XM1219 ARV-A-L (Armed-Robotic-Vehicle-Assault-Light)
XM1217 Transport
Description:The Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment Vehicle is a 2.5-ton Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) that provides support to dismounted and air assault operations. The MULE can be sling-loadable under military rotor-craft and features a common chassis. As the program's centerpiece, the Common Mobility Platform (CMP) chassis provides mobility built around advanced propulsion and articulated suspension system. This system gives the MULE the ability to negotiate complex terrain, obstacles, and gaps that a dismounted squad would encounter.
The MULE's unique, highly advanced 6x6 independent articulated suspension, coupled with in-hub motors powering each wheel, provided extreme mobility in complex terrain, far exceeding that of vehicles utilizing more conventional suspension systems. It can climb at least a 1-meter step traverse side slopes greater than 40 percent, ford water to depths over 0.5 meters and overpass obstacles as high as 0.5 meters, while compensating for varying payload weights and center of gravity locations.
Variants:
XM1218 Countermine
The Countermine MULE Vehicle (MULE-CM) (XM1218) would provide the capability to detect, mark, and neutralize anti-tank mines. The vehicle would be equipped with an integrated mine detection mission equipment package from the Ground Standoff Mine Detection System (GSTAMIDS). The XM1218 was canceled in December 2009.
XM1219 ARV-A-L (Armed-Robotic-Vehicle-Assault-Light)
The ARV-A-L MULE Vehicle (ARV-A-L) (XM1219) would have featured an integrated weapons and reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) package to support the dismounted infantry’s efforts to locate and destroy enemy platforms and positions. The ARV-A-L would have supported both anti-tank and anti-personnel weapons platforms that will be remotely operated by network linked Soldiers.
XM1217 Transport
The XM1217 was canceled in December 2009 along with the XM1218. It would have been able to haul 1,900 to 2,400 pounds of equipment.
Mobility:
· Transportable inside a C-130 Hercules and CH-47 Chinook.
· Transportable, slung under a UH-60 Black Hawk.
· Climb more than a 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) step.
· Cross a 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) gap.
· Traverse side slopes of 40 percent.
· Ford water obstacles over 0.5 meters (1 ft 8 in).
· Cross obstacles as high as 0.5 meters (1 ft 8 in).