WDS 2024: General Dynamics displays MBDA Brimstone missile integration on its TRX UGV.

At the World Defense Show 2024 (WDS 2024) exhibition in Saudi Arabia, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is showcasing its Tracked Robot 10-Ton (TRX) demonstrator, now featuring two pods, each carrying four MBDA Brimstone missiles. With this demonstrator, GDLS is potentially proposing a concept of operations where the TRX, equipped with guided missiles, could provide support to reconnaissance teams in targeting identified threats.
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GDLS's TRX UGV, when equipped with Brimstone missiles, could potentially provide support to reconnaissance teams in targeting identified threats. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The TRX, officially designated as the "Tactical Robot eXperimental," is an unmanned multi-role robotic system with a weight of 10 tons, produced by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). It has been designed to function in diverse military environments, including urban, desert, and jungle terrains. The TRX features a payload capacity of 450 kg and relies on a hybrid power plant composed of a diesel engine, batteries, and electric motors for its operation.

Fitted with various sensors, such as cameras, laser rangefinders, and thermal imagers, the TRX can effectively detect and identify targets at considerable distances. These sensors, combined with onboard AI algorithms, enable the robot to operate semi-autonomously or to be remotely controlled by an operator using a controller or laptop.

The TRX has participated in numerous US Army experiments conducted at Fort Benning and Fort Leonard Wood, where it underwent configuration with tactical resupply, extended communications, and urban obstacle payloads to provide support for platoon-to-company-level operations. It has been designed as a multimission, multi-payload robotic vehicle capable of fulfilling the requirements of Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs) and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs).

A notable feature of the TRX is its 1-to-1 weight-to-payload ratio, allowing it to carry payloads of up to 10,000 pounds and offering a flat deck suitable for various mission equipment packages. The TRX employs a hybrid-electric power pack for propulsion and power generation to meet payload and off-board requirements.

The TRX utilizes the US Army's Robotic Technology Kernel (RTK) Warfighter Machine Interface (WMI) for teleoperational and autonomous operations. It shares electronic architecture and control concepts with the MUTT (Multi-Utility Tactical Transport) framework, promoting commonality among unmanned ground vehicles. Furthermore, the TRX can be equipped with a Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) from the American company Moog to address a wide spectrum of remote turret-related missions.

The integration of the MBDA Brimstone missile system with the TRX at the World Defense Show 2024 exhibition enhances the potential of this UGV for tactical land forces. The Brimstone missile is known for its effectiveness in targeting various threats, including stationary, moving, and maneuvering assets such as Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), armored vehicles, and mobile enemy units. It offers all-weather fire-and-forget capability and can counter Defensive Aid Suites and Active Protection Systems (APS).

Manufactured by MBDA, the Brimstone missile has a weight of 50 kg and a length of 1.8 meters, with an operational range spanning from 12 to 60 km, depending on the variant. The missile's warhead features adaptive fusing, potentially enhancing its effectiveness against a range of targets. It also incorporates a 94GHz millimetric Wave (mmW) radar and a Semi-Active Laser (SAL) for targeting, with flexible engagement modes, including SAL, SAL/mmW, and mmW modes. In dual mode, SAL guidance can transition to mmW guidance for increased accuracy when the missile locks onto its target.

When mounted on the TRX, the Brimstone missile system is expected to support rapid salvo capabilities, similar to the Hydra 400 armed with the same missiles, offering various strike options in complex battlefield scenarios. In reality, the TRX's size, adaptability, and potential firepower make it a platform suitable for various battlefield roles, including direct and indirect fire support, autonomous resupply, complex obstacle breaching, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) operations, electronic warfare (EW), reconnaissance, and other critical missions.

The Brimstone missile is known for its effectiveness in targeting various threats, including stationary, moving, and maneuvering assets such as Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), armored vehicles, and mobile enemy units. (Picture source: Army Recognition)