Carnegie Mellon's new Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle (UGCV) is called "Crusher".
It weights in at 6.5 tons, and should go into service in 2008, the next 2 years will be extensive field tests. The Spinner is its predecessor, which
was also built by Carnegie Mellon, at a cost of 35 million. This vehicle is a direct bi-product of the Darpa Grand Challenge. It "sees" by using
ladar (laser range finder) & stereo cameras, it also has a telescoping mast which enables covert surveillance, and it can climb over steps that are 4
feet high & 40 degree slopes, but if it does roll-over, it can still drive normal because its wheels can move up & down, so whether its upside down or
right side up...its all the same!
Here’s a short video on it (how it sees):
Crusher
This things suspension is truly amazing! It makes the Hummer look like a pavement only vehicle.
Picture Page
Video Page - (a must see)
Darpa's Smart, Mean, Off-Road Drone
Carnegie Mellon's National Robotics Engineering Center Unveils Futuristic Unmanned Ground
Combat Vehicles
Since Crusher and its predecessor do not have to accommodate human crews, their novel designs offer unequaled ruggedness, mobility and
payload-carrying capacity compared to manned vehicles in their weight class. Crusher's hull is made from high-strength aluminum tubes and titanium
nodes protected by a steel skid plate that can absorb shocks from impacts with rocks or tree stumps. Its unique suspension enables it to move smoothly
over extremely rough terrain and overcome obstacles like large ditches, man-made barriers or piles of boulders. It can carry more than 8,000 lbs. of
payload and armor. Electric motors embedded in each of the vehicle's six wheels are powered with a hybrid system that uses a turbo diesel generator
to recharge its batteries. Its top speed is currently 26 miles per hour.
[edit on 30-4-2006 by Murcielago]
