prototype ready by the end of Summer 2020

Is the beginning of a major economic crisis a good time to launch a new project? Väärsi admitted that although Milrem Robotics has not experienced a 90-100% drop in revenue as a tourism sector, the crisis is also affecting it. Countries are cutting spending on defense and military development. New and interesting, but expensive robotic solutions are not considered.

Italy and Spain are the most affected countries by the Coronavirus pandemic in Europe, said they would have to postpone their cooperation with Milrem Robotics. However, many of the orders that the company has received have already been confirmed by contracts, which means that this year it should not face serious problems. Milrem Robotics, however, was forced to cut its salaries.

Kuldar Väärsi expects that the Estonian armed forces will prefer domestic contractors to foreign ones. The companies have the know-how and production facilities that allow them to keep existing jobs and create new ones. "Especially since our defense industry has flourished in recent years," Väärsi said. For the same reason, Milrem Robotics recently told the Estonian Defence Forces that it is possible to build several hundred of these companies.

Milrem_Type-X_unloaded_from_C-130.png

Milrem Type-X unloaded from C-130 Hercules in a fast operation scenario. Type-X is light enough for airdropping or undersling transport by a heavy helicopter


Milrem_Type-X_in_target_detection_mode.png

Milrem Type-X in target detection mode


Milrem_Type-X_in_camp_attack_scenario.png

Milrem Type-X operating in a camp attack scenario


Milrem_Type-X_in_spearhead_attack_scenario.png

Milrem Type-X operating in a spearhead attack scenario


Mlrem_Type-X_in_town_assault_scenario.jpg

Milrem Type-X in a town attack scenario. The control station fitted in an armored vehicle works from some distance away

https://www.armyrecognition.com/may...ed_tracked_ifv_infantry_fighting_vehicle.html

This should be the future of our armed forces, bringing unprecedented level of firepower, minimizing the number of personnel on the field and hot zones but keep the boots on the grounds being relevant and suppressing the enemies by technological, mobility, and firepower advantage. I am all for the motion to disband territorial command units like Korem, Kodim and Koramil and keeping the personnel at lean level but maintain the technological and firepower edge over the number.
What price of this think? Or better inevest on chopper for penerbad. More blekhawk etc. Also likely training tni perosnel with such new sophisticared technology will very hard. This kind of shiny toy likely will go to kostrad or other top unit
Imho
 
What price of this think? Or better inevest on chopper for penerbad. More blekhawk etc. Also likely training tni perosnel with such new sophisticared technology will very hard. This kind of shiny toy likely will go to kostrad or other top unit
Imho

Indonesia need of Chopper is very sure as even the American and China still heavily invest on new and better platform (like Deviant and other new platform Rotorcraft), but you still need boot on the ground to make sure the area of operation still under your control and enemy can't contest it. This where the unmanned vehicles or robotic platform in any shape Will playing a greater roles in the future, SkyNet warfare is not so distance after all. To maximize the firepower and reduce human casualties in the advent and proliferation of advance anti armor Missiles, robot and other unmanned platform Will playing a greater roles.
 

An interesting webinar arranged by PYC: Energy Geopolitics at SCS. Great speakers. If anyone attended this.

One thing boldly underlined: Indonesia’s energy security needs to be dramatically improved. We can only afford a war only in days due to this.
 

An interesting webinar arranged by PYC: Energy Geopolitics at SCS. Great speakers. If anyone attended this.

One thing boldly underlined: Indonesia’s energy security needs to be dramatically improved. We can only afford a war only in days due to this.
Disini kalau proyek eksplorasi migas nya gagal , direksi terkait bisa dicopot dan dianggap praktek korupsi , there's already similiar case in previous year regarding this , that's why current director are hesistant to do another hydrocarbon well exploration.
 
@Raduga about this LHD thing you mention. Don't you think that we should go to a smaller, faster and more nimble platform for amphibious assault.

The US now had already started their transformation towards a smaller vessels to move troops around.

https://breakingdefense.com/2020/06...4.1832190638.1592455205-2010717547.1592117810

Big amphib ships like LHD which operates close to the shore for amphib operations are viewed as :

Berger rejects war plans anticipating a Cold War-style confrontation in which huge ships can creep close to shore free from the threat of precision-guided munitions being launched from batteries deep inland.

He (Berger) calls the current configuration of amphibious ships “the most obvious manifestation of this obsolete paradigm"


What do you think? Others please share your thoughts too

Bigger ship = putting all your eggs in the same basket.

With smaller (not that small though) but longer range (ocean capable), and more numerous ship will improve the survivalability of the the amphibious task force as a whole
 
Bigger ship = putting all your eggs in the same basket.

