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originally posted by: neo96
a reply to: MrSpad
The US has spend a decade testing these things in Afghanistan and Iraq, they work well in support roles but, not so great in combat roles.
What though ?
I know the AF used predators, and reapers etc.
I know EOD used them.
I know dismounted ground forces used 'dragon runners' etc.
But what armed ground drones did we use ?
The closest thing I ever saw was lockheed Martins canceled MULE.
They are working on real UGVs which would be effective in a real battle but, that is some ways away
For the most part right now in a combat role they are just to vulnerable and slow to be of much use. If your enemy has motor they would wipe out and army of these things rolling around.
originally posted by: neo96
a reply to: MrSpad
They are working on real UGVs which would be effective in a real battle but, that is some ways away
I don't get what is taking them so long.
It's basically a really expensive remote control car. All they got to do is add some collision radar, and pedestrian sensors all the automakers are selling right now.
Slap some flir, with a derivative of Microsoft kinect sensor. Slap on 'facial','Weapon' recognition software on it with a data link.
Slap a remote weapon station on it, and PRESTO.
There is NO reason we should'nt be fielding a system right now, and using commercial technology already available to do it.
At least in my opinion.
For the most part right now in a combat role they are just to vulnerable and slow to be of much use. If your enemy has motor they would wipe out and army of these things rolling around.
That's not a big problem either. There are numerous active protection systems, and there are also tactical ground surveillance radars to choose from.
Throw in a drone with GTMI. Ground Moving Target Indicator. One would be hard pressed to get near it.( Pretty much what JSTARS is)
That's not counting on See through armor systems current available. AKA 'panoramic' vision systems.
Everything they need to make one we already have. Its just integration on a single platform.