Battlefield robotics from Marshall Land Systems in Cambridge go on show in the world’s largest defence electronics expo, DSEi, in London UK.

 Marshall will simulate a patrol armed with its equipment to check for explosives in a danger zone.

Its range of surveillance and situational awareness unmanned ground vehicles are at the centre of the Unmanned Vehicle demonstration at DSEi (September 13-16).  
 
During the early stages of the demonstration, which simulates a patrol operating in a hot and dusty area of the world, Questar, fitted with the NIITEK ground penetrating radar array, clears a path for the patrol whilst at the rear is Trakkar fitted with a Roke Manor Resolve Electronic Warfare System and the Chess Dynamics OWL Electro-Optical Director mounted on a Clark Mast’s 3m extending mast.

As events unfold, the Eye Drive throwbot is deployed by the patrol to assist in the clearance of an improvised explosive device.

Trakkar is a versatile, modular mobile surveillance reconnaissance robot. Its modular payload makes it extremely flexible for many operational capabilities from load carriage to special purpose surveillance reconnaissance.

Trakkar has an ABSL multi-function battery charger so the robot can be charging batteries while on station for the many man-portable communication and Electronic Counter Measures equipment routinely carried on operations by patrol members.

Trakkar is also fitted with an auxiliary power unit, or diesel generator supplied by CMCA. This, low-noise, small, diesel generator enables Trakkar to maintain endurance for operations as long as there is a supply of diesel fuel. The APU keeps the batteries topped up unless Trakkar is required to operate more discreetly at low noise. In discreet mode, Trakkar has three to four hours endurance depending on mission profile.

Questar is a fast, agile reconnaissance robot which has been developed following the experience and feedback received from users and experts after trials in a realistic operational environment. It is a rugged, medium size robot weighing 49kg and fitted with the proven Cobham DOMO communication and data link.

Marshall says that Questar is capable of up to 1.5 hours or 3 km endurance, depending on mission profile. Its modular and flexible design means it can be fitted with a variety of other sensors such as CBRN, explosive detectors, acoustic direction finders, or other specialist reconnaissance applications, the company adds.
 
EyeDrive is a compact, lightweight, man-portable robot which has been designed as a rugged ‘throwbot’ for insertion into difficult areas for close-range situational awareness and reconnaissance.

Five integrated video cameras provide all round observation through the 360° panoramic view. EyeDrive also has an additional tilt/zoom camera with illumination and laser pointer for more detailed examination requirements.

The intuitive semi-automatic navigation system is based on a ‘click n go’ technology and can also be directly, remotely controlled. The robot can also be modified to carry additional payloads such as an explosive EOD disruptor charge for counter IED missions.