DETROIT
- Jan. 7, 2003 - The Army Tank-automotive and
Armaments Command's National Automotive Center (NAC) today
unveiled SmarTruck
II, a versatile prototype, multi-purpose vehicle
capable of both counterterrorism support and homeland security
for a variety of community service and humanitarian aid missions.
The
technology-laden vehicle introduces several new electronic
and communications technologies, including a Pointer remotely
controlled electric Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), advanced
SPIKE pinpoint laser-guided missile, 360-degree video cameras,
four integrated state-of-the-art global communications systems
and a unique hyperbolic interactive website for data acquisition.
Built
on a modified Chevrolet Silverado platform, this innovative
6x6 all-wheel drive vehicle is engineered to meet military,
homeland security, counterterrorism and municipal government
challenges in a post-Sept. 11 environment. SmarTruck II
packs a bevy of electronically intelligent devices, state-of-the-art
global communication systems and weapon options that will
give its crew some crucial mission advantages.
"SmarTruck
II is a multi-purpose vehicle for what are, in reality,
'multi-purpose' missions. This unique vehicle is now ready
and able to meet those challenges facing local, state and
federal agencies," said Dennis J. Wend, executive
director of the NAC. "If you don't know exactly
what you need, what's the next best thing? A modular vehicle
that can become anything you want it to be."
SmarTruck
II incorporates an interchangeable mobile applications system.
The system consists of a heavy-duty stainless steel receiver
frame that accepts multiple combinations of new special
applications modules/pods. These interchangeable pods can
be configured to perform a wide range of military missions
or homeland security activities. The vehicle can be quickly
adapted to meet any mission requirement.
"Beyond
the military role, SmarTruck II can be configured for homeland
security, community service and humanitarian aid applications
such as disaster relief, medical response, surveillance,
field kitchen, water purification, wide area lighting, water
pump and as a command and control center," commented
Wend.
Technology
Enhancements
SmarTruck II puts advanced technology directly into the
hands of our nation's defenders and first responders. The
vehicle can be configured based on one of four specialized
ModuloTM modules: Base Power Module, Electro Optics Module,
Weapons Module Pad with SPIKE missile launcher demonstrator,
and Integrated Communications Module with Crew Intercom
systems.
POINTER
is an electric UAV hand-launched through the OnePictureTM
Integrated command and control console, which enables real-time
video transmission from vehicle to pilot and observer on
the ground. Optional chemical and environment monitoring
payloads are also available through the POINTER UAV, equipping
SmarTruck II to handle other applications such as air pollution
sensing and chemical weapons detection.
SPIKE,
a low-cost, man-packable, fire-and-forget guided missile
and launcher system, can fire two missiles simultaneously,
either at the same target or at independent targets. SmarTruck
II incorporates a 48-round magazine into the weapons module,
supplying reloads to vehicle launching systems or shoulder-fired
launchers.
The
innovative Hyperbolic WEB display provides multi-dimensional
data acquisition capability, sifting through large amounts
of hierarchical information to give the user the most accurate
inside view of a particular subject. The hyperbolic display
also provides an integrated "Hacker-in-a-Box"
suite of electronic tools, which allows a Homeland Defense
vehicle to respond to a hostile online threat.
The
3D Mapping capability, integrated into the OnePictureTM
operator console, allows the user to better manipulate maps,
storing real-time images with video data-links in order
to update terrain images on the fly. A long range Electro
Optics Module includes a high power (50X) zoom video system
with thermal imaging and surveillance radar, which can detect
moving objects within 7km of the vehicle. Finally, a LED
Messaging System enables precise infrared spectrum communication
from a lead vehicle through its taillights to trailing vehicles
in a convoy, displaying information such as speed, turning,
braking and distance between vehicles.
The
SmarTruck II project is collaborative effort between the
NAC, Integrated Concepts & Research Corporation (ICRC)
of Alexandria, VA and Applied Minds, Inc. of Glendale, CA.
The
National Automotive Center is the Army's official link to
working with commercial and academic partners to create
vehicles that will give the Army the mobility, survivability
and agility it needs to operate efficiently and effectively
in today's new threat environment. For the military, the
NAC's partnership approach makes it possible to improve
vehicle performance, safety and endurance while reducing
design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance costs.
For commercial partners, the application of jointly developed
technologies has similar impacts-safer cars and trucks,
more advanced technology available to the consumer and lower
cost because of the broader market base.