Loc Performance in Plymouth Township, a provider of military vehicle systems, and Milrem Robotics, a European developer of robotics and autonomous systems, have joined forces to create an offering for the U.S. Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle-Light (RCV-L) Prototype program.
The collaboration between Loc and Milrem created a new modular-based Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), which the team is calling the WarLoc.
Currently, Loc operates four facilities covering more than 1.7 million square feet of floor space, with three facilities in Michigan and one in Ohio. Loc’s portfolio includes the design and manufacturing of complex items that are necessary to produce the RCV-L platform. Specifically, Loc’s core products include mechanical systems, track systems, fabricated structures (armor steel and/or aluminum), armor kits, and hardware vehicle integration for the Army’s ground combat vehicle systems.
The vehicle’s design is based on Milrem Robotics’ Type-X, the first RCV conceived for unmanned operations, instead of a manned vehicle converted for remote operations. It was developed to navigate the battlefield autonomously, with a human-in-the-loop control system and artificial intelligence (AI) as an integral part of the operating algorithm.
“WarLoc benefits from the experience gained from thorough tests of the Type-X that have demonstrated its superior capabilities and the continuous development of the subsystems and components in the Type-X family,” says Guy C. Enderle, director of U.S. operations for Milrem Robotics. “This helps to ensure reduced life cycle costs on the fleet level, high commonality, and optimal performance.”
The WarLoc design incorporated lessons learned from the Type-X platform and its engineering is meant to offer a safe, reliable, and easy-to-learn vehicle that utilizes intuitive and logical controls.
The WarLoc was designed and built with amphibious capabilities for high mobility in any terrain. That includes soft soil, snow, or desert. Various payloads have been integrated with the Modular Base Platform (MBP) to provide a variety of overmatching firepower options and tactical advantages to mechanized units. The payoff is fast penetration of enemy defensive positions with minimal risk to ground troops.
Milrem Robotics has 10 years of experience with robotics and autonomous systems, and its intelligent unmanned systems are operating in 16 countries, including eight members of NATO: the U.S., Estonia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Milrem Robotics is the only RCV developer with vehicles currently operating in combat. WarLoc’s sister vehicles are supporting Ukraine today.
“After 50 years of providing successful vehicle upgrade solutions as a military supplier, Loc is ready and excited to enter the vehicle market,” says Jason Atkinson, president and CEO of Loc. “Witnessing the challenges the military has faced introducing new technology for the War Fighter, the Loc team is positioned to ensure the military receives a best-cost solution that meets the needs of our brave men and women of the armed forces.”
