A test of firing missiles from an ‘Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV)’ has succeeded for the first time in the world. It will take on the role of hunting down enemy tanks in place of human soldiers. It appears likely to serve as a catalyst for expanding unmanned equipment on land as well, following the air.

The German defense company Diehl Defence recently announced that it conducted a test launching an anti-tank missile from a UGV it developed.

The overall form of the UGV that Diehl Defence named ‘Chisel’ is a scaled-down version of a manned tank. Tracks are attached on both sides of the hull. A single missile launch tube is mounted on the head section. The vehicle is 1.6ｍ long and 1.3ｍ wide. It weighs about 380㎏.

Chisel was originally developed for transporting wounded soldiers or military supplies. However, its functions have now been expanded so that it can directly employ weapons.

Diehl Defence explained, “Chisel fired 17 missiles over five days.” This is the first time a UGV has launched missiles.

On land where battles take place, anti-tank missiles are launched by human soldiers, so the risk of casualties always exists. Using Chisel would greatly reduce such risks.

Until now, most missile launches from unmanned platforms have been carried out by unmanned aerial vehicles. With the appearance of Chisel, a ground weapon, the scope of battlefield unmanned operations has expanded.

Diehl Defence said the main purpose of this test was not to confirm missile accuracy but to see whether Chisel could withstand the recoil generated when a missile is fired.

Missile recoil can damage the shock-absorbing capability of the suspension mounted on a UGV. It can also potentially damage the onboard electronics or the vehicle frame. In this regard, Diehl Defence stated, “(Chisel) withstood the shocks that occur during the launch process.”

Chisel currently moves via remote control. Diehl Defence stated, “It is at a stage where the technology to make Chisel fully autonomous is also applicable.”