Multi-Utility Tactical Transport (MUTT) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is being offered by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) to project combat power, while reducing the warfighter’s burden.
The vehicle is intended to provide persistence, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) and lethality to dismounted infantry units in any operational environment. The UGV can be easily configured to accommodate a variety of larger payloads and new controllers. It offers high levels of autonomy and low thermal and noise signatures.
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MUTT UGV orders and deliveries
The MUTT UGV was tested by the US Marine Corps in July 2016. The vehicle’s ability to carry heavy loads was assessed during the tests.
The unmanned ground vehicle was selected for the US Army’s Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) unmanned ground system requirement in November 2019. GDLS will deliver 624 UGVs as part of an initial $162.4m contract that runs through October 2024. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2021.
General Dynamics Land Systems-UK was selected by the British Army in September 2019 to provide MUTT 6×6 UGVs to participate in Army Warfighting Experiment 2019 (AWE’19).
The British Army took delivery of two MUTT 8×8 UGVs from General Dynamics Land Systems-UK in April 2020. The company will also provide new operator and maintainer training, maintainer tools and spares, along with in-service support for the vehicles.
MUTT UGV design and features
The MUTT unmanned ground vehicle features robust, lightweight, low-cost design. It is available in 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 chassis configurations based on both wheels and tracks.
The 4×4 tracked variant has a length of 66in and a width of 54in. The 4×4 wheeled variant is 84in long and 60in wide. The gross vehicle weights of 4×4 tracked and wheeled variants are 1,450lb and 1,700lb, respectively. The 4×4 configuration carries loads up to 600lb.
The 6×6 tracked/wheeled configuration measures 93in long and can carry a payload of 900lb. The 6×6 tracked variant has a width of 60in and a gross vehicle weight of 2,300lb. The wheeled version is 70in wide, while its gross vehicle weight is 2,700lb.
The 8×8 tracked/wheeled configurations have a length of 116in and a payload capacity of 1,200lb. The tracked variant is 60in wide, while the wheeled version is 70in wide. The gross vehicle weights of tracked and wheeled variants are 3,000lb and 3,500lb, respectively.
MUTT UGV can be attached with the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) mobility trailer to transport more than three days of supply (DOS) for assigned formation.
It is air transportable by Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey multi-role combat aircraft.
Armament of Multi-Utility Tactical Transport UGV
MUTT UGV can carry weapons to provide high lethality and improved survivability.
The armed variant, called Weaponised MUTT, can be fitted with a remote weapon station carrying a Javelin anti-tank missile, a .50 calibre machine gun, a M4 Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle, and spare ammunition.
Operation and control
MUTT unmanned ground vehicle is capable of conducting operations in either tele-operation mode or semi-autonomous mode.
In the tele-operation mode, the teleoperator executes most of the UGV missions by remote control using line-of-sight (LOS) communications within a range of 200m.
In the semi-autonomous mode, the vehicle navigation is controlled using a semi-autonomous command system using GPS and inertial navigation system signals.
The unmanned ground vehicle can be equipped with Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay® mobile ad hoc network (MANET) data link technology for communication.
Propulsion and performance of MUTT vehicle
Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the MUTT vehicle generates low noise signature.
The 4×4 wheeled/tracked configurations generate 1.5kW of export power, while the 6×6 and 8×8 wheeled/tracked versions generate 3kw of export power.
The tracked variant offers a maximum range of 97km, while the wheeled configuration has a range of 58km.
It offers increased mobility and greater endurance for dismounted infantry units. Both tracked and wheeled variants of the UGV can operate on land or in water.
