American Rheinmetall and Textron could produce up to 2,195 S-MET UGVs for US Army by 2027.

At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 event, American Rheinmetall Vehicles and Textron Systems presented their jointly developed prototype for the U.S. Army’s Small Multi-Purpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) Increment II program. American Rheinmetall Vehicles, headquartered in Sterling Heights, Michigan, recently won one of two contracts awarded as part of this program, which is focused on providing the Army with up to 2,195 autonomous ground vehicles capable of effectively transporting supplies and equipment over challenging terrain in support of combat operations.
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For the S-MET program, Textron Systems’ control architecture from early RCV platforms has been adapted to create a common interface with the S-MET vehicle. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Under the terms of the contract, American Rheinmetall Vehicles will deliver eight prototypes in 2025 for extensive testing and evaluation. These prototypes will compete with those from a second awardee, with the US Army ultimately selecting a single platform for full-scale production. American Rheinmetall Vehicles’ S-MET solution incorporates technology from its Mission Master family, which includes a series of modular autonomous ground vehicles designed for various tasks such as reconnaissance, surveillance, counter-unmanned aerial systems (cUAS), and logistical support.

The S-MET vehicle utilizes components already available in the Army’s inventory, along with commercially developed all-terrain vehicle technologies. This approach is intended to enhance the platform’s reliability and affordability, while addressing electromagnetic compatibility through its unique composite structure.

The collaboration between American Rheinmetall Vehicles and Textron Systems brings together substantial experience in the field of unmanned ground vehicles. Textron Systems, with over three decades of experience in autonomous platform development across air, land, and maritime domains, contributes its expertise in robotic ground vehicles. Textron Systems has previously developed the Ripsaw M5 and M3 platforms for the Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) programs. For the S-MET program, Textron Systems’ control architecture from these RCV platforms has been adapted to create a common interface with the S-MET vehicle, reducing operator training requirements and enabling easier integration across the Army’s autonomous vehicle programs.

If developmental testing for S-MET Increment II proceeds as anticipated, a production contract is scheduled for late Fiscal Year 2027, with the US Army’s Acquisition Objective targeting up to 2,195 units. (Picture source: American Rheinmetall Vehicles)

American Rheinmetall Vehicles operates as part of the American Rheinmetall Defense network, which includes divisions such as American Rheinmetall Munitions, American Rheinmetall Systems, and American Rheinmetall Defense. These companies are focused on supporting U.S. defense priorities through collaboration within Rheinmetall’s global network and an emphasis on strengthening the U.S. industrial base.

The S-MET Increment II builds upon the first iteration of the program, which was originally developed to explore existing platforms that could improve logistics capabilities within the Army. The original S-MET platform was a radio-controlled, eight-wheeled vehicle capable of transporting up to 1,000 pounds of equipment, providing power to on-board systems, and traversing varied terrain. The second increment aims to enhance these capabilities, doubling the payload capacity and providing increased power output to support mission payloads such as unmanned aerial systems and advanced communications equipment. Other improvements include a quieter audio signature, a wireless mesh communication network for dismounted operations, and modular architecture for easier future upgrades.

Kyle Bruner, project manager for Force Projection at the Army’s Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support, noted that S-MET Increment II addresses specific challenges associated with reducing physical burden on soldiers, sustaining battery power for continuous operations, and improving reliability for semi-independent operations. By transferring the load to the robotic platform, the S-MET is designed to decrease physical strain on soldiers, contributing to more effective small unit operations. If developmental testing for S-MET Increment II proceeds as anticipated, a production contract is scheduled for late Fiscal Year 2027, with the Army’s Acquisition Objective targeting up to 2,195 units.