Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment vehicle

Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment vehicle
From top to bottom:XM1218, XM1217, XM1219
Type	Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle
Place of origin	United States
Specifications
Weight	2.5 tons

The Multi-Mission Unmanned Ground Vehicle, previously known as the Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment vehicle (MULE), was an autonomous unmanned ground combat vehicle developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control for the United States Army's Future Combat Systems and BCT Modernization programs. The last component of the program was canceled in July 2011.^[1]

Description

The Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment Vehicle was a 2.5-ton Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) that was developed to support dismounted and air assault operations. The MULE was sling-loadable under military rotorcraft and featured a common chassis. As the program's centerpiece, the Common Mobility Platform (CMP) chassis provided mobility built around an advanced propulsion and articulated suspension system. This system gave the MULE the ability to negotiate complex terrain, obstacles, and gaps that a dismounted squad would encounter.

The MULE's unique, highly advanced 6x6 independent articulated suspension, coupled with in-hub motors powering each wheel, provided extreme mobility in complex terrain, far exceeding that of vehicles utilizing more conventional suspension systems. It could climb at least a 1-meter step traverse side slopes greater than 40 percent, ford water to depths over 0.5 meters and overpass obstacles as high as 0.5 meters, while compensating for varying payload weights and center of gravity locations.

Variants

XM1217 Transport

The XM1217 was canceled in December 2009 along with the XM1218. It would have been able to haul 860 to 1090 kg (1,900 to 2,400 pounds) of equipment.

XM1218 Countermine

The Countermine MULE Vehicle (MULE-CM) (XM1218) would provide the capability to detect, mark, and neutralize anti-tank mines. The vehicle would be equipped with an integrated mine detection mission equipment package from the Ground Standoff Mine Detection System (GSTAMIDS). The XM1218 was canceled in December 2009.

XM1219 ARV-Assault-Light

Main article: XM1219 Armed Robotic Vehicle

The ARV-A-L MULE Vehicle (ARV-A-L) (XM1219) would have featured an integrated weapons and reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) package to support the dismounted infantry’s efforts to locate and destroy enemy platforms and positions. The ARV-A-L would have supported both anti-tank and anti-personnel weapons platforms that will be remotely operated by network linked Soldiers. This variant was cancelled in July 2011.^[2]

References

Army Modernization site

↑ Brannen, Kate, "Army kills off MULE unmanned vehicle", Military Times, 15 August 2011.
↑ Army cancels MULE unmanned ground vehicle, Gannett Government Media Corporation, retrieved 2 August 2011

External links

BCT Modernization capability packages

Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team Capability Package	Future Force Warrior Network XM156 Class I UAV XM501 Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System Unattended Ground Sensors XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle

Follow On Incremental Capabilities	Common Controller XM157 Class IV UAV Ground Combat Vehicle Program: IFV Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment vehicle: XM1219 ARV XM1218 Countermine XM1217 Transport

Future Combat Systems Subsystems

The Future Force Warrior The Network

Manned Ground Vehicles	XM1201 Reconnaissance and Surveillance Vehicle XM1202 Mounted Combat System XM1203 Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon XM1204 Non-Line-of-Sight Mortar XM1205 Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle XM1207 Medical Vehicle-Evacuation XM1208 Medical Vehicle-Treatment XM1209 Command and Control Vehicle

Unmanned Ground Vehicles	XM1216 SUGV MULE

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles	XM156 Class I UAV Class II UAV Class III UAV XM157 Class IV UAV

Devices	Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System Unattended Ground Sensors Intelligent Munitions System

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