HDT Global has confirmed the selection of its Hunter Wolf 6×6 unmanned ground system for trials under the US Army’s Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) program.
S-MET is an ongoing effort to integrate modern autonomous platforms into service, decreasing risks to warfighters deployed in austere environments.
HDT’s Hunter Wolf is a 2.3-meter (7.5-foot) robotic vehicle with a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms (2,205 pounds) that is transportable via Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and C-130 Hercules aircraft.
The ground-based drone has a maximum range of 300 kilometers (186 miles) and a top speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour.
Additionally, the system can climb terrain angled between 22 to 30 degrees.
The Hunter Wolf is maneuvered via a single-hand controller with a 24-hour battery life and a 600-meter (1,968) field connectivity.
“The HDT Hunter WOLF surpasses all S-MET requirements with an advanced design that is tailored for future growth,” HDT Global Chief Technology Officer Tom Van Doren remarked.
“Utilizing our expertise in robotic vehicle design and manufacturing, we’ve presented the optimal material solution to execute crucial missions on today’s complex and modern battlefield, ensuring our warfighters have the reliable support required for mission success.”
‘Robotic Swiss Army Knife’
HDT emphasized that the Hunter Wolf’s specifications “align perfectly” with the US Army’s S-MET objectives and are supported by over 12 years of the firm’s experience with innovative military projects.
“The Hunter WOLF is a mature TRL-9 solution that provides reliable, state-of-the-art technology, reducing the weight burden on warfighters while delivering multi-mission capability and flexibility for commanders and their formations,” HDT Global CEO and President Kevin McSweeney explained.
“In many ways, the Hunter WOLF is a robotic Swiss Army knife as it is built to accommodate numerous modular mission packages.”
The US Army noted that the S-MET program will select a drone for production in 2027, with the chosen industry partner set to manufacture more than 2,000 units of the vehicle.
Alongside the Ohio-based company, the US Army received bids from Rheinmetall, General Dynamics, Anduril Industries, Hanwha, and Teledyne FLIR to develop the next-generation S-MET vehicle.
The service announced in September 2024 that HDT and Rheinmetall will be competing in the final phase of the initiative.
