Black Knight (Unmanned Combat Vehicle)
Encyclopedia
The Black Knight is a prototype Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle designed by BAE Systems
. Similar in size and appearance to a tank, it is armed with a turret-mounted 30mm gun and a coaxial machine gun. Although the armored vehicle can be controlled from a command center, the Black Knight does feature some autonomous functions in the turret and can also plan a route without hitting obstacles by itself. If necessary, the Black Knight can also be controlled by a Dismounted Control Device, or DCD. Information from the robot is relayed to and viewed by the Commander's Independent Viewer (CIV), or to the DCD in the latter case. The vehicle is fitted with a Caterpillar diesel engine, developing 300 horsepower. The Black Knight uses many automotive components from the Bradley to reduce costs and simplify maintenance. Its high maximum speed allows it to keep pace with main battle tanks. The Black Knight can be airlifted by the C-130 transport aircraft. It is an early prototype, which demonstrates advanced robotic technologies. Vehicle is currently being tested and evaluated by the US Army.
BAE Systems
BAE Systems plc is a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, that has global interests, particularly in North America through its subsidiary BAE Systems Inc. BAE is among the world's largest military contractors; in 2009 it was the...
. Similar in size and appearance to a tank, it is armed with a turret-mounted 30mm gun and a coaxial machine gun. Although the armored vehicle can be controlled from a command center, the Black Knight does feature some autonomous functions in the turret and can also plan a route without hitting obstacles by itself. If necessary, the Black Knight can also be controlled by a Dismounted Control Device, or DCD. Information from the robot is relayed to and viewed by the Commander's Independent Viewer (CIV), or to the DCD in the latter case. The vehicle is fitted with a Caterpillar diesel engine, developing 300 horsepower. The Black Knight uses many automotive components from the Bradley to reduce costs and simplify maintenance. Its high maximum speed allows it to keep pace with main battle tanks. The Black Knight can be airlifted by the C-130 transport aircraft. It is an early prototype, which demonstrates advanced robotic technologies. Vehicle is currently being tested and evaluated by the US Army.
See also
- Gladiator Tactical Unmanned Ground VehicleGladiator Tactical Unmanned Ground VehicleThe Gladiator Tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicle was a remotely operated unmanned ground vehicle employed by the United States Marine Corps. It is described as the world's first multipurpose combat robot....
- Ripsaw (combat vehicle)Ripsaw (combat vehicle)The Ripsaw is a developmental light tank designed and built by Howe & Howe Technologies for evaluation by the United States Army.. It is able to hit 50 mph in about 4 seconds.-Variants:To date, multiple prototype variants of the Ripsaw exist:...
- Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle
- Wiesel AWC
External links
- Black Knight – BAE Systems
- Defense Update