[Discussion] Stryker Unleashes New Era of Mobile Command with UGV 'Wingmen'

[Uncrowned Guard]

A New Approach to Battle Command Systems: Stryker and UGV 'Wingmen'

The modern battlefield is about to take on a new look thanks to an ambitious concept spearheaded by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). This innovative strategy centers on command-and-control operations evolving to become more nimble, highly protected, and versatile. Crucial to realizing this concept is the Mission Command On The Move (MCOTM) Stryker, an initiative reimagining how command systems could be managed on the battlefield.

Forward-thinking Tech Unveiled at AUSA

At the recent Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference, GDLS introduced the MCOTM concept, which combines advanced command center technologies with a team adept at interpreting critical data for fast and effective decisions. The strategy behind this design is packing all these capabilities into a highly mobile armored vehicle that can be relocated close to the battle's frontlines, protected by a cohort of Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs), also under its control.

This idea aims to improve the agility, survivability, and protection of command control nodes in a modern combat environment. The concept evolves from fixed command centers, recognizing their vulnerability to precision-guided missiles and drone technology. By enabling rapid repositioning of these centers, MCOTM provides an authenticated solution to significant logistical challenges in setting up, dismantling, and moving traditional command centers.

Fostering an Armored Ecosystem of Manned-Unmanned Teaming

Of equal importance is the ability of this mobile command control node to leverage a variety of UGVs for defensive and offensive operations. With a networked, armored, high-mobility C2 node, there is potential for greater proximity to some of the UGVs it controls, enabling direct line-of-sight connectivity. The vehicles, in turn, offer direct fire, reconnaissance, air defense, and additional transport capabilities, forming an armored ecosystem that is the direction the Army intends to pursue.

Central to implementing this concept is the 8×8 MCOTM armored vehicle, based on the StrykerX demonstrator. The new Stryker MCOTM, unveiled as a step towards the development of this concept, optimizes space to accommodate seven soldiers and uses GDLS's KATALYST Next Generation Electronic Architecture (NGEA). The system integrates all of its components, allowing rapid adaptability to changing tactical realities and technologies, and also reduces electromagnetic signatures. The hybrid propulsion too contributes to these efforts.

Unmanned Support on the Battlefield

The Stryker MCOTM is accompanied by the newly revealed iteration of GDLS's 8×8 Multi-Utility Tactical Transport (MUTT) robotic vehicle, MUTT XM, and the latest TRX Defender, a modular robotic vehicle configurable to provide combined ground and air defense fire support. The MUTT XM, specifically optimized for toughness against electromagnetic interference, serves as an equipment-carrying 'robotic mule,' with the potential for various combat, combat support, and combat service support functions.

To enhance the ability of the command vehicle in terms of self-protection, the setup also includes an Iron Fist Light active protection system. Designed for neutralizing incoming threats, including anti-tank guided missiles and other infantry anti-armor weapons, this installation can potentially shield against incoming drones and drone-launched projectiles in the near future.

Conclusion: The Future Military Landscape

As the US Army looks to upend the conventional battle landscape by integrating UGVs into its armored units, GDLS's concept offers a feasible solution. Encouraging the controlled proximity of the controller vehicle to the drones can help circumvent deficiencies in autonomy besides fostering situational awareness. Being the central C2 node or 'quarterback' for drones, even by maintaining some functionalities, could change modern warfare dynamics. Even if the described system is not adopted, the idea of such configurations will likely shape future military technology.

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