BAE Systems unveils ATLAS robotic combat vehicle

BAE Systems has introduced the ATLAS Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV), a groundbreaking uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) designed to support modern armored forces with a flexible, modular approach to combat and logistics.

The ATLAS CCV is part of a growing trend of autonomous systems designed to reduce risks to soldiers and enhance combat efficiency on today’s complex battlefields.

“The ATLAS CCV is capable of undertaking the dirty and dangerous tasks such as direct fire support, obstacle clearance, combat reconnaissance, or short-range air defense,” said Stuart Bryden, business development manager for autonomy at BAE Systems Australia. “These tasks place an armored vehicle and its crew at significant risk, which is where ATLAS can step in to reduce exposure.”

The ATLAS CCV has been developed with a modular design, allowing it to perform a wide range of combat and support roles. From direct fire missions with its 25mm Bushmaster cannon to logistical resupply tasks, the platform is capable of supporting armored units like main battle tanks (MBTs), infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), and combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRVs).

Equipped with advanced autonomy and sensor systems, ATLAS can carry out missions such as reconnaissance, target identification, and electronic surveillance without placing personnel in harm’s way. Its “follow-me” capability and waypoint navigation allow the vehicle to operate autonomously or in coordination with crewed vehicles in various combat scenarios.

BAE Systems’ ATLAS CCV is built with adaptability and survivability in mind. The vehicle’s high-mobility driveline and advanced sensors make it a suitable platform for diverse terrains and operational environments, ranging from open fields to dense urban areas. The UGV is transportable by air, sea, and land, ensuring its rapid deployment in various operational theaters.

Kisa Christensen, director of Red Ochre Autonomy and Sensors at BAE Systems Australia, highlighted the vehicle’s operational flexibility, stating, “This makes the ATLAS CCV an excellent platform for advanced reconnaissance, armored overwatch, and flank protection roles in littoral environments and complex terrain.”

The ATLAS CCV’s autonomy is powered by BAE Systems’ Vehicle Management System, Mission Management System, and Payload Management System, which work together to provide the vehicle with autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and tactical decision-making capabilities. The system allows for human-on-the-loop oversight, requiring approval only for critical actions such as weapon firing.

The CCV’s modular design enables the integration of various payloads, including anti-tank missile launchers, automated mortar systems, and loitering munitions, offering battlefield commanders unmatched flexibility to adapt to mission needs.

The development of the ATLAS CCV is part of a larger shift towards integrating uncrewed systems with traditional military assets, allowing armed forces to leverage the benefits of both human and autonomous systems in combat operations. Its design not only enhances survivability and mission success but also reduces the cognitive load on human operators, enabling them to focus on strategic decision-making.

As BAE Systems continues to refine the ATLAS CCV and its capabilities, this autonomous combat vehicle is poised to become a crucial asset for modern military operations, providing advanced firepower, reconnaissance, and support capabilities while reducing risk to soldiers in the field.