Lockheed Martin at SOFEX 2012 Showcasing the Squad Missions Support System SMSS 1005121

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SOFEX 2012
The Special Operations Forces Exhibition & Conference
Amman
, Jordan
7 - 10 May 2012
 
Lockheed Martin at SOFEX 2012
 
Thursday, May 10, 2012, 03:51 AM
 
Lockheed Martin at SOFEX 2012 Showcasing the Squad Missions Support System (SMSS)
Lockheed Martin is showcasing its Squad Missions Support System (SMSS) at SOFEX in Jordan and gave us an update on its operational use by US Forces. Funded by Lockheed Martin as an independent research and development project, the Squad Mission Support System will provide manned and unmanned transport and logistical support to light and early entry forces. It is the largest autonomous ground vehicle ever deployed with U.S. forces.
     
Lockheed Martin is showcasing its Squad Missions Support System (SMSS) at SOFEX in Jordan and gave us an update on its operational use by US Forces. Funded by Lockheed Martin as an independent research and development project, the Squad Mission Support System will provide manned and unmanned transport and logistical support to light and early entry forces. It is the largest autonomous ground vehicle ever deployed with U.S. forces.
Lockheed Martin SMSS shown at SOFEX 2012
     

SMSS is designed to provide the warfighter with a reliable squad-size vehicle that will improve combat readiness while assuring re-supply channels and casualty evacuations. It fills an urgent need to unburden a soldier’s load, which commonly exceeds 100 lbs (45+ kg).

End user have the possibility to send the SMSS in full autonomous mode from point A to point B and let the system pick the best route (and avoid obstacles on the way) or they have the option to use a remote to control it manually.

     
Morri Leland, Director/Deputy International Business Development during a press meeting at SOFEX
Morri Leland, Director/Deputy International Business Development during a press meeting at SOFEX
     

"The US Army feedback is overwhelmingly positive" according to Morri Leland, Director/Deputy International Business Development who was able to give us the latest update on its operational use by US Forces.

The SMSS was deployed by the US Army in Afghanistan in December 2011. The maximum distance covered so far by the SMSS with US Forces on the field is 6.4 km. This distance was the distance covered by the patrol. The SMSS prototype is list with a range of 200 km.

The maximum payload is listed at around half a ton, however Morri Leland told us that US Forces in Afghanistan have loaded the SMSS with three times the load limit and the system remained operational.

Finally the SMSS is air transportable inside a CH-47 Chinook or under medium size helicopters (Blackhawk type) with a sling.