DX Korea 2018: New MPUV Hanwha Land Systems 4x4 Multi-Purpose Unmanned Vehicle.

At DX Korea 2018, Defense Exhibition near Seoul, South Korea, Hanwha Land Systems presents its new development of 4x4 wheeled Multi-Purpose Unmanned Vehicle (MPUV) in two configurations, one for reconnaissance and a second version that can be used to transport military equipment. These vehicles were developed to response for a new program of ground unmanned vehicles for the South Korean Army.

Hanwha Land Systems MPUV Multi-Purpose Unmanned Vehicle in reconnaissance version at DX Korea 2018, Defense Exhibition near Seoul, South Korea. September 2018 (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Multi-Purpose Unmanned Vehicle (MPUV) is electrically powered and has four independently steered and driven wheels. It can run at a maximum speed of 20 km/h in all-terrain conditions. It has a total weight of 840 kg with a payload of 160 kg.

The MPUV has a total length of 2.84 m, a width of 1.5 m and a height of 1,67. It can climb obstacles of 0.35 m and can cross a trench of 0.3 m.

The MPUV is powered by a lithium-ion battery allowing up to six hours of operation, that can be extended to 16 hr depending on the mission. It can be controlled by a single operator via a handheld console delivering images from cameras and optics mounted on the vehicle. The MPUV can be operated in three modes, manually with the console, by fiber optic link and in self-mode. All around the vehicle, there is high-definition daylight CCD cameras to provide visual aids to the operator during all operational use.

In self mode, UGV is tasked to surveillance the border between the two areas without the human instructions. This feature can be attained by implementing GPS, Magnetic compass to measure the turning angles and adjust the route avoiding the obstacles such as mountains, trees and rivers.

The reconnaissance version is fitted with anti-roll bar protection equipped with optics including video and CCD cameras used to transmit images in real-time. It can perform search and reconnaissance missions and can be connected with other unmanned systems. It has also the ability to control other unmanned units on the battlefield.

The reconnaissance version of the MPUV can be fitted with a variety of modular payloads according to mission requirements and can be used in dangerous or hard-to-reach areas, offering high level of safety and security to mounted and dismounted soldiers.

Hanwha Land Systems MPUV Multi-Purpose Unmanned Vehicle in cargo carrfier version at DX Korea 2018, Defense Exhibition near Seoul, South Korea. September 2018 (Picture source Army Recognition)

The cargo carrier version of the MPUV can be used to transport heavy military equipment on the battlefield or a wounded soldier.

At DX Korea 2018, the cargo version of the MPUV was fitted with a remotely operated weapon station mounted at the front of the vehicle, offering the possibility to use this UGV for combat operations. The weapon station can be armed with machine gun or individual weapon up to 7.62mm caliber.

To increase the combat operational capabilities of the vehicle, it can be fitted with a gunfire detection system enabling the MPUV to detect incoming threats of small arms firing up to a distance of 3 km.

The MPUV can be controlled by a single operator via a handheld console delivering images from cameras and optics mounted on the vehicle. (Picture source Army Recognition)