With smaller (not that small though) but longer range (ocean capable), and more numerous ship will improve the survivalability of the the amphibious task force as a whole

How you can overcame Nature limitation with small size? Sea state over five or open seas is not that forgiving for small transport ships

And a thing to notes it was the Navy who operated those vessels, and there is more and more bigger sized ships being churn out as main assault transport vessels such as American class LHD and San Antonio class LPD
 

One disadvantage of the ship’s design is instability in rough seas and at high speeds. At 10 knots in calm sea states, the hull can roll up to four degrees to each side, while conventional ships would roll very little, which would increase if the ship goes faster in rougher conditions, raising the possibility of seasickness. To achieve its top speed, the ship has to be traveling in waters not exceeding sea state 3 (waves up to 1.25 m (4.1 ft) high). At sea state 4 it can travel up to 15 knots, travel only 5 knots in sea state 5, and has to hold position in any sea state higher; while this might be seen as an operational limitation that can delay its arrival to port facilities, the ship was intended to operate closer to shore rather than in blue-water conditions...
 
the US is moving away from big ships such as the San Antonio class towards a smaller ships like this.
https%3A%2F%2Fapi.thedrive.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2Fsts-stern-landing-top.jpg%3Fquality%3D85


it could be cheaper and faster build, something that you'll wanna consider when you're operating in an area packed of precision guided munitions, to replace losses.

also, looking at our geography where the Islands are so close to each other, it put into question why we need ships like an LHD, why even bother???
Screenshot (681)_LI.jpg

the most likely use of such amphibious assets is to move materials as fast and as frequent as Possible from Java to hot spots all over the archipelago.

we need more ships like the Semarang Class, instead of LHD. or even landing ships like this.
cheap and easily build by many of our local shipyard.
c3a7154blog.jpg





you can correct me if I'm wrong......
 
the US is moving away from big ships such as the San Antonio class towards a smaller ships like this.
https%3A%2F%2Fapi.thedrive.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2Fsts-stern-landing-top.jpg%3Fquality%3D85


it could be cheaper and faster build, something that you'll wanna consider when you're operating in an area packed of precision guided munitions, to replace losses.

also, looking at our geography where the Islands are so close to each other, it put into question why we need ships like an LHD, why even bother???
View attachment 643257
the most likely use of such amphibious assets is to move materials as fast and as frequent as Possible from Java to hot spots all over the archipelago.

we need more ships like the Semarang Class, instead of LHD. or even landing ships like this.
tcg-lct-f-image07.jpg





you can correct me if I'm wrong......

Where and when US NAVY completely moving away from big ships fleets like San Antonio class and American class LHD while they keep ordering them even until now and ordering peanuts?

https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/lpd17/

https://news.usni.org/2016/11/09/ma...ille-world-war-ii-campaign-in-solomon-islands

Don't get me wrong, Indonesia itself keep insisting to produce many LCU, LST class vessels for both the Army and Navy units, there is nothing wrong about that. But there is actually limitation about such LCU and LST vessels over big item assault ships such as LPD and LHD as they are more capable to handling more complex operation from longer distances and keep away from hostile forces reach (with the advances of newly built complex aircraft such V-22 Osprey, Bell V-280 Valor and SB 1 Defiant). The actual capability of such vessels is very evident during wartime and crisis operation as bigger ships mean bigger logistic they can carry, the longer operation area they can reach and the more independent the arms units within such vessels during the operation. In such high tempo operation, every moment is gold, that's including the actual delivery time such vessels can bringing upon such moments.

For what use we are acquiring ocean going frigate such as Itver Huitveld class if not to being the escort of long range, big flat top assault amphibious ships? There is propose to use them as joint operation platform between Army and Navy when the Army aviation will use their newly acquired tiltrotor aircraft in near future to be operated from such platform (to divide the funding problems between the Army and Navy to acquire such assault capability)
 
Personally, I'm more inclined to have 1-2 LHD/flat tops for rotary ops and having smaller HVSS/EPF type ships for the landing role. We really don't need to have a lot of big ships since we have zero interests abroad. It's not like we're France.

For what use we are acquiring ocean going frigate such as Itver Huitveld class if not to being the escort of long range, big flat top assault amphibious ships? There is propose to use them as joint operation platform between Army and Navy when the Army aviation will use their newly acquired tiltrotor aircraft in near future to be operated from such platform (to divide the funding problems between the Army and Navy to acquire such assault capability)

Personally I'm more inclined to believe that the frigates are eventually going to be placed in the AAW role. You can only go so far with ground based VSHORAD/SHORAD and HIMAD units and constant CAP. I have faith that the Navy realizes this.

Also what tilt-rotor? There's no guarantee they're buying the Osprey or the Valor.
 
There would be eternal debate over it. But the fact remains; smaller ship means less sea state it can go thru, less fuel to carry thus effect range, etc. Imho the main reason for the idea of "smaller" ship or the thought of obsolete conventional warfare like the WWII is the coming of another type of warfare such as Hybrid Warfare. This type of warfare might be cost effective and can be done with smaller vessels due to the circumstances. Land occupation isnt something too popular right now as it turned out to be costly. Might as well do what US did with Iraq and let the local fight between them self while selling weapons to them and controling their sumur minyak :bounce:

In short as the world is changing and technology dependece become a must, the nature type of war itself evolve. But as we see today many countries went to smaller type warship for some reasons. Frigate become more popular then destroyer, who knows there might be a time when our own 28m KAL might shine well in a certain situation with the right equiptmen off course :guns::guns:
 
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