Milrem Robotics rolls out its new Type-X RCV

11th January 2021

Alex Lynn

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The medium class Type-X RCV (Robotic Combat Vehicle) developed by Milrem Robotics passed its initial mobility tests. The Type-X RCV designed to support mechanised units was first announced in the summer of last year. The Type-X will become an intelligent wingman to main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles capable of taking on the most dangerous tasks and positions, which result in lower lethality risk.

“The Type-X will provide equal or overmatching firepower and tactical usage to a unit equipped with Infantry Fighting vehicles. It provides means to breach enemy defensive positions with minimal risk for own troops and replacing a lost RCV is purely a logistical nuance,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

The Type-X can be fitted with a cannon up to 50mm. With up to a 30mm cannon the RCV is also airdroppable - the C-130J and the KC-390 can carry one Type-X, an A400M two and a C-17 5 of them.

“The vehicle will be equipped with intelligent functions such as follow-me, waypoint navigation and obstacle detection with Artificial Intelligence being part of the algorithms,” Väärsi added. “Also, Milrem Robotics’ software developers have taken a totally new and innovative approach to allow remote controlled operations on higher speeds.”

The low weight of 12 tons of the Type-X and high power with efficient power management provide a superior terrain capability and its low height of 2.2m and a rear engine provide low visual and heat signature.

In addition, the Type-X is approximately three to four times lighter and its cost significantly lower than that of a conventional IFV. It has been designed with intelligent predictive maintenance combined with a Health and Usage Monitoring System and Line Replacement Unit principle to ensure a low Through Lifecycle Cost and logistic footprint. Also, its hybrid powertrain and rubber tracks will reduce lifecycle costs significantly.

To develop the Type-X RCV Milrem Robotics utilised its knowledge gained from developing its flagship product the THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle, intended to support dismounted troops, that has already been acquired by ten countries, seven of which are members of NATO.