KNDS Ready to Supply CENTURIO Latest-Generation Robotic Platforms to Meet the Needs of Military Forces.

The French-German company KNDS is now ready to supply military forces with the CENTURIO, a new range of latest generation of UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) robots designed to meet several key needs of modern armies. This innovative range includes a combat robot version equipped with a powerful 30m automatic cannon, offering significant firepower and remote-operated precision, making it a game-changer for battlefield operations.
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CENTURIO Combat Robot with ARX 30 Turret: The CENTURIO X20 is equipped with the ARX 30 turret, a remotely operated weapon system featuring a 30mm automatic cannon. (Picture source: KNDS)

In addition to this combat version, the CENTURIO series also features an explosive ordnance reconnaissance variant, which is specifically designed for handling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other dangerous materials. Finally, the range includes a specialized CBRN detection version, equipped with advanced sensors to detect chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, providing crucial protection in unconventional warfare scenarios.

One of the standout innovations in the CENTURIO UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) range is the combat robot variant, equipped with the powerful 30mm ARX30 weapon system. This robotic unit is designed to engage in frontline combat, offering both offensive firepower and defensive capabilities. The ARX30, known for its precision and reliability, can effectively neutralize a wide range of targets, from armored vehicles to fortified positions. This variant is expected to play a critical role in enhancing battlefield lethality while reducing risks to human soldiers.

The ARX30 is a versatile remotely operated weapon system, typically mounted on unmanned or armored vehicles. It is armed with a 30mm automatic cannon, designed to engage a wide range of targets, including light armored vehicles, infantry positions, and even low-flying drones. The cannon has a high level of accuracy due to its gyro-stabilized platform, ensuring precision even in rough terrains. The weapon is controlled remotely, providing the operator with safety while delivering powerful fire support to ground units.

The ARX30 uses 30mm NATO-standard ammunition, capable of firing different types of munitions such as high-explosive incendiary (HEI), armor-piercing rounds, and airburst ammunition. This versatility makes it effective against a variety of targets. The system is belt-fed, allowing for continuous fire with a firing range exceeding 2 kilometers for most targets, depending on the type of ammunition used. This range, combined with its advanced targeting and firing capabilities, makes the ARX30 a formidable tool for modern combat situations.

In terms of technical specifications, the CENTURIO armed with the ARX30 has the following dimensions: it is 1.9 meters wide, 1.2 meters high (without its arm), and 3.5 meters long, weighing 2.8 tons. Powered by a 60kW diesel engine, it uses 4WD and 4WS hydraulic propulsion, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. It is designed to handle slopes up to 60% and spills of 40%, making it highly versatile in various terrains.

The CENTURIO UGV has an advanced 360-degree camera system that supports both night and day vision. There is also an option to include 3D LIDAR, further enhancing its situational awareness in complex environments. Additional features include autonomous waypoint navigation, leader-follower capabilities, obstacle avoidance, and an autonomous back-on-track feature. The vehicle also operates with a secure fire radio link, with a line-of-sight range of over 5 kilometers, ensuring reliable communication in operational conditions.

The CENTURIO explosive ordnance reconnaissance version is designed for counter-IED (C-IED) operations and is a robust, remotely operated robotic platform. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)

The CENTURIO explosive ordnance reconnaissance (EOD) version is specially designed to approach and assess potentially hazardous areas, identifying and handling unexploded ordnance (UXO) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Its advanced sensor suite and autonomous navigation capabilities allow it to perform critical missions in environments too dangerous for human personnel, ensuring the safety of troops and civilians in conflict zones.

The CENTURIO EOD designed for counter-IED (C-IED) operations, is a robust, remotely operated robotic platform. It is equipped with various interchangeable tools to dig into the soil, identify, and manipulate explosive devices, such as IEDs, thereby protecting soldiers from these threats and speeding up military operations. The Pioneer is operated remotely via secure radio links, with an option for fiber optic control in jammed environments. Autonomous capabilities are included to reduce the cognitive load on operators and enhance mission efficiency.

In terms of technical features, the CENTURIO EOD is 1.9 meters wide, 1.2 meters high (without the arm), and 3.5 meters long, weighing 2.8 tons. It is powered by a 60kW diesel engine (using J8 jet fuel), with 4WD and 4WS hydraulic propulsion allowing it to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h and handle slopes up to 60%. The vehicle is equipped with a 360-degree camera system, night and day vision, and an optional 3D LIDAR for enhanced navigation. Its hydraulic arm has four degrees of freedom, a 3-meter manipulation range, and a 100 kg lifting capability, making it versatile for various explosive ordnance tasks.

Rounding out the CENTURIO lineup is the CBRN detection robot. This unit is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors capable of detecting chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. In the face of increasing global concerns about the use of unconventional warfare tactics, this robot is designed to provide real-time threat detection and analysis, helping military units respond quickly and effectively to hazardous situations. Its deployment can prevent widespread contamination and ensure thesafety of personnel in high-risk environments.

The introduction of the CENTURIO range by KNDS marks a pivotal step in military robotics, providing an integrated suite of robotic solutions capable of addressing the diverse challenges faced by modern armies. The adaptability of the CENTURIO robots, coupled with their cutting-edge technology, allows for enhanced mission effectiveness and reduced human exposure to dangerous situations.