BAE Systems Australia Shows ATLAS' Strength

Defence giant BAE Systems Australia has been showcasing its newest next-generation autonomous combat vehicle: ATLAS.

The full name of the 8x8 Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) is the Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV).

Built to a modular design, the platform can be configured to suit a variety of missions and upgraded as new capabilities are developed. The vehicle was unveiled for the first time this week at Australia’s Land Forces 2024 International Land Defence Exposition in Melbourne.

Managing Director – Defence Delivery at BAE Systems Australia Andrew Gresham commented: “We’ve developed the ATLAS vehicle to give soldiers the advantage on the modern battlefield. This has resulted in an autonomous platform that will deliver the dull, dirty and dangerous tasks expected in a combat environment.

“ATLAS will enable the Australian Army to be fit to fight in the littoral environment. It will help the soldier outpace, out-manoeuvre and out-think conventional and unconventional threats.

“We have proven expertise in autonomous technologies, built on more than 30 years of complex autonomous projects. We’re excited that this is the first UGV of its kind to be developed in Australia and look forward to working with our industry partners to deliver this capability for our customers.” 

The autonomous "brain" of the CCV enables it to avoid obstacles, route plan, and make tactical decisions. It is equipped with the Vantage Automated Turret System (ATS) featuring a M242 Bushmaster 25mm cannon with 260 rounds; the system incorporates human decision-making into its target-and-fire system.

Its drive system features all-axle steering, giving it a turning circle of less than 13 metres. It can be driven remotely and also has follow-me and waypoint navigation modes, as well as goal-oriented mission planning.

Partners in the ATLAS CCV programme include Supacat in the U.K. and Australia, Valhalla Turrets in Slovenia and Marand in Australia.

• You can read further details on the BAE Systems Australia website