GDLS introduces TRX SHORAD for future counter-drone warfare.

On October 10, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) announced on its Twitter page the introduction of the TRX SHORAD at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Expo. This unmanned vehicle is an anti-drone solution based on GDLS’ TRX robotic platform. It is equipped with a weapons station with a 30mm automatic cannon and Stinger surface-to-air missile launchers. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the TRX SHORAD, its capabilities, and its potential role in modern warfare.
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TRX SHORAD is equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station armed with a 30mm automatic cannon and two groups of four missile launchers capable of firing Stinger surface-to-air missiles (Picture source: General Dynamics Land Systems)

The TRX SHORAD is a specialized version of GDLS' TRX, or "Tactical Robot eXperimental," an unmanned multi-role robotic system weighing 10 tons. It was designed for use in a wide range of military operations and hazardous environments, including urban, desert, and jungle terrains. The platform has a payload capacity of 450 kg and is powered by a hybrid power plant consisting of a diesel engine, batteries, and electric motors. According to GDLS, the TRX SHORAD is intended to offer a new robotic solution capable of carrying out anti-drone missions using onboard weapon systems.

The TRX SHORAD is equipped with a remotely controlled weapons station armed with a 30mm automatic cannon and two groups of four missile launchers capable of firing Stinger surface-to-air missiles. The Stinger missile is a “fire and forget” weapon, meaning that once launched, its guidance system takes over and directs it toward the target. The missile has two main variants: the FIM-92A, with a range of up to 4.8 km and a maximum altitude of around 3.8 km, and the FIM-92B, with a range of up to 8 km and a maximum altitude of approximately 4.6 km.

The TRX robot is equipped with a range of sensors, including cameras, laser rangefinders, and thermal imagers, allowing it to detect and identify targets at long range. These sensors, combined with onboard AI algorithms, allow the robot to operate semi-autonomously or to be remotely controlled by an operator using a controller or laptop.

The Congressional Research Service noted that the range of aerial threats has expanded since the early 2000s, particularly with the increased use of drones. The TRX SHORAD is designed to respond to this evolving landscape, providing a layer of defense against a variety of aerial threats, including drones.