Hippo Multipower displayed an autonomous variant of its amphibious HIPPO All Terrain Support Vehicle (ATSV) at Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) 2018, Millbrook, Bedfordshire, UK, fitted with a robotic applique kit.
Hippo Multipower has teamed with Digital Concepts Engineering (DCE) to demonstrate the vehicle’s ability to operate remotely and with autonomous operation to the UK Minstry of Defence (MoD) through the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) Autonomous Last Mile Resupply (ALMR) project.
The HIPPO ATSV is an eight-wheel-drive platform designed to reduce the load of dismounted soldiers, enabling them to operate further, faster, and longer. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5 litre, 45 hp diesel powerplant and is capable of carrying up to 750 kg of cargo on its rear deck, with a further 1,500 kg load when using a trailer.
The HIPPO can transport an entire mortar section with three mortars and ammunition. Adding a second or third vehicle to the mortar section allows for a greater dispersion of barrels, thereby enhancing survivability. It also improves the endurance of each detachment by increasing the number of mortar bombs that can be carried.
The vehicle is equipped with skid-steer functionality to manoeuvre in tight conditions. A track kit can optionally be fitted to improve mobility in arctic, deep snow, and muddy conditions.
It underwent field trials in Missouri and Florida in the US in June, where it was tested in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees C.
A 5 kW onboard power generator is used to charge batteries, heat water, and power mission equipment such as radios, electronic countermeasures (ECM), and surveillance systems, while its high-capacity 3 kWh lithium-ion battery enables silent operation of the equipment with the generator switched off.
janes.com