Iveco Defence Vehicles UK has delineated the most recent progression trajectory for its Viking unmanned ground vehicle, as fascination with self-governing terrestrial systems commences to resurface among European military forces.
In an interview with UK Defence Journal, Dr Geoff Davis, IDV UK’s Managing Director, stated that the system is the outcome of over ten years of trials stemming from initial UK Ministry of Defence efforts concerning remotely managed vehicles. “The group that joined IDV possesses potentially nearly two decades of experience collaborating with the UK MoD on remote operation mechanisms and unmanned ground vehicles,” he remarked, attributing the firm’s beginnings to initial cross-country tests and practical explorations.
Subsequently, that endeavor grew to encompass deployed apparatus, most prominently via the Panama initiative, which entailed transforming Land Rover Snatch automobiles into tele-operated bases for identifying IEDs in Afghanistan. “Those automobiles were remotely controlled and equipped with ground-penetrating radar and additional sensors. That proved to be a significant triumph,” Davis noted, characterizing the undertaking as a pivotal moment that spurred the creation of specialized unmanned platforms. Leveraging this background, IDV commenced designing a custom-built vehicle without explicit military mandates. “Clients genuinely lacked certainty regarding their needs. A definite demand was absent,” he commented.
“Consequently, we conceived a system that has fundamentally evolved into what is presently identified as Viking.”
Presently, Viking represents a six-wheel-drive unmanned ground vehicle, tipping the scales at approximately 1.3 metric tons and able to transport as much as 750 kilograms of cargo. This apparatus is conceived as a reconfigurable base, equipped to facilitate various operational modules, such as logistical aid, injured personnel removal, ISTAR functions, CBRN scouting, and distant weapon incorporation.
Davis likened the structural design to an adaptable foundational system instead of a static vehicle blueprint. “It functions as a military skateboard,” he articulated. “You are able to place any cargo you desire atop it, and subsequently, we incorporate that cargo to harness the unmanned functionality and the AI suite we employ.”
Although the automobile has not yet been commercialized for widespread manufacturing, IDV persists in supplying limited quantities to clients for evaluation and trials. “We are not manufacturing in large quantities,” Davis stated. “We are presently generating modest amounts for patrons who desire one, two, three, or five units to test and determine the optimal application of unmanned ground vehicles.”
He further mentioned that Viking persists as a system conceived and constructed in the UK, notwithstanding IDV’s Italian proprietorship. “This signifies an independent UK capacity,” he declared. “No other producer within the UK is advancing this type of remedy with a British workforce.”
In addition to its endeavors concerning unmanned systems, Iveco Defence Vehicles has been strategically establishing itself more extensively within the British Army’s changing terrestrial locomotion environment. The corporation has indicated an interest in various domains linked to the broader Land Mobility Initiative, which endeavors to update and streamline significant segments of the Army’s aging fleet of vehicles during the forthcoming ten years.
During recent sector gatherings, IDV has displayed crewed systems that correspond with these initiatives, encompassing diverse models of its Military Utility Vehicle targeting the Light Mobility Vehicle demand, a fundamental component of the overarching scheme. Independently, the corporation has also advocated for its substantial truck collection in relation to the Army’s need for an updated Heavy Equipment Transport capacity, prompted by the deployment of Challenger 3.
Nevertheless, unmanned ground vehicles presently fall outside the official purview of the Land Mobility Programme. As Davis elucidated during the discussion, current demands continue to center on crewed systems principally designed for troop conveyance and logistical support. “In its present state, the Land Mobility Programme makes no mention of unmanned systems,” he conveyed. “There is currently no indication from the client to incorporate unmanned technologies.”
IDV is currently readying an advanced iteration of Viking, slated for revelation at Eurosatory. Per Davis, this enhancement incorporates insights gained from client evaluations, rather than representing a complete overhaul. “The fresh version largely concerns integrating acquired knowledge into the merchandise,” he articulated. Modifications involve a shift from a parallel hybrid setup to a series hybrid arrangement, facilitated by breakthroughs in battery cells, electric motors, and power control mechanisms. “Such a feat was simply not physically achievable before at a reasonable price,” he appended.
The enhanced system will additionally boast superior computational capacity, reconfigured sensor positioning, and improvements aimed at streamlining production and upkeep. “It pertains to dependability, simplicity of construction, and reductions in expenditure,” Davis remarked. Recent evaluations have progressively emphasized intricate operational scenarios, diverging from fundamental logistical assistance. “Half a decade ago, I would assert unequivocally that the emphasis was on troop assistance,” he observed. “Currently, we are witnessing considerably heightened interest in uses where unmanned functionality is crucial.”
Illustrations provided encompassed CBRN exploration, allowing individuals to remain distant from polluted surroundings, and continuous oversight operations aided by self-governing observation. “One desires individuals to be nowhere in proximity to an contaminated zone,” Davis stated. “Leveraging AI and data frameworks, it’s possible to scrutinize extensive regions and pinpoint pollution without any human presence close to the site.”
He also detailed an increasing fascination with collaborative endeavors involving numerous unmanned systems. “It is feasible to deploy vehicles that conceal themselves, observe an area, identify a danger, and subsequently signal other platforms,” he explained, highlighting the merits of electric propulsion. “They are imperceptible, inaudible, and possess a minimal heat footprint.”
As per Davis, engagement with such apparatus has intensified in recent periods throughout Europe, the UK, and North America. “We have witnessed a genuine surge in enthusiasm,” he commented, further noting that Western militaries largely remain in a trial stage as they ascertain the most effective methods to deploy unmanned innovations extensively. Considering the future, IDV’s extended objective is to extend its autonomy expertise beyond specialized UGVs. “Our approach involves taking the technological core, the system’s intelligence, and integrating it into diverse platforms,” he mentioned, including optionally manned lorries and external vehicles.
Notwithstanding continuing ambiguity concerning defense acquisition schedules, Davis asserted that the UK maintains a robust manufacturing foundation in this domain. “We are a proud Anglo-Italian firm with British roots,” he stated. “The British contingent created this offering, and it garners international acclaim.” Nevertheless, he cautioned that ongoing advancement would hinge on more distinct directives from the administration. “It is truly imperative for the UK client to increase its commitment and fund British innovations,” Davis urged. “That is the means by which capacity is hastened and avenues for international trade are opened.”