Unmanned vehicle ready to flush out terror

Though scientists at the establishment are tight-lipped about it, sources confirmed to The Indian Express that a military-capable UGV’s prototype has been tested successfully.

‘‘The vehicle can be very useful for the Army to cut down troop-loss, specially in counter-insurgency operations,’’ said a source on condition of annonymity.

The UGV is remote-controlled by a ‘pilot’ car. It is fitted with an automatic machine gun on the roof and cameras. The cameras send real time images to the pilot car, which enables it to control the UGV’s movements. The vehicle is protected by a bullet proof ‘suit’ that ensures minimal damage under light enemy fire.

The ‘pilots’ can move the UGV through small alleyways or building complexes to recce and map out the layout.

The fairly accurate machine gun can be used to neutralise threats.

‘‘The Army has been eagerly looking for such a vehicle,’’ the source said.

But even as the VRDE waits for the Army order for the vehicle, it is contantly upgrading it.

In fact, a conference of experts from across the country has also been planned in January to get more inputs for the project.

Topics like control, communication, vision system, sensors, navigation, platforms, security and safety of UGVs will be discussed at the conference. Plus, different applications of UGVs like material handling, surveillance, mine detection, recon, planting bombs and toxic site survey will also be discussed.