TAROS V2: An in-depth look

The Tactical Robotic System (TAROS) V2 is a 6×6 wheeled, all-terrain, modular and automated UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) unveiled in December 2014.

This UGV was developed by VOP CZ in collaboration with its subsidiary Centre for Advanced Field Robotics (CAFR), and Tactical Department of the Faculty of Military Leadership of the University of Defence in Brno.

The TAROS V2 provides combat and logistic support in high-risk areas and complex environments, performing key tasks as ISR, carry equipment and material to soldiers on patrol, or collect injured soldiers.

It was developed under the 21st century Soldier Programme for the ACR (Army of the Czech Republic).

The design

The TAROS V2 is identical to the Lockheed Martin Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) in appearance and functionality.

The vehicle is also available in a 4×4 configuration, which can be upgraded to 6×6 and 8×8 remote-controlled configurations.

The enlarged configurations can be fitted with a range of accessories, including weapon, robotic or sensor systems.

The vehicle’s design offers low operating and logistics costs. In all configurations, the vehicle is powered by accumulators of the 4×4 module.

The module can be recharged by a charger powered by a combustion engine housed in the 2x2E module. The 4×4 module also houses command-and-control electronics and a modular sensor suite. An additional 2x2R module with a remote-controlled knuckle boom crane can expand the operating capabilities of the vehicle for remote-controlled operations in the high-risk environments. Each wheel of the UGV is equipped with 10kW electro-motor drive-train transmission and suspension systems, as well as an electro-mechanical actuator for steering. The damaged wheels or electro motor of the vehicle can be easily be replaced by the soldiers using onboard tool kit. The vehicle measures 2.74m long, 1.77m wide and 2.04m high when the column is down and 2.54m when extended. The gross weight in the standard 6×6 configuration is approximately 1.400kg.

The weapon system

The TAROS V2 is armed with a remote controlled gun carriage developed by the Defence University in Brno.

The gun carriage can accommodate personal weapons such as a CZ 805 BREN automatic assault rifle.

The vehicle features a robotic weapon system to support fighting activities of the mechanised, reconnaissance and Special Forces operating in tough and complex conditions.

The robotic weapon system mounted on the vehicle has a length of 4.4m, width of 2.5m and height of 2.8m without weapons. The robotic weapon system weighs 13kg and is powered by 36V electric system.

The engine

The TAROS V2 is powered by an electric/hybrid propulsion system. Each wheel is driven by an electric motor, which develops a power of 4.8kW. The UGV can be used as a standard load-bearing platform, a forward operational platform to launch and recover micro-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), a mobile communications command post and a land mine / IED detection system.

Driving modes

Autonomous driving on GPS coordinates

Autonomous waypoint navigation

Autonomous driving using a visual navigation system

Technical data

Length: 2.740 mm

Width: 1.770 mm

Tread: 1.410 mm

Wheelbase: 800 + 800 mm

Number of axles: 3

Drive: electric/hybrid 6x6,(all axles steerable)

Power: 6 x 4.8 kW

Source system: electrical – storage battery

Driving modes: Tatra,Circular,Crab,Center

Maximum speed: 29 km/h

Key features

Autonomous

Modular

Manoeuvrable