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Hanwha Unveils Hybrid GRUNT UGV with RCWS at AUSA 2024 for Infantry Support Operations.
At AUSA 2024 in Washington, D.C., Hanwha Aerospace introduced its new unmanned ground vehicle, the GRUNT, equipped with a remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS). Formerly known as the Arion-SMET, this vehicle, developed under the acronym Autonomous and Robotic Systems for Intelligence Off-road Navigation – SMET, represents an advanced solution for infantry support operations. Integrating Hanwha Aerospace's HAEMOS solutions for robotic and autonomous systems, the GRUNT is a hybrid electric 6×6 model designed to meet the demands of intense military operations, including ammunition transport, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and close-combat support.
The GRUNT is equipped with an advanced remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) that enables enemy shot localization and automatic target tracking (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The GRUNT features a payload capacity exceeding 900 kg and an operational range of 290 km on a single charge, approximately triple the range and 1.5 times the payload capacity of its predecessor, the Arion-SMET. This vehicle marks a significant step forward in autonomous ground transport technology, enhancing operational capabilities for a wide range of military applications. It can reach speeds of 43 km/h on paved roads and 22 km/h on rough terrain, bolstering maneuverability and support capabilities in challenging environments.
Additionally, the GRUNT is equipped with an advanced remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) that enables enemy shot localization and automatic target tracking. The RCWS supports weapon calibers ranging from 5.56 mm to 7.62 mm, expanding the vehicle's defensive and offensive capabilities.
Now rebranded as the GRUNT, the former Arion-SMET also offers multiple operational modes, maximizing flexibility in mission settings. It can be remotely controlled, navigate autonomously off-road, conduct exploratory maneuvers, or operate in "tether-following" mode. Furthermore, its technology allows it to follow soldiers or allied vehicles, delivering direct and rapid support to infantry units.
Hanwha Aerospace, a leading developer in military robotics solutions, has designed the GRUNT to meet the evolving demands of modern battlefields with advanced and effective support systems. The deployment of vehicles like the GRUNT across global armed forces highlights a growing interest in autonomous transport solutions that bolster operational efficiency while reducing troop exposure to hazardous situations. By developing and unveiling the GRUNT, Hanwha Aerospace sets new standards for logistical and strategic support, advancing the evolution of autonomous ground vehicles for military applications.