Czech defense company LPP Holding has unveiled an autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) built for military logistics, particularly ammunition delivery and casualty evacuation.
The “Hornet” UGV features an autonomous control system, enabling it to perform tasks without human control, such as calculating optimal routes and avoiding obstacles in unfamiliar terrain.
It can be reconfigured for combat, medical emergency response, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear support roles for enhanced force protection.
The drone is reportedly being considered for use by the Ukrainian defense forces, as LPP recently field-tested its MTS family of artificial intelligence-equipped strike drones in Ukraine.
Features
The Hornet is a lightweight, electro-hybrid UGV measuring 2.8 meters (9.25 feet) long, 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) wide, and 97 centimeters (3.2 feet) tall.
It has a payload capacity of 350 kilograms (771 pounds) and features multispectral imaging systems for enhanced surveillance capabilities.
One of its key features is the ability to independently navigate unfamiliar terrain without needing pre-mapped environments, including GNSS-denied areas.
LPP has equipped the UGV with the company’s autonomous navigation system, which uses camera sensor data, LiDAR, inertial measurement, simultaneous localization and mapping technology, and environment segmentation systems for automatic re-routing and adjustment to environmental conditions.
