The US Marine Corps has contracted Stratom to develop an uncrewed ground vehicle that integrates a range of capabilities in one platform.
The Remote Expeditionary Autonomous Pioneer (REAPr) System is expected to possess “material handling, construction, path/trail clearance, explosive hazard defeat and refueling” capabilities, according to the Small Business Innovation Research solicitation.
The vehicle is intended to reduce the current range of vehicles required to perform a diverse set of tasks.
It will combine the body of an off-road vehicle with a “configurable universal attachment system and Stratom’s core Summit autonomy software,” the manufacturer explained.
Rapidly Deployable for Expeditionary Missions
The REAPr would be configurable and compatible with a variety of systems and equipment while being easy to operate remotely for expeditionary missions.
The vehicle would be rapidly deployable from a V-22 vertical takeoff and landing military transport aircraft at the front lines, delivering essentials such as fuel, food, water, and munitions to soldiers.
“Leveraging our deep UGV and autonomous systems development expertise, as well as past experience collaborating with various US Armed Forces service branches, our proposed solution maximizes accessory compatibility and ease of use while balancing durability, transportability, and cost,” Stratom president Mark Gordon said.