ROOK is a 6×6 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed and developed by Israeli companies Elbit Systems and Roboteam.
Unveiled in November 2021, the ROOK UGV was developed by leveraging the operational experience of Roboteam’s PROBOT UGV, which is already operational in the US, Israel, France and the UK.
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ROOK UGV design and features
The unique design of the ROOK UGV, along with its autonomy suite, provides increased carrying capacity and high manoeuvrability. The modular box configuration of the vehicle allows for easier component replacement on the battlefield as well as the addition of new features through future upgrades without manufacturer involvement.
The UGV was built in compliance with MIL-STD 461F, MIL-STD 464F and MIL-STD 810G military standards. It has a length of 2.7m, width of 1.6m and height of 1.2m. The 1,200kg platform has a low centre of gravity, which provides increased stability during the evacuation of injured soldiers or delivery of supplies. The vehicle uses a visible white light-emitting diode (LED) and infrared light for illumination in the dark.
The system contents include the ROOK platform, ROCU-7 and ROCU-1 controllers, power supply cables, accessories, and documentation. The communication network uses a secured internet protocol (IP) Mesh datalink.
Payload
ROOK is a multi-payload vehicle, which is fully compliant with UGV interoperability profile (IOP), an initiative originally started by the US Department of Defense (DoD) to maintain open architecture interoperability standards for UGV platforms. It can carry up to 1,200kg of payload while maintaining manoeuvrability and transferability.
The plug-and-play payload architecture of the vehicle enables the seamless integration of different payloads.
The camera payloads on the UGV provide 360° high-definition real-time day and night video feeds.
Command and control
The ROOK UGV is equipped with Elbit Systems’ TORCH-X Robotic and Autonomous (RAS) application, which provides autonomous operations capability. The TORCH-X RAS enables the UGV to navigate through rough terrain during both day and night. It is designed to support the manned-unmanned teaming operation of air, sea and land-based unmanned platforms.
The vehicle can be controlled using the TORCH-X or the Roboteam’s ROCU-7 integrated, intuitive and secure wireless common controller. Operated by a single operator, the lightweight ROCU-7 controller provides a superior interface that can support multiple unmanned vehicles. It has an ergonomic design and can be used in adverse conditions. The ROCU-7 controller has an endurance of up to six hours.
The system features a daylight-readable, night vision imaging system (NVIS) 7in display. Built according to the IP65 military standard, it has a length of 30.5cm, width of 17.5cm and height of 7.3cm. The controller is powered by a 24V Roboteam battery or any 8V to 40V power input.
ROOK UGV mission capabilities
The ROOK UGV can be used to deliver supplies (logistics) and support casualty evacuation missions. It can also function as a remote weapon system and can be deployed from small vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft to perform intelligence gathering missions in the field.
Propulsion and performance
The unmanned vehicle is powered by a modular hybrid energy system, integrating batteries and optional internal generator. It has an endurance of up to eight hours and can achieve a maximum speed of 30km/h.
The high-mobility, all-terrain vehicle has a zero turning radius and ground clearance of 24cm. It can cross vertical gradients of up to 60%. The operational range of the UGV is approximately 1,000m.
